There are so many things to do in Townsville, known for its tropical climate and seaside charm, including food and walking tracks for everyone to enjoy.
Dining Experiences in Townsville
For a casual, waterfront spot to enjoy a drink and take in the views, Odyssey on the Strand is a one-stop shop for Greek and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, complemented by a wide selection of wines. Start your day with a smoothie bowl or a traditional Greek coffee while soaking in breezy views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s known as one of the best places to get a good, strong coffee, just as the Greeks like it.
With its elegant, tropical seaside vibes, high ceilings and views of Castle Hill and Melton Hill to one side, and waterfront views on the other, Bridgewater Restaurant and Botaniq Bar on Ross Creek is one of the most popular places in town.
The menu showcases modern Australian cuisine, highlighting local and seasonal produce. For a tantalising starter, try the spanner crab with chive and Manchego souffle and cream sauce, or a standout dish is the duck breast with confit duck cigar with compressed pear, barberry paste, and beetroot.
If you’re looking for a guilt-free way to satisfy your hunger, The Beet Bar is a modern, bright and airy cafe with super friendly staff ready to help you kick off your day well. Known for its health-conscious menu, this healthfood hotspot offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, including fresh juices, smoothies, salads, and raw vegan desserts.
Inspirational art in Townsville
For an afternoon immersed in artistic and cultural things to do in Townsville, visit the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery –Townsville’s premier art institution.
Located in the city centre at the corner of Flinders and Denham Streets, here you’ll discover a diverse collection of over 2,000 artworks, including many contemporary pieces from Tropical Queensland and Papua New Guinea. In 2025, it has an exclusive exhibition: ‘Wedgwood: Artists and Industry’, showcasing 200 years of Wedgwood design and ceramics straight from the UK’s Victoria & Albert Museum.
To enjoy artwork in the balmy outdoors, visit the Street Art Trail – a vibrant, self-guided walking tour that showcases a variety of local and international murals and three-dimensional sculptures reflecting the region’s rich culture and history.
See the natural wonders of Townsville
Conquering Castle Hill is a rite of passage when visiting Townsville. Towering 286 metres above sea level, it offers one of the best vantage points in Townsville and is a drawcard for runners and walkers.
Back in town on the water’s edge, enjoy a calming stroll along The Strand, which offers panoramic views of Cleveland Bay, the Coral Sea, and Magnetic Island, making it an ideal spot for sunset viewing. If you’re feeling active, the path is lined with cycling and running trails, allowing you to stay in shape while soaking up the incredible natural beauty of Townsville.
Just 20 minutes south of Townsville, the Billabong Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for animal lovers. This small venue offers some of the best interactive wildlife experiences in the world, including the chance to hold a baby saltwater crocodile, feed a turtle, and meet a koala. There are also two walk-through enclosures, and daily keeper shows where you can learn all about Australia’s native animals and watch a crocodile feeding.
Townsville is also a great launching point for visiting many of the surrounding islands. Take a short ferry ride over to Magnetic Island, where you can join a diving tour and swim with turtles. Or, check out the many trails that wind through forests and along the coast for hours of outdoor fun.
If you’re after a luxury experience, take a 30-minute helicopter ride over to Orpheus Island Resort, where you can enjoy your own private island with unbeatable dive sites, chef-hatted dining, and a tranquil day spa, among other things!
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