Townsville

Things to do in Townsville

Search attractions or local attractions & tours
Search

Explore top experiences

Top 10 attractions in Townsville

View all Attractions
Whitsunday Islands

Whitsunday Islands

7.3
4.6/5
66 reviews
Whitsunday Islands consist of 74 tropical islands scattered in the central waters of the Great Barrier Reef, part of Queensland, Australia. Most of the islands are national park protected areas, with only a few having resort facilities, including Hamilton Island, Hayman Island, Daydream Island, and Hook Island. Each island has a unique style, with offerings ranging from family-friendly activities to relaxing vacations. The archipelago's iconic sights include Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach. Heart Reef is a natural coral formation within Hardy Reef that is heart-shaped when viewed from the air. Because it is protected, it is inaccessible for swimming and can only be seen via helicopter or seaplane. Whitehaven Beach is located on Whitsunday Island and is famous for its high-purity silica sand, which is white and fine. Hill Inlet at the northern end of the beach is a tidal inlet. At low tide, the white sand and turquoise water intertwine to create swirling patterns, which can be viewed from the lookout at the end of the trail. Almost every island is surrounded by fringing reefs, allowing for close encounters with coral and schools of tropical fish through near-shore snorkeling; scuba diving usually takes place further out at the outer Great Barrier Reef. Sailing cruises are a popular way to experience the islands, and many boats are equipped with viewing facilities on the deck and at the bottom of the boat, allowing those who do not want to enter the water to view the underwater coral and fish through the transparent bottom. Winter is a dry and comfortable time, and humpback whales also pass through nearby waters during this period.Australia · Whitsundays
Kuranda

Kuranda

5.7
4.4/5
201 reviews
Kuranda is a small town near Cairns, because it is very close to Cairns, it has become a day trip choice. In the 19th century, it used to be a summer resort for the upper class, and now a large number of tourists still come here by train or aerial cable car every day. 1. Overview of attractions: Although the town of Kuranda is small, it is located in the tropical rain forest with extremely beautiful scenery. The towering century-old trees, the cascading waterfalls, the trickling streams, the rare wild animals, and the fragrant and fragrant flowers on both sides of the road all give Kuranda a picture of a paradise-like beauty. . 2. Kuranda Tropical Rainforest Park: About 5 minutes' drive from Kuranda Town, located on the highway. The park offers three ways to play: ride through the rainforest and tropical fruit orchards in an exclusive amphibious amphibious vehicle; watch the Parmajiri Aboriginal dance show, watch how to throw boomerangs and archery, and play the didgeridoo; and See koalas, kangaroos, wombats and the murderous crocodile known as "Devil Jack". 3. There are shuttle buses at the entrance of the Butterfly House Tropical Rainforest Park every day to the Butterfly House not far away. The Butterfly House is located on 8RobVeiversDrive in the center of the town. There are more than 1,500 kinds of butterflies living in it. You can watch it in the internal incubation laboratory. See how the larvae of butterflies grow in response to changes in the environment, and when these larvae grow up, they can be placed in the open space to fly. Please wear bright clothes so that when you enter this room, there will be butterflies big and small around you. 4. Birdworld: BirdworldKuranda is also located on RobVeiversDrive, which is very close. The living environment of more than 80 kinds of birds is simulated here. You can see smart macaws, endangered cassowaries, noisy rainbow parrots, pink cockatoos, white cockatoos and so on. 5. Falls Lookout: The Falls Lookout (BarronFallsLookout) on BarronFalls Road, south of Kuranda, is a viewing point in North Queensland that receives thousands of tourists every day. 6. Kuranda Bazaar: When it comes to shopping, Kuranda has its own Bazaar. Kuranda Heritage Markets on Rob Veives Drive has been around for more than 20 years, from toys to opals, to the didgeridoo, an Aboriginal musical instrument, to jewellery and fashion, wallets, delicious snacks And beer, everything.Australia · Kuranda
Green Island
Selected for Best Things to Do in Green Island

