Things to do for students in Townsville

So, you’ve hit the books all semester and you’re in need of some downtime, preferably a place where sand, sea, and sunshine are plentiful. North Queensland’s tropical town of Townsville not only offers doses of vitamin D in spades, that’s just the icing on the cake.

An alluring mix of beaches, world-famous diving sites, rich Indigenous culture, ancient rainforests, walking trails, plus a thriving town centre to boot, student travel in Townsville doesn’t mean missing out on the best the city has to offer.

Exploring this region’s beguiling backdrop certainly doesn’t need to break the bank; keep those purse strings intact with the best things to do in Townsville.

Hit the beaches

For a taste of beach life right in the city, head straight to The Strand. A beautiful, and purpose-built foreshore, Townsville’s beachside precinct comprises a dedicated esplanade, water park, outdoor gym area and a jetty. Hire a paddle board down by North Ward (at the southern end of The Strand) then make your way up along the coastline to the rockpool formations – perfect for dropping a towel away from the crowds. With killer views across Magnetic Island, The Strand’s soft golden sand dotted with palm trees feels a million miles away from the centre of town. The best bit? Those million-dollar views don’t cost a penny, so you can treat yourself to gelato at Juliette’s, a Strand institution.

Just north of the CBD lie a handful of beaches, each boasting sweeping bays, soft sand, and shade by way of palm trees and rugged bushland. Bushland Beach is great for swimming and fishing, befit with a boat ramp and bbq facilities, while Saunders Beach is more secluded, with six kilometres of virtually untouched sand to sit on. Just east of the city are 23 additional beaches that make up edges of resplendent Magnetic Island. Take the 20-minute Sealink ferry from the Breakwater terminal and voila – destination paradise. Spoilt much?

Live it up like a local

Getting the locals’ advice on how to enjoy the spoils of Townsville is a great way to get the most out of any trip up north.

When the temperature soars, you’ll find many locals head to the Queens Gardens just outside of the CBD, where the verdant gardens make for the perfect midday sun respite. BYO picnic and you’ve got yourself a very cost-effective long lunch at the best venue in town.

Another place the locals love – so much so it’s almost a rite of passage – is a morning hike up Castle Hill goat track. The views alone over the town and out across the bay at sunrise make the early start worth it.

For over 40 years, locals have been enthralled by Billabong Sanctuary, known for its ongoing conservation efforts, educational presentations and up close native animal experiences that don’t cost the earth. A boutique wildlife conservation park, it’s smaller than your average – making for more meaningful connections with both local experts and critters. While a cover fee is charged to enter the sanctuary, many of the animal experiences are free.

Anyone taking a walk around town will know that Townsville’s street art scene is booming. The city has become a hub in recent years for emerging local artists, each looking for a bare wall to invigorate. Follow Flinders Street and duck down connecting laneways for a free art exhibition.

National Parks as far as the eye can see

The natural diversity of this region is truly something. Townsville’s proximity to ancient rainforests and Great Barrier Reef make for an extraordinary backdrop to any holiday – and with three monstrous national parks, plus another two world heritage-listed island parks on your doorstep, adventure simply compels you.

Cool off in the crystal-clear mountain waters at Little Crystal Creek and Big Crystal Creek in Mount Spec, Paluma Range National Park, wonder at Australia’s largest single-drop waterfall, Wallaman Falls, or take a dip in any number of the local waterfalls and swimming holes in the region – there are no bad choices here.

Just off the coast you have world heritage-listed Magnetic and Hinchinbrook Island National Parks. Magnetic Island, while being the closer of the two to the mainland, has a stunning rugged coastline, dozens of sandy cays and unique wildlife not found anywhere else. It also has an incredibly rich cultural heritage, the Wulgurukaba Aboriginal people still maintaining strong connections to the land.

As well as being achingly beautiful – untouched in that uninhabited kind of way – Hinchinbrook Island is home to the world famous Thorsborne Trail. Rated as one of the top 10 hikes in the world, get ‘lost’ along the four-day, 32-kilometre hike as it snakes its way through soaring forests and deserted coastline. Visitors are capped at 40 at any given time, meaning the chances of bumping into anyone is rare. You’ve basically got the island to yourself. A bargain if you ask us.

Any students travelling to Townsville wanting to get their hands dirty should tee up a day’s volunteering with Magnetic Island National Park Volunteers. From March-November volunteers can help with litter collection and revegetating the areas surrounding Nelly, Florence, and Horseshoe Bays, helping reintroduce native plant species to the area, while doing your bit for the important conservation work that happens right across the region.

Immerse yourself in north Queensland’s Indigenous culture

North Queensland has a long and rich Indigenous history, and with Townsville being the official gateway to the northern reaches of the country, makes it particularly significant for Australia’s Indigenous people. The cultures and traditions of the local Bindal and Wulgurakaba people date back over 10,000 years; their connection to the coastal areas surrounding the city and the rainforests to the west are palpable.

And for that, Townsville’s traditional owners continue to play an important role in the shaping of the region, making for some incredible experiences where visitors can learn about Indigenous culture. Share a traditional meal on Mungalla Station, or wander the Indigenous outdoor gallery on Garabarra Headland, and tell us you can’t feel the magic here.

