Where to stay in Townsville: Best Area & Hotel Deals

When traveling along the East Coast of Australia, Townsville is often perceived by many travelers as a mandatory pitstop rather than a sought-after destination. But let me tell you, giving Townsville a chance and exploring this coastal gem is worth it.

Located in northern Queensland, on the Cleveland Bay, Townsville has quite a bit to offer. From amazing hikes to a beautiful beach esplanade and some incredible diving sites. It's also the gateway to visiting Magnetic Island, which is accessible via ferry and offers a secluded and resort-like experience.

The best part is, since most tourists don't stay long, you won't encounter huge crowds in the city.

I recognize that organizing your East Coast trip entails extensive research already. If Townsville is on your itinerary, allow me to help you answer where to stay in Townsville. Having visited Townsville multiple times, I've prepared a helpful guide on where to stay and some cool things to do in Townsville.

Best areas to stay in Townsville

Townsville isn't super large, so it's easy to narrow down where to stay. Here are my top 3 areas within Townsville that I would recommend to you:

Staying in the center of Townsville, called Townsville City, is perfect for all first-timers. Here, you've got the ferry port and most tourist attractions right at your doorstep.

For families and all beach lovers, I suggest staying in North Ward. It's located close to the center and has great access to restaurants and the shore.

Lastly, for budget travelers, I recommend South Townsville. It's located across Ross Creek from the city centre and offers more affordable accommodation.

1. Where to stay in Townsville for the first time: Townsville City

If you're visiting Townsville for the first time, I highly recommend checking out Townsville City. It's the perfect spot, right by Ross Creek and the harbor, which means it's super convenient for catching the Magnetic Island ferry.

Townsville City also offers some amazing options for foodies, shopaholics, and sightseeing enthusiasts.

When it comes to accommodation, the city center has a small selection of boutique hotels and hostels. The best part is that Townsville isn't necessarily a major tourist hotspot, which means the hotel prices here are still pretty affordable.

Best area for:

• First-timers

• Couples

• Close proximity to the ferry port

Things to do in Townsville City

Catching the ferry to Magnetic Island is a must-do for anyone visiting this area. It's only a 20-minute ride, and once you're there, you can enjoy beautiful beaches, and stunning hiking trails, and even get up close and personal with some koalas at the Bungalow Bay Koala Village.

The city center in Townsville has a few select fun things to do. For all marine life lovers, a visit to the famous Reef HQ Aquarium (currently closed for renovation) is a must. It's the largest living coral reef aquarium in the world and home to thousands of fish and other sea creatures.

If you're interested in learning about the area's history, head over to the Museum of Tropical Queensland. Here, you can explore interactive exhibits and learn about everything from dinosaurs to shipwrecks.

After all those activities, you'll surely work up an appetite. Luckily, Townsville City has some amazing restaurants to choose from. One of my top picks is A Touch of Salt, offering delicious modern Australian cuisine with a cool outdoor seating area. Another fantastic option for drinks and even a bit of gambling is the Ville Resort Casino at the harbor.

Best hotels to stay in Townsville City

($$$) The Ville Resort – Casino

The Ville Resort and Casino is the most luxurious hotel in Townsville. It's located near the Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal and offers a casino, multiple dining options, and a spa. With amenities like a swimming pool, free in-room Wi-Fi, and positive guest reviews highlighting the helpful staff and cleanliness, it provides a comfortable stay with additional perks including free self-parking and buffet breakfast.

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($$$) Clarion Hotel Townsville

One of the best hotels in Townsville City, Clarion, offers both convenience and luxury. Located right in the center, this hotel has spacious rooms with modern amenities and a great breakfast buffet.

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($$) The Dalgety Apartments

For a more affordable option, check out Dalgety Apartments. Located in the heart of Townsville City, these apartments offer fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities and come with an incredible outdoor swimming pool as well.

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($$) Rambutan Resort

One of the most popular and coolest resorts in Townsville City is Rambutan Resort. The boutique hotel has a modern and chic design, offers spacious rooms, and also features a great rooftop pool and restaurant.

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($$) Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville

The Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville is another fantastic option for accommodation in the city center. It's located right by the harbor and offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, an outdoor pool, and free parking.

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($) City Oasis Inn

One of the best cheap hotels in Townsville City is the City Oasis Inn. It has a very convenient location and offers comfortable rooms with air conditioning, a fantastic pool, and tropical gardens.

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2. Where to stay in Townsville for families & beach lovers: North Ward

North Ward is an awesome little area for families and beach lovers. It's perfectly situated close to the city center and ferry port, and it's got the most beautiful beach in Townsville. 

You can unwind at the esplanade with your family. There are a few great parks and the Strand, which is the famous beachfront promenade in Townsville lined with palm trees. The whole area is packed with water activities, exercise equipment and fun water parks for the kids. You'll also find the Townsville Rock Pool, a safe saltwater swimming pool with picturesque views of the Coral Sea and Magnetic Island.

You'll find a variety of restaurants, supermarkets, and cafes in the area. If you're looking for a place to stay, there are plenty of family-friendly hotels and apartments available for rent.

