Townsville

About Townsville – North Queensland’s Unofficial Capital

Townsville is wrapped around the shores of Cleveland Bay.  The Bay is mostly shallow inshore and has several large beaches.

Nearby Magnetic Island is a popular tourist destination just 8 km offshore, north of the city centre.

The Ross River flows through the city.  It is a deep, stable and clean waterway ideal for recreational activities.

Thirty kilometres from the mouth of the River is the Ross River Dam.  This is the major water storage area for urban Townsville.  It is also home of the award winning Ross Dam Cruise, skippered by Pop Sullivan.

Wander around the historic waterfront of Ross Creek, site of the original wharves and port facilities, and view some excellent old architecture mixed with Townsville’s modern skyline.

The central city itself is dominated by the mass of red granite called Castle Hill.  At 292 metres high, it is just 8 metres short of the 300 metres required to be considered a mountain!

The summit lookout has panoramic views of the city and surrounds, including the Cleveland Bay and Magnetic Island.

There are a number of parks scattered throughout the city, including Townsville three botanical gardens – Anderson Park, Queens Gardens and The Palmetum.

For more information about North Queensland’s unofficial capital city, follow these links.