Our family recently stayed in Townsville, North Queensland, for three months. We found many worthwhile places to visit outdoors and plenty of indoor activities for the kids on hot or rainy days. If you only have a short time in Townsville, we’d recommend the following three must-dos for families:
- Swim at the Rockpool and walk along The Strand for ice cream at Juliette’s
- Walk or drive up Castle Hill for stunning views of the city and surrounds
- Take a day trip to Magnetic Island to swim and explore
Read on for the full details on things to do and places to go in and around the city, based on our time there.
(This post includes affiliate links for which we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you should you make a purchase. See our full disclosure and Privacy Policy for more information)
Page Contents
Natural Swimming Holes, Pools, and Water Play
The Strand Water Park
The Strand Water Park is an awesome place to take the kids to cool off in Townsville. This water playground has slides, a big soaking bucket, and several other water features. And it’s free!
Shaded picnic benches and a coffee shop next door mean mum and dad are also sorted. Plus, if your kids have wheels or you want a waterfront stroll, you’ve got The Strand’s 2.5km paved pathway to enjoy.
The Rockpool
The Rockpool is a huge stinger-free seawater pool on The Strand. It’s at the North end (the opposite end to the water park) and is another fantastic, free place for families to hang out and cool off in Townsville.
The pool is surrounded by grassy areas with BBQs, and there’s also a small playground and flying fox. Our kids loved the little jumping platform, and there’s also a restaurant on-site. The views of Magnetic Island are fabulous (except when a storm is brewing!)
Alternatively, there’s a stinger net next to the Rockpool, if you prefer swimming in the open sea.
Riverway Lagoons
Wow, I am impressed with all the incredible free swimming facilities Townsville offers! Very useful when it’s hot every day, and the natural waterways aren’t ideal for swimming.
Riverway Lagoons is one of the best places in Townsville to take the kids swimming. It has two massive swimming pools and a toddler’s pool, nestled on the banks of the Ross River.
Although it can get busy on the weekends, the pools are so huge that there is still plenty of space to swim. And if you go during the week, you might get the place to yourself!
There are lifeguards on duty, showers, changing rooms, a playground, and walkways. While you’re there, check out the huge population of turtles in the river!
Big4 Ingenia
If you’re looking for family-friendly accommodation in Townsville, the Big4 Ingenia is an excellent choice, offering camping, cabins, and villas. It’s located about 20 minutes drive from Townsville, close to the northern beaches.
Or, you can visit on a day pass and enjoy all the incredible facilities. It has a large pool with small slides, a jumping pillow, a mini golf course, a splash park, and a playground. We spent the whole day there with a group of homeschooling families!
Other Swimming and Water Fun Options
Kirwan High Aquatic Centre is another pool worth considering. It’s open to the public, only costs a few dollars, and features a kids’ pool and a lane swimming pool.
The Northern Beaches Leisure Centre is the place to go if you’re after waterslides in Townsville. They are bigger than the slides you’ll find at The Strand Waterpark, although not as big as the waterslides you’ll find on the Gold Coast, or even at Sugarworld in Cairns.
Check out Townsville Barra Fun Park for watersports and inflatables.
Indoor Activities
Queensland Tropics Museum
If you’re looking for things to do in Townsville with kids, don’t miss the Queensland Tropics Museum. It’s a big, modern building with three main permanent exhibitions, which are free to visit! If you’re looking for more, ask at the front desk about any other exhibitions, which may include a fee.
Our kids spent the majority of their time in the science room, and we’d go back just for that! It features several hands-on experiments, such as playing music with a flip-flop (jandal/thong) and pipes, building an archway out of soft blocks, fitting different-sized blocks into a box, reaction time, reading Braille, and more. It’s a fantastic place for learning and problem-solving in a fun way.
[Note that the science room will soon be replaced with a new exhibit].
The Wet Tropics section was also fascinating, with plenty of information about the region’s wildlife. It’s pretty interactive with things to watch, buttons to push, and even a slide for the kids!
The third section (or first, as it’s downstairs) is the exhibition about the HMS Pandora, one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most significant shipwrecks. It also has an interactive section for the kids.