Uncover the beauty of the Reef

Okay, so any trip to the reef is going to eat into a modest budget. But, if there’s ONE big ticket item to ‘splurge’ on while up in northern Queensland, it’s getting to experience the magic of the Great Barrier Reef. Plus, getting there from Townsville is a cinch.

A handful of long-established diving tours near Townsville offer some of the best half and full day trips out to different areas of the reef. You might prefer to delve into the waters surrounding Magnetic Island’s Nelly Bay or Geoffrey Bay to glimpse the Moltke wreck. Alternatively, you could head out to some of the more remote dive sites on the Great Barrier Reef; Wheeler, Flinders, China Wall and Davies Reefs remote locations make for an adrenalin rush like no other.

The region is also home to world-class dive site, the SS Yongala, just off the coast of Ayr. The only reef formation in the area, the shipwreck attracts some of the largest species in the area including eagle rays, turtles, giant Queensland gropers, and barracuda. Both Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive and Yongala Dive specialise in diving course accreditations and offer some incredible day trips out to the historic wreck and surrounding reefs.

If snorkelling’s more your pace, there are dozens of sites just off the coastline of Townsville and surrounding islands, all teeming with colour and marine life. There are some incredible snorkel sites at Nelly, Geoffrey, Arthur, Alma, and Florence Bays on Magnetic Island, with two self-guided (and signposted) snorkel trails to explore at your own pace at Nelly and Geoffrey Bays.

For something completely unique to Townsville, strap on a snorkel and find the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA). Bringing an entirely new meaning to immersive art, world-famous underwater sculptor Jason de Caires Taylor has created dozens of pieces, each submerged in the waters around the region to highlight the region’s efforts in reef conservation and restoration. Find artwork along The Strand, Magnetic Island, Palm Island and John Brewer Reef.

Where to stay in Townsville

From friendly backpackers in the centre of town to lavish boutique hotels overlooking the ocean, as gateways to northern Queensland go, travelling as a student in Townsville offers excellent splurge and budget options when it comes to accommodation.

Wanting to keep costs down but still want a few creature comforts? The CBD’s Rambutan is a little touch of luxury – without the luxurious price tag to match. Room rates vary on your needs, and the centralised rooftop pool plus alfresco restaurant and bar make the perfect holiday setting.

With arguably the best view in town, boutique hotel The Ville brings a little bit of Palm Springs swagger to Townsville. Perched right on the breakwater overlooking the channel and Magnetic Island, the city’s luxury casino really lays on the razzle dazzle. An infinity pool, rooftop terrace and multiple restaurants on site mean your every whim is catered for.

For a taste of island living, stay at Base Backpackers on Magnetic Island. Situated right on the beach on the southern tip of Nelly Bay, Base offers several accommodation options – from private rooms to the full dorm experience – and even boasts the only full moon party in the country.

Nature lovers will know, though, that camping is maybe the best way to sleep up north. Immersed in nature and no one for miles, if you’re in Townsville to find your bliss, this is it.

For easy access beachside camping options, both Toomulla and Balgal beaches, just north of the city, offer camping spots with ocean views. Camping on Hinchinbrook Island is bucket list territory, flexing with numerous waterfall and absolute beachfront locations. Book a spot at Mulligan Falls or Zoe Bay campsites for a real Robinson Crusoe situation – just swat up on how to camp properly in the tropical north to ensure your trip goes without a hitch.

Wine and dine on a budget

Just because you’re keeping one eye on the purse strings doesn’t mean your student budget won’t get you a decent meal. On the contrary, Townsville’s burgeoning bar and dining scene has an excellent array of dining options to cater to most (plus a few when you want to splurge).

For more dining and drinking options than you can muster, head to Townsville’s first creative laneway precinct, City Lane. Chock full of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, City Lane’s bars and eateries boast something for everyone.

Seeking out a locally brewed tipple? Townsville Brewing Co has been pouring since 2001 and make some of the best craft sours, bitters, and pale ales in Queensland. Trivia fans will revel in their themed fortnightly events (and the change at the prize money). Another great spot to explore is Flinders Street. Boasting the city’s fair share of bars and restaurants to suit all budgets, it’s also home to Townsville’s emerging arts scene.

For a glamorous spot to bend the elbow, The Ville can’t be beaten. The views over the European-style pool bursting with bougainvillea and overlooking the majestic Magnetic Island, we could think of worse places for a sundowner. Laneway lovers will revel in the quirky wine bar vibes at Hoi Polloi. A café by day, neighborhood bar by night, its relaxed atmosphere dabbles in a distinctly Melbourne-esque aesthetic – and no one’s complaining. Friday live jazz nights are a huge hit – and only costs a drink at the bar.

Road trips

Using Townsville as your base, there’s dozens of road trips to take while staying in this neck of the woods. Inland, intra-state, day trips and multi-stop odysseys, travelling by road is one of the best ways to experience the nuances of this incredible region.

Perhaps the most magical road trip you can take from Townsville is to Mission Beach, learning about Indigenous culture and of Townsville’s traditional owners, the Bindal and Wulgurukaba People. The four-day itinerary takes you through some of the region’s most breathtaking scenery, including Magnetic Island, Cardwell and Tully Gorge, while meeting and learning from, traditional owners of the land.