Green Island

5.2
4.5/5
305 reviews
Green Island is located in the Great Barrier Reef area, about a 45-minute flight from Cairns. It is a small coral reef island with a large area of tropical rain forests. 1. Overview of attractions It only takes more than 1 hour to go around Green Island. After arriving at Green Island by boat, you can walk in the rainforest by yourself, and you can also choose to dive or take a glass-bottom boat to watch the colorful coral reefs. Paragliding, helicopter excursions and underwater walks are also popular. Generally, the tourists who come to Green Island are Chinese and Japanese tourists. The stay time is between half a day and a day. The accommodation on the island is slightly expensive and is generally not recommended. There are many seaside walks on the island, located in the northern part of Melanesian Sea World. You can also sign up for half-day or full-day tours offered by GreatAdventure. Generally, it starts from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns. There are three departure times to choose from. For details, please consult the official website. 2. Various activities You can do various activities on Green Island. You can try scuba diving. You don't have to worry about the basics. There will be a professional diving instructor to take you all the way. You can also try snorkeling. Take you to the coral reefs with beautiful underwater scenery, watch the colorful tropical fish shuttle among them, and the exciting underwater walk! Don't be nervous if you're a landlubber, the whole experience lasts about 55 minutes. On Green Island, you can also rent kayaks for excursions. 3. Marineland Melanesia Marineland Melanesia is a tropical aquarium on the island with a collection of fish, turtles, sting rays and heads (crocodiles and humpback whales). There is also a collection of Melanesian handicrafts. At 10:30 and 13:30, you can not only watch the crocodile feeding, but also have the opportunity to hug the newborn crocodile baby and have the opportunity to take a photo with the crocodile baby. For details, please consult the official website.Australia · Green Island
Heart Reef
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Great Barrier Reef

Heart Reef

5
4.6/5
74 reviews
Couples in honey transportation are always eager to let each other feel their strong love at all times, and hope to express their love in a special way to leave a deep imprint on the memory of their lovers, so when you go to the Great Barrier Reef, you must not miss it. The "heart of the ocean" of Di Reef - Heart Reef, this heart-shaped coral reef is formed by the inadvertent work of countless coral polyps with a diameter of only a few millimeters. If it is said that this is the work of God, then it seems to be said that God is also willing to take this place as the habitation of the soul.Australia · Whitsundays
Whitehaven Beach
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Whitsundays

Whitehaven Beach

4.9
4.6/5
112 reviews
Whitehaven Beach is located on Whitsunday Island in Queensland, Australia. It is famous for its crystal clear white sand and turquoise water. Visitors can arrive by boat, seaplane or helicopter from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island. Barbecue and camping facilities are available on the beach, and camping must be booked in advance. The sand at Whitehaven Beach contains 98% pure silica, which is fine and difficult to retain heat, so you can walk barefoot on the beach even in midsummer. Dogs and smoking are prohibited on the beach to maintain its environmental friendliness. It has been rated as the cleanest beach in Queensland. The Beach Swim is a 2-kilometer open water competition that has been held at the beach every November since 2009 and is also part of the Hamilton Island Triathlon. In 2018, the local government invested in improving walking trails and camping areas to enhance the visitor experience. The unique sand quality and beautiful scenery of the beach attract many tourists and locals to swim and sightsee.Australia · Whitsundays
Airlie Beach Lagoon
No. 12 of Family-friendly Attractions in Queensland

Airlie Beach Lagoon

4.4
4.5/5
43 reviews
The Lagoon (Airlie Beach Lagoon) in the center of Airlie Beach is the focal point of the town. At one end of the lagoon is a shallow sandy shore area with a children's pool, creating a safe environment for young families. You can also find a shady and quiet place to read in peace by yourself. Airlie Beach Lagoon is also a swimming pool, next to the sea, palm trees are planted by the lake, and the swimming pool is divided into 2 areas for adults and children. Surrounded by grassy hills, it is ideal for sunbathing.Australia · Airlie Beach
Hill Inlet

Hill Inlet

3.9
4.5/5
12 reviews
The Whitsunday Islands are located in the center of the Great Barrier Reef. The Whitsunday Islands are the larger islands in the Whitsunday Islands. Hill Bay on the island and the famous scenic spot Whitehaven Beach in the south are far away. Participate in a local tour group. If Tongue Point and Hill Bay are included in the itinerary, you can  take a mountain road to reach the viewing platform of Hill Bay, this viewing platform It can be said that it is a good place to enjoy White Paradise Beach from the land. The white sand beach at the mouth of the river is combined with the blue water, like a sand painting, and the scenery is more beautiful when the tide is low.Australia · Whitsundays
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

3.7
4.5/5
52 reviews
The Cairns Public Swimming Pool is located on Espra Avenue, Esplanade, and covers an area of 4 hectares. There is a sandy beach, and there is a free BBQ area around the pool for family and friends to come here for dinner on weekends. Summer resort in Cairns. Located in front of Cairns Beach, overlooking Trinity Beach, sunbathers flock to the city's prestigious seafront for its shallow but spectacular saltwater swimming pool. The 4,800-square-meter artificial seawater pool is patrolled by lifeguards and illuminated at night. Provides a safe swimming area for tourists and locals. Children can play on the beach, and adults can rest here for shade.Australia · Cairns
Cairns Botanic Gardens

