Townsville is North Queensland's largest city, sitting on the coast roughly 1,350km north of Brisbane — a full-day drive, or a short flight. It's a genuine port city with a working harbour, a university town home to James Cook University, and the mainland gateway to Magnetic Island and the northern Great Barrier Reef.
Sailing has been confirmed for Townsville as part of the Brisbane 2032 Delivery Plan — a natural fit for a city whose whole geography, from the harbour to Cleveland Bay, is built around the water.
What to See & Do
Castle Hill
A 286m pink granite monolith rising straight out of the city — walk, drive or cycle up for sweeping views across Townsville, Cleveland Bay and Magnetic Island.
The Strand
A 2.2km beachfront promenade with swimming enclosures, water parks, and some of the best sunset views on the North Queensland coast.
Museum of Underwater Art
Australia's first underwater museum — snorkel or dive to see coral-growing sculptures just off Magnetic Island and John Brewer Reef.
Magnetic Island
A short ferry ride to bushwalking trails, wild koalas, and some of the most laid-back beaches in Queensland — easily a full day trip, or longer.
Townsville's Olympic Role
Townsville is confirmed to host Olympic and Paralympic sailing events for Brisbane 2032 — bringing international competition to Cleveland Bay and giving North Queensland a direct stake in the Games, more than 1,000km from the main venue cluster.
Traditional Owners
Planning a North Queensland trip?
Get in touch and we'll help plan a Townsville visit — on its own, or paired with a Brisbane 2032 Games trip.
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