Best area for:

• Families

• Beach lovers

• Great area for kids

Things to do in North Ward 

One of the absolute must-do activities in North Ward is visiting the Museum of Underwater Art. It's super unique, and the underwater sculptures are certainly impressive. You can explore them either by scuba diving or by snorkeling, so take your pick!

Another popular activity is hiking up Castle Hill for sunset. The views are breathtaking and you can easily pack a picnic, bring your loved ones, and enjoy a romantic evening or some quality family time.

Now, for all you foodies, check out Longboard Bar & Grill. It's located right by the beach, and the food is simple but delicious. They serve up great burgers and seafood, and the location is just perfect to hang out for a drink or two after dinner.

And last but definitely not least, make sure you spend some time at the beach in North Ward. Whether you want to soak up the sun or take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters, this area has it all.

Best hotels to stay in North Ward

($$$) Waters Edge The Strand

One of the best Townsville hotels is for sure Waters Edge The Strand in North Ward. It's a fantastic resort with a beautiful pool, spacious rooms and apartments, and an unbeatable location right by the beach.

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($$) Beach House Motel

If you're looking for a mid-range option, the Beach House Motel is a great choice and has a cozy boutique hotel vibe. Beach House Motel is also located right on The Strand and offers comfortable rooms with ocean views.

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($) Yongala Lodge by The Strand

Another charming option in North Ward is Yongala Lodge by The Strand. This small guesthouse has beautifully decorated rooms and a tranquil garden with a pool, perfect for relaxing after a day at the beach.

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($) Madison Ocean Breeze Apartments

If you're looking for a self-catering option, Madison Ocean Breeze Apartments is a great choice. They offer spacious apartments with fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities, perfect for families or longer stays.

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3. Where to stay in Townsville for budget travelers: South Townsville

If you're a budget traveler who wants to be in the heart of the action, South Townsville is the perfect choice!

You can stay within walking distance of the city center and the ferry port to catch a ride to Magnetic Island, all while enjoying better accommodation prices.

Not only does South Townsville offer great views, but it also boasts fantastic restaurants and bars. Plus, it's super easy to hop over to the city center whenever you feel like it.

Best area for:

• Budget travelers

• Couples

Things to do in South Townsville

South Townsville may not be as popular for tourists, but there are still some great things to do in this area.

One of the must-try restaurants is Bridgewater Restaurant. They serve up modern Australian cuisine and offer a romantic atmosphere with stunning views overlooking Ross Creek.

For animal lovers, I recommend taking a trip to the Billabong Wildlife Sanctuary. It's a fantastic place to get up close and personal with some of Australia's most iconic animals, including koalas, kangaroos, and crocodiles.

Another fantastic day trip from Townsville is to Paluma Range National Park, where you can stay at the amazing Hidden Valley Cabins. It's the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with nature.

Best hotels to stay in South Townsville

($$$) Grand Hotel and Apartments Townsville

One of the best hotels in South Townsville is the Grand Hotel and Apartments Townsville. They offer modern and spacious apartments with kitchenettes, a pool, and a gym.

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($$) Oaks Townsville Gateway Suites

A little more affordable, but still with great amenities, are the Oaks Townsville Gateway Suites. They have self-catering apartments, with some apartments sleeping up to 10 guests, making it perfect for groups or families.

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($$) Park Regis Anchorage

Great value for money can be found at Park Regis Anchorage, a hotel with comfortable rooms and apartments, a pool, and an on-site restaurant. It's also located within walking distance of the Magnetic Island ferry port.

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($) The Palmer Collective

My favorite budget-friendly stay in South Townsville is The Palmer Collective. This stylish hotel offers modern rooms, a pool, and even a spa for a super affordable price.

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Where to stay in Townsville – Frequently Asked Questions

🏖️ What is Townsville famous for?

Townsville is mainly famous for being the gateway to Magnetic Island, but it has some of its own charm too! The Strand is a popular place, offering a perfect blend of sandy beaches, recreational parks, and a variety of dining options overlooking the Coral Sea. You'll find some fantastic bars and cafes, along with affordable hotels and some amazing museums.

🚗 How do I get to Townsville?

You can fly directly into Townsville Airport from major cities in Australia such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. There are also direct flights from some regional airports. If you're driving, Townsville is easily accessible via the A1 Highway. You can also take a bus to get here. And if you're coming from Magnetic Island, there are regular ferry services (SeaLink) between the two.

☀️ When is the best time to visit Townsville?

The best time to visit Townsville is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. The weather is pleasant, and there is less chance of rain. However, if you're interested in whale watching, the best time to visit is between June and September when humpback whales can be spotted off the coast.

Where to stay in Townsville – Final Words

Townsville is one of those places that often gets overlooked, but it shouldn't be! The town is compact but has some great things to explore while also being the gateway to the beautiful Magnetic Island.

Staying in either central Townsville, North Ward, or South Townsville will give you easy access to all the fun activities and sights this city has to offer.

The resorts and hotels here offer amazing value for money. From my experience, I can confidently say that Townsville is definitely a great place to visit when it comes to getting the most out of your money traveling along Australia's East Coast.

So, that's the end of my guide on where to stay in Townsville, and I genuinely hope it helps you plan your trip to this underrated gem of a city. Wherever you choose to stay, I'm sure you'll have a great time in Townsville!