From Townsville Airport, jump in a Hertz rental and head towards the heart of Townsville, where you’ll find an abundance of cafes and restaurants, as well as a variety of outdoor activities. This coastal city is settled in between Cairns and the Whitsunday Islands, perfect for stopping through on your way up (or down) the coast by car. Townsville Airport is about a 3-hour drive north of the Whitsundays and about a 4-hour drive south of Cairns. Likewise, Townsville Airport is only a 3-hour direct flight from Melbourne and a 2.5-hour flight from Sydney, making it easy to explore for a weekend.
If you’re spending a couple of days in Townsville, why not check out some of the local sights - from the beautiful Botanic Gardens to local arts and craft markets. There is so much to see, all within a 3km radius of the city centre.
Just outside of the city centre, be sure to climb Castle Hill for views of the town, the Coral Sea, and islands dotting the coastline. The hill is a heritage-listed pink granite monolith, which offers vehicle access as well as walking tracks for further exploration.
After climbing the large historic rock structure that is Castle Hill, head down to The Strand for a bite to eat and take a stroll across the shoreline. With sun-filled beaches and recreational areas, stop by a local café or restaurant for a morning coffee while relaxing and soaking up some Vitamin D. Be on the lookout for monthly cultural events that are normally held on the foreshores.
Just a short walk from The Strand perches Queens Gardens, one of the four unique botanic gardens in Townsville. Along with Anderson Gardens, Palmetum, and Dan Gleeson Memorial Gardens, Queens Gardens is a pleasant and peaceful spot to get away from the hustle and bustle. It’s home to a wide array of plant species and free-roaming wildlife.
Townsville’s first creative laneway is in full swing. Inspired by New York’s vibrant, winding alleyways, City Lane is a sophisticated nook in the heart of the city offering an eclectic compendium of bars and eateries to tantalise your taste buds well into the evening. This hub will be buzzing day and night with funky boutique venues such as Shaw & Co., The TapHouse and Born Wild. Plus, it’s only a short drive from the airport.
Welcome to the largest arts and crafts market in North Queensland. Get your creative juices flowing at the Cotters Market each Sunday morning on Flinders Street from 8:30am to 1pm. The Strand Night Markets take place on the first Friday of the month from May to December at The Strand Park. These local markets give you a sneak peek into the culture of Queensland with jewellery, fashion, art, food, and home/leisure displays. Browse away!
For an outing the entire family can enjoy, take a trip down to The Riverway Lagoons near the Townsville city centre. The man-made pools boast beach access, entry to the Pinnacles Gallery, and access to playgrounds and BBQ facilities. The pools are a great way to escape the heat, but still enjoy the weather (and maybe a few burgers) with friends and family.
Don’t forget the iconic Magnetic Island (or Maggie Island as the locals call it), located a short distance from Townsville’s city centre. From the airport, you can rent a car and take a 25-minute ferry to Magnetic Island - you won’t be disappointed with the selection of beaches and bays, raw natural settings, and the very ‘Swiss Family Robinson’ atmosphere.
Take your rental car with you on the ferry for ease of traversing the island. To weather some of the rugged off-road beach destinations, make sure your rental car is a 4-wheel drive.
With a car, there are plenty of destinations just a short drive away from the airport. Townsville Airport’s location gives any traveller the luxury of choice: transport yourself to the rainforest, the heat of the outback, or to a remote beach setting. Try exploring Paluma Range National Park, Billabong Sanctuary, Bowling Green Bay National Park, Bushland Beach, Alva Beach or Balgal Beach to enjoy the splendours of nature.
From Townsville Airport, rent a car and explore all that Queensland has to offer.
