In recent years, millions of dollars have been spent in an effort to attract more visitors to stay in Townsville rather than heading on to Cairns. A hotel-casino and marina have been built on the oceanfront; other parts of the city are being redeveloped while retaining many of its 19th-century buildings. The showpiece is the Great Barrier Reef Wonderland, which offers an impressive
aquarium, an Omnimax Theater, shops and the Queensland Museum. From here ferries depart for Magnetic Island, a popular destination just eight miles offshore with fine beaches, lots of bird life, bush-walking tracks and a koala sanctuary.
Although the city sprawls a long way, the center is fairly compact and can be explored on foot easily. Just a short distance out of town are several museums worth visiting as well as parks, gardens and wildlife sanctuaries. The lookout point atop Castle Hill, which dominates the city, offers fine views over the town and the coast.
Trips to various offshore islands via launch and by air, outer reef cruises and fishing boat trips are available from Townsville.
Cruises
Miami Florida to San Francisco California on Seven Seas Mariner
From $88,499.00 (USD)
Destination: World
Ship: Seven Seas MarinerAsia & Oceania Odyssey - Tokyo Japan to Honolulu Oahu
From $26,199.00 (USD)
Destination: Transoceanic
Ship: RegattaAwe Of Australia - Sydney Australia to Bali (Benoa) Indonesia
From $5,299.00 (USD)
Destination: South Pacific/Australia/New Zealand
Ship: RegattaAustralasian Seafarer - Singapore Singapore to Sydney Australia
From $11,499.00 (USD)
Destination: Transoceanic
Ship: RegattaSouthern Oceans Splendor - Papeete (Tahiti) French Polynesia to Cape Town South Africa
From $26,899.00 (USD)
Destination: Transoceanic
Ship: NauticaMiami Florida to Miami Florida on Seven Seas Mariner
From $90,499.00 (USD)
Destination: World
Ship: Seven Seas MarinerSingapore Singapore to Sydney Australia on Seven Seas Voyager
From $20,299.00 (USD)
Destination: South Pacific/Australia/New Zealand
Ship: Seven Seas VoyagerOutback Overture - Sydney Australia to Singapore Singapore
From $6,599.00 (USD)
Destination: Asia/Far East
Ship: NauticaUltimate Exotic Traveler - Papeete (Tahiti) French Polynesia to Cape Town South Africa
From $29,999.00 (USD)
Destination: Transoceanic
Ship: NauticaOceania To Indonesia - Auckland New Zealand to Singapore Singapore
From $7,199.00 (USD)
Destination: Asia/Far East
Ship: Nautica89-Day World Cruise: Gems Of The Pacific Rim
Destination: South Pacific/Australia/New Zealand
Ship: Seabourn SojournRadiant Pacific Reefs - Papeete (Tahiti) French Polynesia to Singapore Singapore
From $12,799.00 (USD)
Destination: Transoceanic
Ship: NauticaSydney Australia to Tokyo Japan on Seven Seas Explorer
From $49,499.00 (USD)
Destination: Asia/Far East
Ship: Seven Seas ExplorerMiami Florida to Miami Florida on Seven Seas Mariner
From $98,999.00 (USD)
Destination: World
Ship: Seven Seas MarinerGrand Pacific Hemispheres - Los Angeles California to Auckland New Zealand
From $15,599.00 (USD)
Destination: Transoceanic
Ship: RegattaTokyo Japan to Sydney Australia on Seven Seas Explorer
From $47,499.00 (USD)
Destination: World
Ship: Seven Seas ExplorerWestern Pacific Pathways - Tokyo Japan to Auckland New Zealand
From $11,199.00 (USD)
Destination: Transoceanic
Ship: RegattaOutback & Island Pearls - Bali (Benoa) Indonesia to Papeete (Tahiti) French Polynesia
From $9,499.00 (USD)
Destination: South Pacific/Australia/New Zealand
Ship: Regatta33-Day World Cruise: Queensland Coast & Tropical Treasures
Destination: South Pacific/Australia/New Zealand
Ship: Seabourn Sojourn