Cairns Botanic Gardens

3.4
3.9/5
62 reviews
Founded in 1881, the Cairns Botanical Garden covers a vast area and is full of tropical plants unique to the tropical rainforest climate. There are many kinds of plants in the garden. For example, there are various kinds of ferns. In addition, there are a variety of orchids and tropical fruits, even people who have no special preference for flowers and plants can enjoy it. In addition, the park has a promenade extending to the lake and a barbecue area, so you can spend a leisurely day here.Australia · Edge Hill
Barron Falls

Barron Falls

3.4
3.5/5
46 reviews
Byron Falls is located downstream of Kuranda Town, 3 kilometers away from the city. You can walk from the boardwalk to the viewing platform. The canyon under the waterfall is also spectacular. It is one of the historical relics in the tropical rain forest of North Queensland. A very worthwhile place to visit. 1. Spectacular views The waters of the Byron River come from the edge of the Atherton-Terapolis Heights, and waterfalls flow down steep cliffs through dense rainforest into Barron Gorge. The Byron River passes through the sugar cane fields of the flat coastal plain before it merges into Trinity Bay at the southern end of Makans Beach, at the northern end of Cairns Airport. The mist rising from the Great Falls can be seen from a distance. At first, I thought it was the white fog of the canyon. When we walked to the viewing point with umbrellas in our hands against the water curtain, we were shocked by the sight in front of us and the huge rumbling sound. There is a constant stream of water rushing downstream, roaring and roaring with thunderous momentum, and the agitated water splashes form an N-meter-high water curtain, and then rises upwards to form a white mist. 2. There are various ways to arrive. Take the train to Kuranda. Before arriving in Kuranda, there is a special stop where you can take pictures of Byron Falls. The parking time is about 10 minutes. You can walk up to an observation deck to watch the waterfall up close. After leaving Kuranda by cable car, get off at the Barron Falls stop and walk a short distance to the observation deck, where you can also see the falls. You can also hike along the boardwalk to the observation deck above Byron Falls for a great view of the falls. 3. Take the thrilling scenic railway line and drive through the Kuranda Mountains road to reach Kuranda. The whole trip is about 27 kilometers. Byron Falls can also be viewed via the Rainforest Skytrain Aerial Cableway, a facility at the foot of the Caravonica Mountains, near Smithfield. The ropeway allows visitors in artistic, fully enclosed cable cars to overlook the rainforest canopy from above. Rising upwards from the base of Macalister, the Skytrain offers unique views of Cairns, the northern beaches bush and the Coral Sea. When the Skyline Rainforest Aerial Cableway passes over the Barron River Gorge, it is a wonderful opportunity for tourists to watch and photograph the waterfall.Australia · Kuranda

Experiences you can't miss in Townsville

Featured Day tours in Townsville

View all Day tours
Magnetic Island: Sunset & Shipwreck Cruise
󱌍
5.0/5
· 5 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for today
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAED 271.27AED 285.55
Magnetic Island: West Coast Eco Adventure Bus Tour
󱌍
4.8/5
· 21 reviews
Duration: 3.5 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAED 302.73AED 318.67
Townsville & Magnetic Island: MOUA & Reef Snorkel Experience
󱌍
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAED 955.24AED 1,005.52
Townsville or Magnetic Island: Yongala Wreck Dive Day Trip
󱌍
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAED 1,306.80AED 1,375.58
Aquascene Circumnavigation Magnetic Island Tour
󱌍
Duration: 5 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAED 433.98AED 456.83
Magnetic Island: Behind the Scenes with Tim Bee
󱌍
5.0/5
· 9 reviews
Duration: 5 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAED 278.52AED 293.18
Magnetic Island: Discovery Guided Snorkelling Tour + Optional Return Ferry
󱌍
Duration: 5 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromAED 456.70

Free things to do in Townsville

More ways to travel from Townsville

What travellers say about Townsville

user-avatar
coo***anJune 22, 2022
5.0
[Scenery] Sea Fever Sportfishing Whitsundays has a great sea view, and this Whitsunday Island is even better, with mountain views, one sea and one mountain, which is the most distinctive and popular attraction here [Fun] Don't miss the high-rise view

