Car Rental Townsville Airport

Land at Townsville Airport and get ready to explore tropical North Queensland, where adventure awaits in every direction. This guide will give you a rundown of the many natural wonders Townsville and its surrounding area has to offer. 

Welcome to Townsville, a coastal paradise of Northern Australia. In this sun-soaked city, you can explore the bustling beachfront, enchanting rainforest, secluded island and more, all in the comfort of a Thrifty rental car. Let’s dive into Townsville! 

The Strand: The Beachfront Wonderland 

Stretching 2.2km along the Coral Sea, The Strand is Townsville’s vibrant esplanade. Here, you’ll be accompanied by palm trees, playgrounds and plenty of spots for a swim or stroll.  Cool off at the Strand Rockpool, enjoy fresh seafood at a waterfront café, or simply soak up the views of Magnetic Island across the water. 

Castle Hill: Townsville With a View 

Take a five-minute drive to  Castle Hill, the iconic pink granite monolith with the best views of the city. Whether you’re here to watch the sunrise or sunset, take in the view of the city or coast, you’ll have plenty of walking tracks to choose from, and one unforgettable experience/ 

Magnetic Island: The Alluring Island 

Jump on an easy 20 minute ferry from Townsville to Magnetic Island. This small island is home to 23 stunning bays, snorkeling trails, and a large wild koala population, making it an ideal spot for a day trip, overnight stay, or extended getaway. Swim in secluded coves, snorkel the fringing reefs at Nelly Bay or Geoffrey Bay, and take on the Forts Walk, where you’ll find breathtaking ocean views and koalas dozing in the treetops. For an unforgettable island escape that’s close to Townsville, there’s nowhere else like it. 

Beyond Townsville 

Paluma Range National Park: A Rainforest Retreat 

Take a scenic 1.5-hour drive north to Paluma Range National Park in Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Take a swim in the crystal-clear rock pools of Little Crystal Creek, surrounded by a picturesque stone bridge from the 1930s, or Big Crystal Creek and Paradise Waterhole. Walk up to McClellands Lookout for a panoramic view of the area, spot cassowaries and Ulysses butterflies and wander through ancient rainforest walking trails. Whatever brings you here, you’re guaranteed an adventure. 

Charters Towers: A Step Back in Time  

Take a 1.5-hour drive west to Charters Towers, a historic gold rush town. Wander through the well-preserved 19th-century architecture in the town centre, pan for gold at The Miner's Cottage, or delve into history at the Venus Gold Battery, where you can take a guided tour of one of Australia’s oldest surviving gold mills. As the sun sets, drive up to Towers Hill Lookout for sweeping views of the countryside.  If you’re feeling adventurous, stick around for the Towers Hill Open-Air Cinema, where eerie ghost stories bring the town’s rich history to life. 

Wallaman Falls: Australia’s Tallest Waterfall 

For a spectacular display of nature, take a two-hour drive north to Wallaman Falls, the tallest single-drop waterfall in Australia. Located in Girringun National Park, this incredible cascade plunges 268 metres down a sheer cliff into the lush rainforest below. Take in the breathtaking view from the lookout platform, or lace up your hiking boots and tackle the Djyinda Walk, a challenging trail that leads to the base of the falls, where you’ll feel the sheer power of the water up close. With its UNESCO-listed rainforest, abundant wildlife, and cool mountain air, Wallaman Falls is simply unmissable. 

Explore Townsville, Thrifty-Style 

From beaches to the bush, Townsville has a beauty that’s hard to beat. With a Thrifty rental car, you can travel from one unforgettable spot to the next, without breaking the bank. Book yours today and get ready to travel this North Queensland wonderland with ease.