Tourism information for Townsville

Townsville is the capital of North Queensland. This is one of Australia’s fastest growing regional cities and plays an important role in the economic growth of the region. It has modern port facilities that service the ever growing agricultural and mining industries that provide the growth for which this region is so well known. Townsville is a modern vibrant city and more and more it is becoming a tourist destination as well as a center for business and education. It is Australia’s forward post for its armed services with strong representation from the army and air force. The city has a busy airport and all domestic airlines fly in here several times per day from all southern centers. James Cook University is fast becoming one of the nations leading educational facilities with faculties in medicine, engineering, law and the arts all provided for. The medical school takes a special interest in providing graduates to service Australia’s rural areas.

From a tourist viewpoint, the Townsville council has recently spent many million of dollars redeveloping the Strand area along the ocean front and this is now a showpiece for every other coastal city in the country. Huge recreation areas, swimming pools and water parks are complimented by excellent restaurants, accommodation and cafes. The area is always busy and the locals love it as do the visitors. The boating public is well catered for with two large marina areas in the city area and tours are available to the Great Barrier Reef. Jupiters Casino is also a major draw card. Just offshore from Townsville is Magnetic Island. This is a magnificent coastal island with beautiful scenery, including pretty coves and secluded beaches. The ridges are dominated by rocky outcrops and the forests are home to Australia’s largest koala colony. This is a great place to hire a mini moke for the day and explore the island with the top down. Magnetic Island is serviced by a vehicular and passenger barge which operates many return services per day. Alitle further north and accessible by seaplane is Orpheus Island.

Townsville is the center for commerce in North Queensland. There are many shopping centers and the CBD contains a myriad offices and work places. The building industry always seems to be buzzing and new suburbs and housing estates are popping up every where. Townsville is also a most parochial participant in a number of sports. Most notably it is home to the North Queensland Cowboys rugby league team and their home at Dairy Farmers Stadium will be packed to the rafters every time there is a home game on. The Townsville Crocs are also part of the national basketball league and always give a great account of themselves. All in all, Townsville is a fantastic place to live or to visit so make sure it is on your travel itinerary.