21 of the Best Things to Do in Townsville with Kids
Are you looking for something fun to do in Townsville with kids?
Townsville is a coastal city located in North East Queensland, about 1,350 kilometers north of Brisbane and 350 kilometers south of Cairns.
I first visited Townsville in 2010 when my husband was living there before we were married or had kids. I visited a couple of times before having kids, but we have since taken them to see where their dad used to live.
Keep reading for things to do in Townsville with kids during the day and at night, as well as free things to do in Townsville with kids, and how to spend a rainy day in Townsville with kids.
The Top 3 Best Things to do in Townsville with Kids
If you don’t have time to read it all, here are our top 3 favorite things to do in Townsville with kids.
- The Splash Pad on the Strand is my kid’s #1 thing to do in Townsville. It is free and so much fun. Just don’t forget your sunscreen.
- Head to the Museum of Tropical Queensland to learn about the area. Plus, there is a science center for kids there.
- See the wildlife at Billabong Sanctuary.
Free Things to do in Townsville with Kids
Play on The Strand
Townsville’s “The Strand” is a waterfront 2.2-kilometer trail with beaches, playgrounds, a splash park, and even a waterfall.
The Strand also has a half basketball court and beach volleyball.
Stinger nets are out on The Strand beaches, so be careful to look for signs on where to swim.
Swim at the Rock Pool
Rock Pool at the Strand is a saltwater stinger-free giant pool that is wheelchair accessible. While the pool gets deep in the center, there is a shallow area for children and wheelchairs.
Grass surrounds the pool area, which is perfect for BBQs and picnics. There is a playground located at the rock pool.
The rock pool has outdoor showers, toilets, and a restaurant, Rockpool Pavilion.
The Rock Pool is closed every Wednesday for cleaning.
See Incredible City Views from the Top of Castle Hill
Slightly too short to be considered a mountain, Castle Hill can be spotted from all over Townsville. Even better than looking at Castle Hill is looking at 360-degree views of Townsville from the top of Castle Hill.
There is a walking trail to get up Castle Hill, which takes about 30 minutes each way, or cars can drive up and park at the top of Castle Hill. There are a few walking trails at the top of Castle Hill that lead to lookouts.
Cudtheringa Track is the main walking track, 1.1 kilometers each way. The walk is steep at the beginning and at the end of the hike. Looking for more ways to hike Castle Hill? Here is a guide to all of the tracks on Castle Hill.
Go Fishing at Pioneer Park at Ross River Parklands
Pioneer Park at Ross River is popular for fishing.
The fields are perfect for picnics, and there are BBQs nearby.
Play on the Playground
Townsville has hundreds of public parks and places to play. Find the best playgrounds for your kids.
Indoor (Rainy Day) Things to do in Townsville with Kids
Learn and Explore at The Museum of Tropical Queensland
A natural history museum with a hands-on science center, the Museum of Tropical Queensland is a great museum for kids.
Families can learn about the rainforest, the sea, and the animal life of North Queensland.
The Sciencenter at the Museum of Tropical Queensland has more than 20 hands-on exhibits. Entry to the Sciencenter is included with a ticket to the museum.
Little Learners, a program geared towards kids ages 3-6, takes place on Fridays during school terms. Kids will hear a story and participate in a hands-on activity. Little Learners is free with paid museum entry, but must be booked in advance.
The Museum of Tropical Queensland has a cafe and a gift shop.
Annual passes are available and are perfect for families who wish to return often.
Look Under the Sea at Great Barrier Reef Aquarium (Temporarily Closed until 2029)
Explore the world beneath the sea at the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium.
Hundreds of species of coral, tropical fish, sharks, and other sea creatures can be spotted at the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium.
Learn About Sea Life at the Maritime Museum of Townsville
Older kids can explore the Maritime Museum of Townsville, where they can model ships, a lighthouse, and learn plenty of information on the history of Townsville.
If it isn’t raining too hard, there is a memorial garden and additional objects to observe outside.
There are a few fun hands-on activities for the kids (or adults), including rope tying, ringing a telegraph, and sounding a foghorn.
More Things to Do in Townsville with Kids
Explore Magnetic Island
Just a 20-minute passenger ferry ride (or a 40-minute car ferry ride) away from Townsville is Magnetic Island, known as “Maggie Island” to locals.
Book a round-trip ferry ride from Townsville to Magnetic Island.
Magnetic Island has more than 2,000 permanent residents, hotels, shops, and restaurants.
