Townsville’s family fun guide: exciting activities for all ages!

Discover the ultimate family fun on offer in and around Townsville, from beach excursions to historical discoveries and more.

With its warm climate, welcoming locals, and an abundance of family-friendly activities, Townsville – North Queensland is the place to go for memorable holidays filled with nature activities, adventure and play.

Best family-friendly activities in Townsville

Small boy with animals at Townsville Billabong Sanctuary — Get close to the wildlife at Billabong Sanctuary (Image: Supplied)

1. Walk on the wild side at Billabong Sanctuary

Set within 2-hectares of natural bushland, Billabong Sanctuary is home to over 50 native species including kangaroos, koalas, wombats, emus, parrots, and crocodiles. It allows you get up close with many of the animals – including walk-through kangaroos and pademelons enclosures and wildlife encounters including the new meerkats, or live croc shows with mainland Queensland’s largest captive crocodile – Krakatoa!

Father and young son playing on Sand at Magnetic Island Townsville — Magnetic Island is paradise for families (Image: Supplied)

2. Make a splash at Magnetic Island

Take a short 20 minute ferry ride with SeaLink Queensland across to the locally nicknamed “Maggie”, where the adventure is up to you. There are 23 beaches and bays to explore, either on foot with the 26 kilometre walking trail network or by car (if you travelled by Magnetic Island Ferries car barge) – or hire topless jeep to ride in style. If the kids are chasing an adrenaline hit, thrill-seekers should head to Horseshoe Bay where you can experience every childhood desire – jet skis, kayaks, paddleboards and more!

3. Stroll The Strand

The Strand provides more than two kilometres of walkway along Townsville’s thriving beach foreshore jam packed with playgrounds and a free water park. The Strand gives stunning views across to Magnetic Island, and be sure to visit The Strand Jetty to see the Ocean Siren – a 16m art installation part of the Museum of Underwater Art project. Time your trip for sunset to watch her change colours in response to sea temperatures.

Mother and young son enjoying Townsville Queensland Museum — Queensland Museum Tropics is a must-do for families (Image: Supplied)

4. Build the future at Queensland Museum Tropics

Brickman Cities: Build the Future is an immersive LEGO® CITY experience, created by one of the world’s leading LEGO® brick artists Ryan ‘Brickman’ McNaught. This interactive exhibition at Queensland Museum Tropics until 27 October showcases the life and architecture of some of the world’s most iconic cities (Sydney, Dubai, London, Tokyo, and New York) at three different historical periods of their development.

While you’re at Queensland Museum Tropics, don’t miss the Pandora Gallery, an interactive Scienc centre and the Enchanted Rainforest, the Secret Language of the Reef exhibit.

Young children enjoying the water park at Townsville Strand — Make a splash in Townsville! (Image: Supplied)

5. Splish splash at water parks

The Burdekin Water Park is located within the Burdekin Aquatic Centre and is a one-of-a-kind design complete with large slides and water sprayers. The aquatic centre offers plenty of shade and is fully patrolled making it the perfect place to splash away an afternoon. The Charters Towers Water Park incorporates a water splash pad which features a tipping bucket, water slides, and various water jets and spray hoops all under the cover of shade sails. Located along the strand foreshore the Townsville water park is a local attraction for families featuring slides, water cannons and a huge tipping bucket!

6. Nature, Culture, and Art Unite in Burdekin

Discover the wonders of Plantation Park in Ayr, including the state-of-the-art nature based play area at Plantation Park with all-abilities swings, a fortress-themed lookout, and rock and rope climbs. The park is home to the Juru Walk, which provides an important bond to the Burdekin’s Aboriginal history. A bush tucker garden alongside the walk features more than 30 species of plants. Burdekin is also home to a unique collection of murals, sculptures and installations which depict stories of the region’s culture and heritage. The result is a family-friendly art trail that showcases vibrant works from renowned and emerging artists from across Australia.

Family explores Charters Towers — Re-live the gold rush days! (Image: Supplied)

7. Step back in time at Charters Towers

Explore North Queensland’s rich gold mining history and heritage at Charters Towers, just a 90-minute drive west of Townsville. Try your hand at panning for gold at The Miner’s Cottage or discover how gold was processed during the colourful North Queensland goldrush at the Venus Gold Battery, oldest and largest surviving battery in Queensland.

Townsville family exploring Hinchinbrook — Wonder at nature on a Hinchinbrook excursion (Image: Supplied)

8. Discover the rainforests of Hinchinbrook

The southern gateway to the Wet Tropics World-Heritage listed rainforests, Hinchinbrook is perfect for families who want to get into the great outdoors. It’s a great spot for camping, mountain biking and walks where you can discover awe-inspiring scenery, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and unspoilt beaches.

Find out more about Townsville North Queensland at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au