Whitsunday Islands

user-avatar
旅あんつOctober 31, 2022
4.0
Looking around, the village is full of nature, and the journey from Cairns to the village was amazing!!! 🌿 However, it was very hot at the end of October, so ice cream was a must🤣

Kuranda

user-avatar
Anonymous userFebruary 7, 2024
4.0
Green Island is the closest to the pier. It only takes a little over an hour to get there. It is very good for people who are prone to seasickness. You can also go to the island. The beach is white and the water is clear. The seawater is blue and beautiful. It is very suitable for playing in the sand and swimming. The snorkeling area is very large. The coral reefs and fish on the seabed can be seen in the clear water. It is just too hot and too sunny. It is a pity that the boat arrived at the hottest time and returned in the afternoon. If it is in the evening, it should be cool and comfortable on the beach.

Green Island

user-avatar
zhweieiDecember 23, 2022
5.0
The plane flew low.. The Tiffany blue in front of us was breathtakingly beautiful... the famous Heart Reef We took a helicopter from Hamilton Island, passed Hill Bay and Whitehaven Beach, and flew for about 20 minutes before arriving at the sea area where deep and shallow seabeds alternate. At this time, we have entered the Great Barrier Reef.. When we arrived at the Heart Reef, the pilot would specifically remind us and fly low

Heart Reef

user-avatar
BbybellsMay 31, 2023
5.0
the best beach that I have ever visited - the swirling sands from the lookout is magical.

Whitehaven Beach

user-avatar
M22***63December 11, 2019
4.0
This beach is also one of the more famous tourist attractions in the area. Many people come here to visit. The environment is well protected, the sea water is blue and clear, the locals are very hospitable, and the consumption is not too expensive.

Airlie Beach Lagoon

user-avatar
多多November 16, 2020
4.0
We did a half day (morning) cruise with Expeditions. The boat is nice and clean, the crew is very friendly and efficient. The cruise will sail along Whitehaven Beach, but you don't actually visit the beach yourself. Instead, it visits the little bay, where a small caretaker will drop you off on shore. Next you will be guided up the hill until you reach an observation platform. The view from there is absolutely breathtaking. Overlooking the shallows, the sand and the colors of the sea, blue, turquoise, white,... The hike up and down is a bit strenuous but well worth it. Afterwards you will visit the bay's own beach, where you can swim if you want, but it is definitely the shallows that you should at least wade into. You will see many fish and we also encountered some stingrays.

Hill Inlet

user-avatar
concon3August 31, 2024
5.0
📍Cairns Esplanade Lagoon There are no beaches in Cairns, but there is a free pool called Esplanade Lagoon on the Esplanade Road along the sea! There is a lawn around it, and it is crowded with locals taking naps, sunbathing, reading, etc.✨ There are showers, toilets, and coin lockers for a fee, so you can put your luggage in! It is well-maintained and clean, so you can relax! You can see the ocean while soaking in the pool, and the view was amazing! 📍Address: 52/54 Esplanade, Cairns City QLD 4870

Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

user-avatar
yangduoduo17November 16, 2020
4.0
It has been 15 years since we last visited and we were pleasantly surprised to see how much the gardens have grown in size and diversity. There is a wide variety of plants and trees. The greenhouses have many orchids and pitcher plants, as well as a few butterflies here and there. The Gondwana Forest has a large number of native plants and trees, including a variety of majestic Kauris fir.

Cairns Botanic Gardens

user-avatar
🎀彡🐾June 15, 2020
5.0
The Barron Falls in Kuranda Rainforest is definitely the most spectacular scenery in this forest. The waterfall falls down from the peak step by step, stirring up layers of water. When there is abundant rain, the water volume is also very large and very spectacular, but in the dry season, there is also a waterfall like a white ribbon hanging in the mountains, which is extremely beautiful.

Barron Falls

Popular cities near Townsville

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Townsville?

Don't miss these attractions in Townsville: Whitsunday Islands, Kuranda, and Green Island. If you like Cultural experiences, try Townsville Highlights Audio Tour: Historic Coastal Gems. If you enjoy Day tours, try Magnetic Island: Sunset & Shipwreck Cruise.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Magnetic Island: Sunset & Shipwreck Cruise, Magnetic Island: West Coast Eco Adventure Bus Tour, and Townsville & Magnetic Island: MOUA & Reef Snorkel Experience. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 18, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Townsville is around AED 271.27 – AED 1,306.8. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

Get help anytime, anywhere within 30 secondsContact customer support

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.