Townsville

There are plenty of attractions in Townsville, but some must-sees include The Strand, a picturesque beachfront promenade with restaurants, cafes, and playgrounds; Magnetic Island, a nearby island with stunning beaches and wildlife; and the Billabong Sanctuary, a wildlife park where you can see crocodiles, koalas, and other Australian animals up close.

Townsville is a great destination for outdoor activities. You can go hiking in Castle Hill, which offers stunning views of the city and the ocean; snorkeling or diving in the Great Barrier Reef, which is just a short boat ride away; or exploring Paluma Range National Park, which has plenty of hiking trails and waterfalls.

Townsville has a great food scene, with plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from. Some popular options include Cactus Jack's, which serves Tex-Mex cuisine; Jam Corner, a trendy restaurant with a modern Australian menu; and A Touch of Salt, which offers fine dining with a focus on local ingredients.

The best way to get around Townsville is by car or public transportation. There is a local bus system that serves the city and surrounding areas, and taxis are also available. If you plan on exploring the surrounding areas, renting a car is recommended.

There are plenty of accommodations in Townsville to choose from. Some popular options include the Ville Resort-Casino, which offers luxurious accommodations and a casino; the Aquarius on the Beach, a beachfront hotel with stunning views of the ocean; and the Rambutan Townsville YHA, a budget-friendly hostel with a pool and rooftop bar.

The best time to visit Townsville is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. This is when the weather is the most pleasant for outdoor activities and the water is the clearest for snorkeling and diving in the Great Barrier Reef.

Townsville has several great beaches to choose from. The Strand is a popular beachfront promenade with plenty of activities and amenities; Magnetic Island has several stunning beaches, including Horseshoe Bay and Alma Bay; and Pallarenda Beach is a great spot for swimming, fishing, and picnicking.

Townsville has several shopping centers and markets to choose from. Some popular options include the Willows Shopping Centre, which has over 150 stores and restaurants; the Sunday Markets on Flinders Street, which offer a variety of handmade crafts and local produce; and the Strand Night Markets, which are held every Friday night and offer food, drinks, and live music.

Townsville is surrounded by many great day trip destinations. Some popular options include Magnetic Island, which is just a short ferry ride away and offers stunning beaches and wildlife; Paluma Range National Park, which has plenty of hiking trails and waterfalls; and Charters Towers, a historic gold-mining town with plenty of heritage buildings and attractions.

Townsville is a great destination for families. Some family-friendly activities include visiting the Billabong Sanctuary, where you can see crocodiles, koalas, and other Australian animals up close; exploring the Museum of Tropical Queensland, which has interactive exhibits and displays about the region's history and culture; and visiting the Anderson Botanic Gardens, which has a variety of plants and wildlife to discover.