Guidebook for North Ward
Parks & Nature
Entry points located at Paxton Street and Gregory Street, North Ward.
Initiated in 1870, Queens Gardens is the oldest Botanic Garden in Townsville and is heritage listed. Now covering 4 hectares, reduced from an original 40Ha, it is considered a fine example of a tropical colonial garden of that era. Originally established as a trial acclimatisation garden for European settlement, in which potential food and economic plants were trialled during the era of colonisation.
Today the gardens are a lush green oasis set against the dramatic pink granite cliffs of Castle Hill, and offer a quiet cool retreat from the nearby city centre.
17 locals recommend
Queens Gardens
Entry points located at Paxton Street and Gregory Street, North Ward.
Initiated in 1870, Queens Gardens is the oldest Botanic Garden in Townsville and is heritage listed. Now covering 4 hectares, reduced from an original 40Ha, it is considered a fine example of a tropical colonial garden of that era. Originally established as a trial acclimatisation garden for European settlement, in which potential food and economic plants were trialled during the era of colonisation.
Today the gardens are a lush green oasis set against the dramatic pink granite cliffs of Castle Hill, and offer a quiet cool retreat from the nearby city centre.
The Strand is gorgeous! Spend as much time here as you possibly can - BBQ’s, people watching, dog watching, walking, running, free exercise equipment, restaurants, gelato, coffee… Swimming in the Rockpool is safe all year round, though closed Wednesdays for cleaning at the time of putting this together. Swim in the stinger nets November to end of April, always. The water park at the other end of the Strand is great for kids and those young at heart.
27 locals recommend
Strand Park
37-43 The StrandThe Strand is gorgeous! Spend as much time here as you possibly can - BBQ’s, people watching, dog watching, walking, running, free exercise equipment, restaurants, gelato, coffee… Swimming in the Rockpool is safe all year round, though closed Wednesdays for cleaning at the time of putting this together. Swim in the stinger nets November to end of April, always. The water park at the other end of the Strand is great for kids and those young at heart.
The island is home to koalas, rock wallabies, brush-tail possums and an abundance of birds. Nearly 70% of Magnetic Island (approx. 5184 hectares) is National Park. Twenty-four kilometres of tracks guide visitors through varied terrains. There are also some short walks with pavement, making fantastic views accessible for strollers or wheelchairs. Home to one of the friendliest, most accessible and healthiest colonies of koalas in Australia.
96 locals recommend
Magnetic Island
The island is home to koalas, rock wallabies, brush-tail possums and an abundance of birds. Nearly 70% of Magnetic Island (approx. 5184 hectares) is National Park. Twenty-four kilometres of tracks guide visitors through varied terrains. There are also some short walks with pavement, making fantastic views accessible for strollers or wheelchairs. Home to one of the friendliest, most accessible and healthiest colonies of koalas in Australia.
Food Scene
Sophisticated dining and relaxed alfresco dining and sports bar.
40 locals recommend
The Watermark Townsville
72-74 The StrandSophisticated dining and relaxed alfresco dining and sports bar.
A relaxed Mediterranean-style cafe serving breakfast and lunch all week and dinner on Friday and Saturday. Early morning coffee.
7 locals recommend
Odyssey on the Strand
120 The StrandA relaxed Mediterranean-style cafe serving breakfast and lunch all week and dinner on Friday and Saturday. Early morning coffee.
For lovers of artisan gelato, espresso coffee and sweets. Open early to late.
13 locals recommend
Juliette's Gelateria
The StrandFor lovers of artisan gelato, espresso coffee and sweets. Open early to late.
Absolute waterfront views of the iconic Magnetic Island featuring fantastic food and drink from breakfast through to dinner.
36 locals recommend
C-Bar
Absolute waterfront views of the iconic Magnetic Island featuring fantastic food and drink from breakfast through to dinner.
Sightseeing
Castle Hill
Arts & Culture
The Drill Hall Studio
27 Mitchell StPerc Tucker Regional Gallery is Townsville's premier regional art gallery, offering a dynamic range of local, national and international exhibitions complemented by workshops, talks and a host of other programs.
29 locals recommend
Perc Tucker Regional Gallery
Denham StreetPerc Tucker Regional Gallery is Townsville's premier regional art gallery, offering a dynamic range of local, national and international exhibitions complemented by workshops, talks and a host of other programs.
The star attraction is the HMS Pandora gallery. Sent to catch the famous Bounty and her mutinous crew, the Pandora sank off the coast of Cape York in 1791. Hundreds of amazing artefacts have been recovered from the wreck and are on display.
One of our most popular areas for kids is the Enhanted Rainforest, which focuses on one of North Queensland’s most iconic ecosystems, transporting visitors into the light and shade of Tropical Queensland’s rainforest environment. Built around an awe-inspiring recreation of a quandong tree and featuring a slide and rope bridge, children can learn about rainforest plants and animals in a safe and fun environment.
37 locals recommend
Museum of Tropical Queensland
70-102 Flinders StThe star attraction is the HMS Pandora gallery. Sent to catch the famous Bounty and her mutinous crew, the Pandora sank off the coast of Cape York in 1791. Hundreds of amazing artefacts have been recovered from the wreck and are on display.
One of our most popular areas for kids is the Enhanted Rainforest, which focuses on one of North Queensland’s most iconic ecosystems, transporting visitors into the light and shade of Tropical Queensland’s rainforest environment. Built around an awe-inspiring recreation of a quandong tree and featuring a slide and rope bridge, children can learn about rainforest plants and animals in a safe and fun environment.
Drinks & Nightlife
The Ville Resort-Casino
67 Sir Leslie Thiess DrTownsville Brewery
252 Flinders StBar and restaurant, live music.
Heritage Exchange
151 Flinders StEspresso martinis!
Entertainment & Activities
The National Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
61 locals recommend
Reef Headquarters Aquarium
68 Flinders StreetThe National Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
Essentials
Coles North Ward
26-28 Mitchell StMon-Fri 7am-9am, Sat-Sun 7am-6pm.
Open 4:30am-8:15pm 7 days! A great selection of gourmet food items, along with the necessities. Walking distance from apartment.
6 locals recommend
Whites Grocer
1 Rose StOpen 4:30am-8:15pm 7 days! A great selection of gourmet food items, along with the necessities. Walking distance from apartment.