Overall, The Queensland Museum – Tropics is well designed for kids and adults. It’s an ideal place to escape the heat and have a fun time learning about the region. We highly recommend a visit!
Hey Caddy Mini Golf
Hey Caddy is one of the coolest mini-golf courses we’ve tried. It has an International theme, so you can putt your way around places like Melbourne, New York, the pyramids, Area 51, and more. The golf course is indoors and air-conditioned, so it’s another great place to beat the heat in Townsville (Idalia).
X Golf, an indoor golf space with six simulators, is also on-site. It’s perfect for any golf enthusiasts in your family to practice their skills.
Live Sweet-Making Demos at Confection Obsession
We had such a great time visiting Confection Obsession! It’s way more than a sweet shop, with board games, books, lolly samples, a kid’s play area, regular workshops and activities, and a lovely community feel.
One of the coolest things about this place is watching the staff hand-make lollies through a big glass window. You can see the entire process, which takes about 45 minutes. These demonstrations are usually held throughout the day on Saturdays, but you can book to watch at any other time.
If you don’t mind a bit of sugar, there’s a huge range of flavors of their handmade sweets available for purchase. They also sell ice cream, coffee, and food, and they’re open until very late at night.
We went there for an Easter painting session for the kids. They offer a variety of workshops, so make sure you check them out if you’re looking for interesting places to take the kids in Townsville.
Ninja Parc Townsville
If you’re looking for things to do in Townsville with kids, they’ll love spending a couple of hours at Ninja Parc! The space is perfect for running, jumping, climbing, and parkour with various obstacles and challenges for all levels.
Ninja Parc also has a dedicated area for kids aged seven and under. Bring shoes and socks for the main space or grip socks for the under-sevens area.
Warrina Ice Rink
It’s such a novelty to ice skate in a tropical climate like Townsville! Warrina Ice Skating Rink offers two-hour open sessions, mostly during school holidays and on the weekends (we got a private booking during the week for a bunch of homeschoolers).
We’ve been to a few ice rinks in hot places (like Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru in Malaysia), but I think this was the coldest one!! So… rug up warm if you can, especially if you’re watching! There’s a good seating area for spectators, and also a warmer room at the entrance where you can watch everyone skating on the screen.
Check out the ice rink if you’re looking for fun activities with kids in Townsville.
Other Indoor Activities in Townsville
Townsville has no shortage of indoor activities for families. Other options include:
- Townsville Tenpin & Fun Centre
- Urban Climb, Townsville’s indoor climbing/bouldering gym
- Kingpin Townsville – bowling, arcades, laser tag, studio karaoke, and pool
- Visit the Maritime Museum of Townsville
Local Vibes
Townsville Street Art Walking Trail
Townsville’s Street Art Walking Trail is the perfect way to explore the city. We often check out the street art in various cities and find it can be a bit busy with lots of other people doing the same. However, I think we were the only ones looking at Townsville’s city center art pieces, yet it’s full of fantastic artwork!
There were 27 artworks for us to discover on the trail, plus other independently commissioned pieces nearby. You can find out about the TCC Street Art Trail on the Queensland Government Website (we picked up a flyer about it from Absolute Cravings at The Palmetum).
The girls and I spent a little under two hours at a leisurely pace on the trail. Check it out if you’re looking for places to go in Townsville with kids.
The Strand Night Market
The Strand Night Markets in Townsville are held on the first Friday of every month, from 5-9:30 pm. It’s a fun evening out for the family, with tons of food stalls, local crafts, and other products.
I enjoyed having a night off cooking, although I found the market a bit too busy (I know many people don’t mind crowds though!)
The best part for me was watching the fantastic sunset while the kids enjoyed the playground and outdoor gym.
Riverway Movie Nights
For a fun family night out in Townsville, don’t miss the free outdoor movie screening at the Riverway Oval, on the third Friday of every month.
Pack a picnic or buy something from the food trucks, bring a blanket or chairs, and enjoy watching the sunset before the movie begins. The kids will also love playing on the grass before and after the movie.
