Find, compare and book the best holiday packages in Townsville

What are the best things to do in Townsville?

Castle Hill

Castle Hill is one of Townsville’s most recognisable landmarks. The large pink granite hill sits right in the centre of the city and can be spotted from just about anywhere you go in the CBD and inner suburbs. Travellers holidaying on Townsville packages can hike to the top of Castle Hill for a panoramic view of the city, the ocean, and Magnetic Island in the distance. The trek to the top takes about 25 minutes and gets steep in sections, so be sure to wear comfy shoes.

Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island is a small island that feels like a true tropical paradise. It’s easily accessible from central Townsville – just 20 minutes on the ferry – and is a popular day trip among travellers who book Townsville holiday packages. Hire a pink topless “Barbie” car to cruise around Magnetic Island in style. Head to spots like Nelly Bay for snorkelling, the Forts Walk for WWII history and koala sightings, and Radical Bay for a beautiful beach with a remote feel.

Museum of Tropical Queensland

The Museum of Tropical Queensland is the place to go if you’re interested in learning more about the local area’s history and culture. Exhibits showcase many different aspects of the region, including the Great Barrier Reef, military history, Aboriginal culture, and the rainforests of Tropical Queensland. Visitors holidaying on Townsville packages can explore a permanent collection of artefacts as well as rotating temporary exhibits that showcase unique parts of Tropical Queensland’s history and culture.

What is the cost of visiting Townsville?

Book with Webjet to find some of the best prices on flights, hotels, and rental cars. The average rate for hotels and accommodation in Townsville is about $150 NZD per night. However, you can bundle your hotel room and flights with Webjet’s Townsville packages to save up to several hundred dollars on your holiday. Rental cars are available to book with Webjet and pick up from Townsville Airport, starting at about $150 NZD per day.

Having access to a car is helpful while visiting North Queensland on Townsville holiday packages, but public transport is also an option. The public bus fares are calculated based on a zone system. Journeys within the city cost $1.90 AUD ($2 NZD) for a single ride or $3.80 AUD for an all-day pass. Fares go up to a maximum of $5 AUD ($5.35 NZD) single and $10 AUD ($10.70 NZD) if travelling to the furthest zone.

There are several fun day trips you can consider after booking Townsville accommodation and flight packages. A ferry to Magnetic Island costs $32 AUD ($34.20 NZD) return, and a day tour to the Great Barrier Reef generally falls between $210 and $260 AUD ($224.30 and $277.70 NZD). Back in the city, the Museum of Tropical Queensland is a popular attraction to visit. Entrance costs $15 AUD ($16 NZD).

When is the best time to visit Townsville?

Townsville’s location in the tropics means there are two main seasons to plan around when you book Townsville accommodation and flight packages. Dry season lasts from May to October and the wet season goes from November to April.

Dry season is generally considered the best time to travel on Townsville holiday packages. The weather is comfortable with low levels of humidity, little to no rain, and daytime temperatures of about 24° to 26°C. The water on the Great Barrier Reef is at its clearest, so this is an excellent time to plan snorkelling or diving excursions. You may also get the chance to go whale-watching if you book Townsville packages over dry season. July and August are when you’ll have the best chance of seeing whales offshore. The nice weather over dry season leads to it being the busiest time to travel on Townsville holiday packages, so be prepared for some crowds.

The wet season gets hot and humid, but Townsville benefits from less rainfall compared to many other tropical destinations – about three to seven rainy days per month. Temperatures hit highs of about 31°C and cool to about 23° to 25°C in the evenings. The wet season also overlaps with the stinger season. You can still go snorkelling or diving – just wear a stinger suit to keep safe. The wet season sees fewer tourists than the dry season and it’s a great time to score deals on hotels and accommodation in Townsville.

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