Townsville Accommodation & Hotels

If Townsville had to pick one thing to be famous for, it’d probably be the Great Barrier Reef, and when you see it, you’ll know exactly why. And the second one would be our Hotel Accommodation in Townsville (kidding).

No, but that said, the city also has great places like Magnetic Island sitting just offshore, The Strand serving up waterfront and ocean views, and enough North Queensland sunshine to make outdoor plans a pretty safe bet most of the year.

It’s the sort of place where reef adventures, island escapes and laid-back arvos all fit into the same trip without feeling rushed. Not a bad little setup, if you ask us.

Let’s put it this way: Townsville isn’t the sort of place where your jumper gets a lot of use.

With plenty of sunny days during the year and blue-sky afternoons, the weather is one of the reasons people love it here. Even during tropical summer months, there’s usually a good excuse to head outdoors.

A bit of rain rolls through from time to time (North Queensland wouldn’t be North Queensland without it), but sunshine is never usually far behind.

Most visitors have a few classics on their list: a ferry ride over to Magnetic Island, a stroll along The Strand or a day spent exploring the Great Barrier Reef. Don’t get us wrong, they’re must-do activities around here, but once you’ve ticked those off, there’s plenty more to discover.

The street art scattered throughout the CBD adds a pop of colour, while Queens Gardens offers a leafy spot to slow things down a bit.

If you’re keen for a mix of history and coastal views, Jezzine Barracks is well worth a look. Set above the shoreline, it’s packed with walking trails, public art and stories that help bring Townsville’s past to life.

Castle Hill is another cool spot, serving up sweeping views across the city and the sea, while the Museum of Tropical Queensland and Billabong Sanctuary are always popular with travellers looking to learn something new or meet a few Aussie locals.

And if it all sounds like hard work, don’t worry. Finding a spot for a ripper brekkie, a long lunch or an arvo drink is considered sightseeing around here too.

And with the right accommodation in Townsville, you’re perfectly placed to make the most of every one of them.  

Fresh seafood is a local favourite with barramundi, coral trout and juicy prawns popping up on menus all over town.

North Queensland’s tropical climate also means plenty of fresh produce, from mangoes and bananas to papaya and macadamias. And of course, there’s always time for a barbie, with local beef, snags and seafood featuring heavily in the laid-back coastal lifestyle.

Townsville’s food scene has a few surprises up its sleeve too, thanks in part to the strong Italian heritage of nearby Ingham and the Burdekin region. For a good feed, head to Palmer Street, explore City Lane’s casual eateries, or spend an arvo sampling local goodies at Cotters Market.

Townsville’s social calendar stays pretty busy throughout the year. The Townsville 500 is one of the biggest events of the year, drawing motorsport fans to the city.

Then there are the North Queensland Cowboys home games, where locals swap their everyday outfits for team colours and head out to cheer on the home side.

Throw in markets, food events and community festivals that are popping up throughout the year. Aussies do love a good event, after all.

And if you're figuring out where to stay in Townsville, a hotel in the CBD is a pretty handy place to start.

Townsville Airport is only a short drive from the CBD, making flying the quickest option. If you’ve got more time to spare, the Bruce Highway runs right through town, while Queensland’s rail network connects Townsville with destinations further north and south.

Before long, you’ll be enjoying your holiday by the coast.

Many of Townsville’s attractions are easy to reach by car, while areas like The Strand, Palmer Street and the CBD are great for wandering on foot. Taxi and rideshares are readily available too, so getting from one side of town to the other is pretty straightforward.

Heading over to Magnetic Island? Ferries run regularly from the Townsville Marina, making island adventures an easy addition to your stay. No dramas.

If being close to restaurants, bars and the city’s dining scene sounds like your kind of trip, accommodation near Palmer Street is hard to beat. It’s one of Townsville’s best-known precincts for a good feed and easy access to the CBD, Marina and Magnetic Island.

If you're comparing hotels in Townsville, you'll be pleased to know Oaks offers two accommodation options close to the CBD, Palmer Street and the waterfront.

If you’d rather stay close to the city centre and the waterfront, the area around Dibbs Street makes a pretty handy base too.

The good news? Both locations put you right in the thick of things, so less time getting around and more time enjoying what Townsville does best.

Our Townsville hotel accommodation gives you the flexibility to stay your way, with everything from hotel rooms and studios to spacious 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. Whether you’re travelling solo, with the kids or with your mates, there’s plenty of room to settle in.

You’ll also have access to a range of facilities, including swimming pools, a gym, on-site dining and meeting and event spaces. Our hotels are pretty handy places to stay around Townsville, thanks to their convenient locations.

The only question is, how much space do you reckon you’ll need?