Beaches and Parks
Freemason’s Park Pallarenda
Freemason’s Park, Pallarenda, is a lovely spot to hang out at the beach, about a 10-minute drive from central Townsville. It’s shady and breezy, with awesome trees our kids loved climbing. There’s also a playground, stinger net, and a long paved coastal pathway south of the beach.
Queens Gardens
Queens Gardens is one of the best places for a family picnic in central Townsville. This park has all sorts of fascinating trees, making it an ideal place for kids to climb, play, and explore. It also features an aviary with many tropical birds.
Check it out for nature vibes in the city. Queens Gardens is close to The Strand if you want a swim or playground after.
The Train Park
Visit the train park if you have young kids. It’s open on the last Sunday of the month and is best for ages six and under. However, anyone can ride the train (you must wear closed-in shoes).
Best Playgrounds in Townsville
We haven’t been to all the playgrounds in Townsville, but here are some that we’ve tried and recommend, with a few notes:
- Junction Park North Shore – has a cafe that is open in the mornings. Note the toilet is only open during cafe opening hours
- High Vista Park – a shady, breezy option for the summer months
- Joe Kirwan Park – also has an outdoor gym
- Dan Gleeson Memorial Gardens – fenced playground with a Castle theme
- Riverway All Abilities Playground – fenced playground with a nature feel, next to the river
- Corcoran Park – awesome outdoor gym, fenced playground, netball and basketball courts, and a field
- Rossiter Park – enclosed playground with a nice riverfront location
Walks, Hikes, Lookouts
Castle Hill
Townsville is built around Castle Hill, a striking, 286-meter-high monolith (big rock!). It’s a central feature of the city and a must-visit destination in Townsville.
Castle Hill is very popular with locals, especially at sunrise and sunset when it’s a little less hot. Whether you decide to run, hike, or drive up, it’s a fantastic spot for views of the city and Magnetic Island.
There are several trails to choose from. I walked with my fast-paced friend, and it took us about an hour to get up and down, with time to check out the different viewpoints at the top. If you walk up with your kids, allow more time.
Jezzine Barracks and Kissing Point Fort
The Jezzine Barracks and Kissing Point Fort are interesting and picturesque places to explore in Townsville. The fort was completed as part of Colonial Queensland’s defense plan after British troops left, and the military used it continuously from 1885 until 2006.
It’s a lovely area to wander around. There are information signs to read and nice views (on a clear day!) across to Magnetic Island.
Go outside the main heat of the day or choose an overcast day to make the most of the area. You can take a short walkway up to the fort from the Rock Pool on The Strand, or park in the Jezzine carpark.
On the other side of the hill, there’s a nice coastal boardwalk, which then reconnects to the Esplanade. The short Ethno-botanic trail is also worth a look for its nature and artwork.
Overall, the Jezzine Barracks are great for family-friendly exploration and a taste of history. It’s pretty easy to find your way around, and you can head back to your car or down to the Rockpool for a dip when the kids have had enough.
Walk Along the Ross River
Townsville has some lovely river walks suitable for the whole family. The 5.5km paved Ross River Loop is nice for a scenic stroll and ideal for kids on scooters and bikes. It’s flat and will take an hour or more, depending on your walking pace and how much you like to stop.
I recommend starting from the Palmetum car park. Cross the Nathan Street Bridge and walk east along the river until you reach Aplins Weir, a popular fishing spot. Cross the weir and walk back along the other side of the river.
You will pass a fairy garden (worth pausing for!), the turtle bridge (where you can see many turtles in the water), and a small BMX park.
Finish by exploring the Palmetum, which is home to a variety of palm species. It’s a scenic place for a wander and to immerse yourself in a beautiful tropical habitat. A coffee or meal at Absolute Cravings at the Palmetum is the perfect way to finish your outing.
Wetlands Walks
For Wetland strolls and abundant wildlife, head to the Townsville Town Common, possibly the best place for birdwatching in Townsville. We saw wallabies, lizards, many types of birds and insects, and more butterflies than I’ve ever seen in one place in my life!
Drive towards Pallarenda, and you will see the turn-off for the Town Common. You’ll need to drive along a dirt road for several kilometers to reach the Freshwater Lagoon Carpark.
