Things to do in Townsville with Kids – Family Fun in North Queensland

If you’re looking for some great ideas of things to do in Townsville with kids, read on.

This week we’re welcoming a guest post from Emma over at My Rig Adventures, who is sharing her favourite Townsville activities and family fun ideas for the North Queensland destination.

Things to do in Townsville with Kids

Townsville is a bustling city on the coast of Northern Queensland. While it’s nowhere near the size of the State’s capital city of Brisbane, Townsville is the largest urban centre in Australia, north of the Sunshine Coast.

With so much to offer families, if you were considering skipping Townsville during your North Queensland travels, think again!

What to do in Townsville :

MUSEUM OF TROPICAL QUEENSLAND

The Museum of Tropical Queensland is a great family day out right in the middle of town.

Filled with natural history, local history and archaeology, the kids are sure to have a ball with the interactive exhibits at the Townsville Museum.
As you ascend the stairs to the first main level of the museum, you will be wowed by a replica of the HMS Pandora. In 1791, the ship hit the Great Barrier Reef and sank. Inside the museum is a fantastic, permanent exhibit showcasing the tragic story of not only the Pandora, but the people she was sent to capture.

Other permanent exhibits include ‘Collections,’ ‘Enchanted Rainforest,’ ‘Discover Tropical Queensland’ and ‘Secret Language of the Reef.’ Don’t forget to check out the giant spider and dinosaur out the front of the building!
Cost: Adult – $15 | Kids 3-15 yrs – $8.80 | Under 3 – FREE | Family – $38

THE STRAND

Probably the most iconic part of modern-day Townsville is The Strand. This 2.2km beachfront esplanade features walkways, playgrounds, rock pool, water park, patrolled beaches and eateries. Enjoy a full day of free family fun in Townsville:

• Have a picnic;
• Soak in the views of Magnetic Island;
• Swim at the beach;
• Get wet at the Water Park;
• Take a stroll along the promenade;
• Fire up a BBQ and enjoy open-air dining

CASTLE HILL

As you’re driving around Townsville, you’ll probably notice the rocky mountain that takes centre stage right in the middle of town. Take a drive to the top to enjoy the spectacular 360° views stretching out to Magnetic Island on one side and beyond the inland mountains on the other.

Go for a wander around the multiple boardwalks and tracks around the top
and explore the pink granite hill. If you’re feeling really adventurous, why not take one of the walks starting from the bottom of the hill. If you’re not fond of crowds, it’s best to avoid between 5-7pm each day. There are a variety of walks suitable for most fitness levels.

Castle Hill is a beautiful spot to enjoy a coffee, picnic lunch, sunset dinner or daytime wander.

PALMETUM BOTANICAL GARDENS

The Palmetum is a tranquil 17-hectare array of gardens and one of the great things to do in Townsville with kids. Featuring around 300 species of palms, this makes it one of the biggest public palm collections in the world. Many of these species are in fact rare and threatened. Exploring the gardens will take you through a range of different habitat types, such as dry tropics and wet tropical lowlands, as well as lush green grass and water features. Entry is free.

Facilities include:

• ‘Tumbetin Lodge’ – heritage building;
• Art exhibitions;
• Amenities;
• Café;
• Picnic areas.

RIVERWAY LAGOONS

Given that a normal winters day in Townsville can be 25°C, one thing the city does well is pools, and the Riverway Lagoons are no exception! They cover an area of more than three Olympic swimming pools and are completely FREE to enjoy. Surrounded by shady trees and situated alongside the Ross River, you’re sure to relax and enjoy the day.

The Lagoons are made up of two large pools, varying in depth up to 2m. The upper lagoon is ideal for swimming laps and has disabled and elderly access. The lower lagoon is designed with families in mind – the kids can splash around and build sandcastles while Mum and Dad can have a chance to chill out.
Facilities:

• 2 pools of varying depths;
• Lifeguards on duty;
• BBQ’s;
• Amenities and change rooms;
• Playgrounds;
• Walking tracks.

We hope we’ve given you some great ideas of what to do in Townsville. For a fully guided experience check out this morning or lunchtime scenic sailing cruise.

If you’re heading further north we’ve also got some great ideas of things to do in Cairns with kids.