Townsville Guide - Townsville Accommodation - Townsville Attractions

Townsville was visited by Captain James Cook on 6 June 1770 as his log recordings indicate:-- Our latitude by observation was 19.1 min S and we had the mouth of a bay all open This bay which I named Cleveland Bay, appeared to be about five or six miles in extend, everyway. The east point I named Cape Cleveland, and the west which had the appearance of an island, Magnetical Isle, as the compass did not traverse well when we were near it.

Dining.

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View to Castle Hill.

Cruise.

Dive.

Sanctuary.

Fishing.

Tours.

The land expedition in 1859 to the area led by George Dalrymple was the catalyst for the birth of Townsville. Looking for opportunities to expand his interests, Sydney merchant Robert Towns procured leases and set about developing a station in the district. His station manager John Black intimated the need for a port facility so Towns financed the project and Cleveland Bay was the chosen site. The Port of Townsville was named after it's benefactor. In 1865, Towns summoned one of his managers from the south to head a team to commence the building of Townsville. Francois Hodel and his team set about this task and John Black's residence and The Criterion Hotel were the first buildings to be completed. The discovery of gold in the area was the next driving force in Townsville's development and the railroad to Charters Towers was completed in 1882.

Townsville is Australias largest tropical city,and possesses in 'Castletown Shopping World', the second largest shopping centre in the country. Many of the city's oldest buildings still exist in the waterfront area of Cleveland Bay. It has the distinction of being the headquarters for The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. The Reef H.Q. has an aquarium with a walk-through viewing tunnel. A ferry terminal provides visitors with transport to the reef and also day trips to Magnetic Island. Visitors who wish to take their vehicles over to the island can pick up the Capricorn Barge Company vessel at Ross Creek. . On the Bruce Highway is the Billabong Sanctuary with a Croc Show and feeding the koalas. If you are feeling really adventurous you can take a brisk walk up to the top of CastleHill for a better view of your surrounds.The Strand is a very popular area in town with tropical parks,rockpool,waterpark and B.B.Q.areas. Underwater photo of turtle. Underwater photo of tropical fish.

The Strand photo. Overlooking the Strand with Magnetic in Background.
It has been the centre for regular events for many years and plays a major part in the community spirit of the city. If you like to wander around markets, try the Flinders Mall, the markets are open every sunday. Another interesting place to visit is The Maritime Museum in Palmer St. South Townsville.

Nightlife.

Island Sites

Peppers Magnetic Island Pool scene. Peppers Resort Magnetic Island. Horse and rider on the beach.
view on Magnetic Island.

Only 15 mins by ferry from Townsville is Magnetic Island. With 23 beaches on the island the visitors are spoilt for choice. Nelly Bay is the main residential area on the island and also home of the Harbour Ferry Terminal.On the south side of the island is Picnic Bay with its ever popular Shopping Mall. The beach here has a swimming enclosure that allows for swimming all year round. A bus service from here takes you to Horseshoe Bay where there are numerous watersports to partake in. Home to a large population of koalas, the island is teeming with wildlife, non more significant than the Stone Curlew with its piercing scream, that wakes unwary visitors in the middle of the night.

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