You’ve touched down in Queensland’s northeast paradise of Townsville, picked up your Thrifty rental car keys from the airport branch, and so now’s the time to get out on the road and onto a thrilling holiday. The gateway to a wide range of exciting nature activities and pristine coastal landscapes, Townsville is your one-stop-shop for all things action and adventure. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get exploring with this Thrifty Guide to Townsville!

Discover Townsville’s History

As beautiful as Townsville is on the surface, scratch a little beneath that and you’ll discover a treasured and rich history hiding within the city. Townsville holds a history that stretches back tens of thousands of years, with the Bindal and Wulgurukaba People being the Traditional Owners and custodians of the region, and the first people to have lived in the Townsville area. Prepare to be taken back in time at Townsville’s Jezzine Barracks/Garabarra, a historic site of cultural significance to both the Australian military and local Indigenous people. It’s not just a history lesson you’ll get here from wandering around the Barracks and the old Kissing Point Fort complex - you’ll also be delivered stunning views of the sweeping coastline as the oceans dips out toward the horizon. This space is also an important site to the Traditional Owners of Garabarra, the Wulgurukaba people. The history of the Garabarra stretches far back before non-Aboriginal settlement of the area, with Garabarra being the centre of a common food foraging area. The importance of Garabarra has been commemorated through traditional plantings along the ethno-botanical walk. Take a stroll - or a power walk or jog, if you’re feeling like a challenge - along the boardwalk and take in the amazing sights as they sit alongside this treasured history. The Queensland Museum Tropics is a must-visit hub of eclectic displays of life in North Queensland. The rotating exhibitions are a day’s worth of fun, and better yet, entry is always free. For a slice of contemporary history and culture, make sure to check out the free exhibitions at the Townsville City Art Galleries. Who knows - you might just discover Townsville’s next big artist!

Relax by the Water

You haven’t seen anything of Townsville yet until you visit the city’s crowning glory: The Strand. This two and a half kilometre walkway and water park is nestled into the coast of Townsville, just minutes from the city centre. If you’re partial to a morning jog, this walkway is a runner’s paradise, with sweeping views that stretch out and across to Magnetic Island. From ocean waves to dip your toes in or rock pools to try for a plunge, there’s a million and one ways to get amongst the water at The Strand. The area’s water park is also a hot spot for when it gets too hot outside. For more ways to cool down in this tropical pocket of the North Queensland coast, make your way to the Riverway. A riverfront parkland located just a twenty minute drive from the city’s centre, Riverway offers a combination of play areas for little ones, lush grassy patches to relax on, and some epic Riverway Lagoons that are just screaming out for you to take a dip in. If hanging out on wide expanses of silky sand and having the ocean waves tickle your toes is more your kind of vibe, make sure to check out some of Townsville’s brilliant beaches. Pallarenda Park Beach and Shelly Beach are two of the region’s most popular spots to get some ocean time on your holiday.

Explore the Natural Side

You can’t spend time in Townsville without taking a journey through the city and out toward the region’s tropical side of life. This area is the gateway to some epic times in the natural playground that is a home around this city. You don’t need to venture far with your first adventure. Right in the heart of the CBD, you’ll find a giant pink granite monolith that offers the most spectacular views of the city and its surroundings. Castle Hill is the perfect hill climb, no matter your hiking abilities, and is a great way to start your nature exploring close to the city. When you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, make sure to check out Paluma Range National Park. While a bit further of a drive at about an hour away from Townsville, this national park is the southern gateway to the wet tropics of Queensland world heritage area. Between waterfalls at Jourama Falls and majestic rainforests at Mount Spec, this slice of tropical paradise stretches far and wide with endless activities for thrilling adventures over this incredible region. Strap up those laces, pack some refreshments, and get going on some out-of-this world hikes through lush rainforest and vivid bushland. 

From relaxing by the water on the beach to relaxing by waterfalls in rainforest, adventure isn’t hard to come by in this corner of North Queensland. Experience all the best of what Townsville has to offer in your Thrifty rental car.