Townsville is a coastal city in northeastern Australia, known for its vibrant marine life and tropical climate.
4.9/5 ⭐Google 600+ Reviews | A+ Better Business Bureau
Overview
Townsville, located in North Queensland, Australia, is a vibrant coastal city offering a fantastic blend of urban amenities, natural beauty, and access to iconic Australian attractions. As the principal port in North Queensland, it's a bustling hub with a modern cruise terminal that provides a friendly welcome. Situated between the stunning natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and the rugged Queensland outback, Townsville serves as an excellent base for diverse shore excursions.
Dominated by the impressive Castle Hill, a massive pink granite monolith offering panoramic city views, Townsville boasts a tropical savannah climate with abundant sunshine. Visitors can explore its thriving foreshore, The Strand, discover fascinating marine life at Reef HQ Aquarium, or embark on a short ferry ride to the popular Magnetic Island. Townsville truly offers an authentic Australian experience, combining relaxed tropical vibes with adventure and natural splendor.
Just an 8km ferry ride from Townsville, Magnetic Island is a must-visit. More than half of the island is preserved as a national park, offering secluded beaches, abundant wildlife (including koalas in the wild), and extensive walking tracks. You can snorkel, swim, or simply relax in this island paradise.
Tip: The Forts Walk on Magnetic Island is a popular choice for spotting koalas in their natural habitat and offers historical WWII gun emplacements with stunning views. Remember to use a stinger suit during stinger season (November-May) if swimming.
Enjoy Townsville's beautiful foreshore, The Strand. This 2.2-kilometer tropical beach and garden strip is perfect for a leisurely stroll, a refreshing swim in the ocean or the family-friendly Strand Rockpool (stinger net protected in season), or simply relaxing on the sandy shores.
Tip: The Strand Rockpool is a great, safe swimming option, especially during the warmer months when stingers are present in the ocean.
Ascend Castle Hill, the iconic red granite monolith that dominates Townsville's skyline. Whether you choose to hike one of its various tracks or take a scenic drive to the summit lookout, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the city, Cleveland Bay, and Magnetic Island.
Tip: Go in the early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and beautiful light for photography. Wear comfortable walking shoes if hiking.
Dive into the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef without getting wet at Reef HQ Aquarium, the world's largest living coral reef aquarium. It's home to a vast array of the reef's native flora and fauna, offering a spectacular and educational insight into this incredible ecosystem.
Tip: Check the feeding times for sharks and other marine life – these are often spectacular to witness.
Gain a deeper understanding of North Queensland's unique natural and cultural heritage at the Museum of Tropical Queensland. The museum features engaging exhibits, including a popular display built around the shipwreck of the SS Yongala, a historic passenger ship that sank in 1911 and is now a renowned dive site.
Tip: The museum is located centrally, making it easily accessible for a walk-through.
For an interactive encounter with Australian native animals, head to Billabong Sanctuary (located about 17km south of Townsville). Here, you can hold a koala or wombat, feed kangaroos, and watch daily crocodile and bird flight shows in a sprawling bushland setting.
Tip: Plan for enough time here (a few hours at least) to enjoy the shows and animal encounters fully. Transportation will be required, typically by taxi or a pre-arranged tour.
Aboard
Westerdam
From
Sydney, Australia
1 Sailing
Jan 4, 2028
Published prices from
per person*
taxes & fees included
Aboard
Westerdam
From
Sydney, Australia
1 Sailing
Jan 4, 2028
Published prices from
per person*
taxes & fees included
Aboard
Westerdam
From
Sydney, Australia
1 Sailing
Dec 19, 2027
Published prices from
per person*
taxes & fees included
Aboard
MSC Magnifica
From
Los Angeles, California
1 Sailing
Feb 5, 2026
Aboard
MSC Magnifica
From
Los Angeles, California
1 Sailing
Feb 5, 2026
Aboard
MSC Magnifica
From
Tarragona, Spain
1 Sailing
Jan 7, 2026
Aboard
MSC Magnifica
From
Marseille, Provence, France
1 Sailing
Jan 6, 2026
Aboard
MSC Magnifica
From
Genoa, Italy
1 Sailing
Jan 5, 2026
Aboard
MSC Magnifica
From
Civitavecchia, Rome, Italy
1 Sailing
Jan 4, 2026
Aboard
MSC Magnifica
From
Civitavecchia, Rome, Italy
1 Sailing
Jan 4, 2026
Our expert consultants and customer service teams are standing by to help with all of your cruising needs.
I was having some trouble finding the right cruise for the right price as a single traveler, but thanks to [our Cruise Expert] I was able to find it with Cruise Web. Thank you very much [our Cruise Expert]!
Camille G.
We have worked with [our Cruise Expert] several times and she makes it so easy and a pleasure to work with. She is very knowledgeable.
Linda F.
[Our Cruise Expert] was informative and very pleasant to work with. I'm not familiar with booking travel online and he made my experience pleasant.
Sharon E.
I would like to mention that for many years I really appreciate to have [our Cruise Expert] taking care of my cruises in the states. So, i'm glad to give five stars for him
Rudi D.
I am working with [our Cruise Expert] as my travel agent...he has been very helpful...he is very informative and knowledgeable about the places that I want to go on my Cruise....I would use [our Cruise Expert] and Cruise Web again to book another cruise...thank you...
Priscilla B.
[Our Cruise Expert] does an exceptional job of planning (with you) and coordinating a trip of your dreams! I can't wait to get started on the next one.
Sheralyn H.
Great working with [our Cruise Expert]! He was a tremendous help and steered us in the right direction every time! Helped us make memories for a lifetime!
Wendy F.
[Our Cruise Expert] always works hard to secure the bookings we have chosen and guides us through the process. She is always available to help and her advise is spot on.
James C.
We are residents in another country, and have used [our Cruise Expert] for years as we try to cruise around the entire world. She offers great service and stellar communication.
Dave O.
[Our Cruise Expert]does a wonderful job for me. I have had no glitches and I can count on things running smoothly when [our Cruise Expert] makes my arrangements.
Barbara H.
