Townsville City

A seaside destination in Queensland’s northeast with a whole lot to boast about, Townsville City has been making waves, and all for the right reason. Positioned along the foreshore, where Ross Creek meets the Coral Sea, and within easy reach of two World Heritage areas – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics World Heritage area – Townsville is a thriving port city.

Named in the Top 100 globally listed sustainable destinations in the world by global certification group Green Destinations, Townsville is not only a go-to for holiday-makers. It’s home to those who relish in a laid-back lifestyle with big-city benefits, from world-class health care and educational facilities to major events and must-visit attractions to foodie and shopping facilities. 

When the suns out (which it is, 90 per cent of the time), locals flock to The Strand for its waterfront dining, palm tree lined esplanade, rockpools, swimming beaches, parkland, and water park. In town, the star attraction is Reef Headquarters Aquarium which features marine and coral from the Great Barrier Reef, plus a sea turtle hospital. Next door is the Museum of Tropical Queensland, while further along Flinders Street is the Museum of Underwater Art. Offshore, Magnetic Island is a destination within itself with its reefs and national parks.

Being home to Australia’s largest Army Base, Townsville has a strong population. Although there are no schools within Townsville City itself, there are plenty of options in neighbouring suburbs, including James Cook University, the number one university in the world for Marine and Freshwater Biology. Then there is Townsville’s sporting culture. Home to major sporting events, Townsville has its own national sporting teams from rugby league to basketball.

Surrounded by natural beauty and an easy-going urban lifestyle, it’s no wonder people are flocking to Townsville for a slice of the good life.