There is plenty to do on Magnetic Island, especially beach activities.
Bungalow Bay Koala Village is an eco-accommodation with its wildlife park on-site. Breakfast with koalas, daily tours, and snorkeling are just a few of the activities offered at Bungalow Bay.
Tour Magnetic Island on a 5-hour bus tour.
Get Close to Aussie Animals at Billabong Sanctuary
Open daily, Billabong Sanctuary is a wildlife park for native Australian animals.
Wildlife talks, shows, and feedings take place all day long at Billabong Sanctuary, so make sure to get a schedule.
Animals that can be seen at Billabong Sanctuary include, but aren’t limited to:
- koalas
- kangaroos
- cassowaries
- wombats
- crocodiles
- snakes
- cockatoos
See Stunning Views and Old Cannons at Kissing Point
Kissing Point Fortification and Jezzine Barracks have walking trails, public artwork, indigenous history, and local military history on display.
There is also a playground, Jezzine Children’s Playground, nearby.
Drive Through a Botanic Garden
Townsville is home to 3 botanical gardens, and Anderson Gardens is drivable and features plants from the dry tropics.
Anderson Gardens is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Get Lost in a Maze at Queens Gardens
The oldest botanic garden in Townsville and the closest to the city center, Queens Garden has a rainforest walk, hedge mazes, and a small aviary.
There is a small playground and lots of open space for kids to run around and play.
Queens Garden has walking and cycling trails and is open from sunrise to sunset.
Walk Through the Trees at Palmetum
The 3rd botanical garden in Townsville, Palmetum, is focused on palm trees.
A beautiful place to wander with kids, Palmetum has a rainforest, wetlands, and desert plants.
Palmetum has walking and cycling trails and is open from sunrise to sunset.
Things to do in Townsville at Night with Kids
Watch a Rugby Match at Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Cheer on the North Queensland Cowboys at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Concerts are held at Queensland Country Bank Stadium as well.
See a Show at Townsville Civic Theatre
The Townsville Civic Theatre offers performances in dance, music, opera, comedy, and drama, and occasionally has shows that are geared toward children. Their schedule can be found here.
Enjoy Dinner at the Strand Night Markets
On the first Friday of each month, The Strand Night Markets pop up with lots of food options, craft stalls, and a bouncy castle.
Things to do in the Townsville Area with Kids
Head on a Unique Safari Tour with Texas Longhorn Tours
Less than 2 hours southwest of Townsville is a very unique Australian attraction.
Texas Longhorn Tours offers 2 experiences from May to October. They have wagon tour rides and a Texas Longhorn Safari.
Americans know that “everything is bigger in Texas,” and since Queensland is the size of 2.5 Texases, it is not too surprising that the Longhorns have made Queensland home.
What exactly is a longhorn? Texas Longhorns are a breed of horned cattle. They were first imported to Australia in the early 1980s.
Pan for Gold at Miner’s Cottage
Just 10 minutes from Texas Longhorn Tours is Miner’s Cottage, which is located in Charters Towers.
Tours of the historic buildings can be booked in advance, and kids can mine for real gold at Miner’s Cottage.
Cool off at Little Crystal Creek
About an hour north of Townsville is the perfect spot to cool off on hot summer days.
Little Crystal Creek is a waterfall with many swimming holes on multiple levels. Easily accessible with a staircase leading down from the parking lot, kids can climb up and down the rocks and decide which swimming hole to cool off in.
There is a bridge over part of the creek that provides shade.
Enjoy an Ice Cream at Frosty Mango
About 15 minutes down the road from Little Crystal Creek lies The Frosty Mango, another great place to cool down on hot summer days.
The Frosty Mango serves meals, but they are known for their homemade ice cream, which comes in many flavors, including unique fruit flavors from their orchard. There is also a fruit stand where you can purchase the fruit whole at the front of the shop.
Planning to drive to Cairns from Townsville? Read 19 Fun Things to do Between Cairns and Townsville.
Townsville with Kids FAQ
There are plenty of fun things to do with kids in Townsville, and many are free! In addition to parks, playgrounds, and gardens, Townsville has a large public lagoon and a splash park for kids.
Nets are put out in the water so that it is possible to swim from Townsville beaches. Check to make sure you are swimming in a safe spot. Flags will be out to show where it is safe to swim.
When it is raining in Townsville, it is the perfect time to explore a museum. The Museum of Tropical Queensland has a hands-on science center for kids.
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