From there, head to the bird hides for wildlife viewing and stroll in either direction along Freshwater Lagoon. There are longer hiking trails and even a hill walk up Mount Marlow.
However, short walks were the best option for us. There was a closed footbridge on one trail, an area closed for construction at another end, and Mount Marlow via the Many Peaks Trail was fully overgrown. Hopefully the area will be cleared sometime, as it’s an incredible environment to explore.
Even with these inaccessible areas, you could certainly spend an hour or so walking along the lagoon or pausing to observe and photograph wildlife.
Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park
We highly recommend the Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park for beautiful, short coastal walks in Townsville.
The park also has longer trails, but when we went at the end of April, the Under the Radar Trail (the main route for longer walks) was completely overgrown. (I saw a post from a local hiking group who were planning to clear it mid-May).
However, the return walk to Shelley Cove and the Graves Circuit loop walk take about 30 minutes each. They are easy, family-friendly walks with a gentle incline and both worth doing for the gorgeous scenery.
Mount Louisa
Mount Louisa is another fab option for family-friendly hiking trails in Townsville. Its peak is only 160 meters above sea level, but still offers awesome views of the city and surrounds.
The main walking track is well maintained, so you don’t need to worry about walking through overgrown vegetation like you might come across at Mount Marlow and Cape Pallarenda. It’s a popular fitness track for the local community.
The most direct route to the summit is about 3.5km return and features around 1700 stone steps! It took me about 45 minutes to walk up and down, but allow longer if you’re walking with kids.
On the way up, there’s an intersection where you can take a slightly longer, gentler route if preferred.
Beyond the City | Swim, Explore, & More
Take a day trip or longer to Magnetic Island
If you’re visiting Townsville, a day trip (or longer!) to Magnetic Island is a must. The Sealink ferry only takes 20 minutes each way, and there are around 17-18 return trips every day. You don’t have to book in advance, but you can if you like. Tickets are valid for 6 months, allowing flexibility for your travel dates.
The island is well connected with public transport, so after arriving at Nelly Bay, you can jump on a bus (aligned with ferry arrivals) and head to whatever Bay you like. There are also hiking trails all over Magnetic Island if you’re after some extra adventure!
After arriving in Nelly Bay, we jumped on the bus and headed straight to Arcadia. You can also walk there, but I knew Miss 7 wouldn’t be up for it, and I already had a couple of short walks in mind so I didn’t push it! From the bus, I could see the walk there looked beautiful. There’s a bit of uphill, and it follows the coast along a paved walkway.
The first place we headed in Arcadia was Wallaby Rock. A short walk along the road took us to a picturesque rocky area where we saw several wallabies jumping around.
Next, we walked along to Alma Bay, where we spent most of the day swimming and exploring around the rocks. It’s a nice sheltered bay with a playground, benches, toilets, showers, and a lifeguarded swimming area. There’s also a shop and cafe across the road if you need food or refreshments.
From Alma Bay, we highly recommend walking up Endeavour Road. After about 5 minutes, you’ll reach Endeavour Falls via a short track on your left. It’s a gorgeous spot for a splash, picnic and play.
Continuing to the end of the road, you’ll reach Arcadia lookout. It’s only a short walk uphill, well worth it for the excellent views.
We all saw our first ever koala in the wild while walking up this road! So if you head this way, make sure you look up in the trees!
Endeavour Road connects to several other walking trails, including the Forts Trail, and the hikes to Horseshoe Bay and Nelly Bay, if you’re up for a bigger adventure.
All in all, a day trip to Magnetic Island is the perfect, easy escape from the city. The pace is relaxed, the vibe is rejuvenating, and we highly recommend visiting!
Magnetic Island Hiking
Magnetic Island is a fantastic place to hike for gorgeous bays, fascinating rock formations, historical snippets, and the chance to see koalas! There are several routes to choose from, and although there’s plenty of up and down, it’s not too steep or technical.
We walked 12 km on a route that would take a fit-ish adult about four hours:
➡️Nelly Bay
➡️Forts Junction
➡️Forts Trail to Horseshoe Bay turn-off
➡️Horseshoe Bay
You could easily shorten that route to make it easier as a family. For example, walk from Arcadia to Horseshoe Bay, or walk the Forts Trail loop from Forts Junction. (The island is well connected with buses that align with ferry times).
