The Wanderbug acknowledges the Bindal and Wulgurukaba peoples as the First Nations owners of the lands, now recognised as Townsville. I pay respect to their Elders, lores, customs and creation spirits.

Where is Townsville?

Townsville is the largest city in North Queensland, in Australia. It’s 350km south of Cairns and 1350 kilometres north of Brisbane.

How to get to Townsville?

Brisbane to Townsville

It is a 2 hour flight from Brisbane to Townsville. I do not recommend driving from Brisbane to Townsville because it is a 16 hour drive, and there is not enough to see & do on the way to make it worth your precious travel time. Fly!

Cairns to Townsville

It is a 1 hour flight from Cairns to Townsville, but as this is a regional route, flights are expensive. It is a 4.5 hour drive from Cairns to Townsville along the Great Tropical Drive. When I travelled from Townsville to Cairns, we took a Greyhound Bus which was comfortable and an easy way to travel.

Sydney to Townsville

It is a 2.5 hour flight from Sydney to Townsville. I would not recommend driving as it is an extremely long way!

When is the best time to visit Townsville?

Townsville is in Queensland’s tropics, but due to a geographical quirk, it doesn’t get as much rain as other tropical destinations, like Cairns and Port Douglas. 

When will Reef HQ Great Barrier Reef Aquarium in Townsville  re-open?

The Great Barrier Reef Museum is currently undergoing a major renovation and will re-open in 2026. I’m definitely going to visit once it does!