The latter is one of the island’s most popular trails for its historical features and good chances of spotting koalas (we saw two in different places on this section!).
Plus, you can cool off with a dip in the sea after a sweaty hike (e.g Alma Bay or Horseshoe Bay). We enjoyed burgers, beer, and gelato at Horseshoe Bay before catching the bus back to Nelly Bay and the ferry back to Townsville.
Bonus tip: jump on the first ferry of the day from Townsville and the return ticket is half price (plus catch the sunrise!)
Full-Day Snorkeling Trips to the Great Barrier Reef
Townsville and Magnetic Island are both excellent options for snorkeling day trips to the Great Barrier Reef. For example, this 10-hour MOUA & Reef Snorkeling Experience departs from either Townsville or Magnetic Island. The tour is suitable for those aged six and older. First, you’ll visit the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) located offshore on the John Brewer Reef. At this fascinating underwater site, you’ll learn about reef conservation and indigenous culture. Choose from a snorkel or scuba diving option (for ages 12 and older), with all equipment, lunch, and snacks included.
Or, this 10-hour Reef Explorer Snorkel Trip (from Townsville or Magnetic Island) is an excellent alternative. It also features a diving option for ages 12 and older, and includes lunch, snacks, and equipment.
Swim at Alligator Creek
The Alligator Creek day use area is a gorgeous natural swimming hole, about 30km southeast of Townsville. The water is cool and clear, with shallow and deep areas. We saw lots of fish and turtles! Check it out if you enjoy nature spots and are looking for things to do with kids near Townsville (just watch out for the potholes on the road in!)
Visit the Achacha Fruit Plantation
North Queensland is home to the world’s first and largest commercial Achacha fruit plantation. I’ve said before that I love discovering new fruits on our travels, and this was one I’d never previously heard of and was excited to learn about.
Achacha trees grow naturally in Bolivia, but they are not grown on a large commercial scale. A North Queensland couple took a chance on the fruit and imported seeds to start their own operation.
They have 15 000 achacha trees and now send the fruit around Australia and to Southeast Asia. I probably saw some of it in the markets there but might have mistaken it for a lychee or similar.
You can phone the Achacha Fruit Plantation and arrange a tour (for up to 12 people). It takes about 60-90 minutes, and they will drive you around the plantation, show a few videos in the packing shed, and explain how the farm works.
If you visit in season or just after, there will also be fruit to try. The fleshy white fruit inside is delicious and reminded me a bit of mangosteen, especially the way you eat it.
The Achacha Fruit Plantation is located on the Bruce Highway, between Townsville and Ayr. Check it out if you’re looking for places to go as a family near Townsville.
Swimming and Rocksliding at Crystal Creek
We have been to several natural swimming holes during our travels, and Crystal Creek has to be one of the best! It’s located in the Paluma Range National Park, about an hour’s drive north of Townsville, and is the perfect place for picnicking, swimming, and rock sliding!
Head to Big Crystal Creek on Google Maps. First, you’ll reach the picnic area with the Paradise Water Hole. The setting is beautiful, and this is a fantastic spot for swimming.
Two kilometers further along the road is the car park for the rock slides. There are several small rock slides you can race down, gorgeous waterfalls, jumping rocks, and idyllic swimming holes. It’s also a great place for rock hopping and exploring along the stream.
We highly recommend a visit to Crystal Creek for a fun and adventurous family day out!
Watch a Drive-In Movie
Finally, if you fancy an old-fashioned drive-in movie experience, try Tors Drive-In at Charters Towers (about 90 minutes drive inland from Townsville) or Stardust Galaxy Drive-In (about 1 hour south of Townsville, in Ayr).
We hope you have an incredible time exploring Townsville and nearby!
DISCLAIMER: This article/page contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, then we may receive a small commission – at no extra cost to you. See our full disclosure and Privacy Policy for more information. Thank you for supporting our site and helping make it the inspiring location-independent, long-term family travel and worldschooling blog it aims to be!