Lifestyle and recreation

Townsville’s education opportunities are second-to-none. There are a wide-range of options catering to school-aged children or taking steps to advance your career through TAFE or university study.

Universities

Townsville University Hospital is located next to one of Australia's leading universities,  James Cook University. Ranked in the world's top 300 universities by the Academic Ranking of World Universities, we can think of no better city to work and study. The hospital campus is also a short 20-minute commute to the five-star CQUniversity.

Both Universities offer a range of world-class degrees, sport and recreation options and research opportunities.

Schools

Boasting nearly 60 schools in Townsville alone, and several schooling options across each regional town, there is no shortage of primary, secondary and boarding options in the North Queensland region. With a laser-sharp focus on education and a great mix of sporting and recreation opportunities available, your children will love learning in the tropics.

Childcare

In Townsville, families have access to more than 180 childcare services, which provide all-day or part-time care for families and offer developmental programs for the little ones. Families will also have access to the Child Care Subsidy, which may assist with the cost of child care. More information on the subsidy can be found here. 

There has been a groundswell of support for local arts, entertainment, sports and culture in accord with the region’s growth. The end result, brining big names and big events to the tropics.

You'll have the best seats in the house at Townsville's 25,000 seat multi-purpose Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Nestled into the CBD, this centrally located stadium has housed everything from roaring State of Origin games - often regarded as the toughest, most demanding contest in Rugby League - to North Queensland Cowboy rugby league home games and major entertainment events, with everyone from Elton John to UFC hosting events here.

Entertainment is never far away, with concerts, musicals, festivals and comedy routinely happening across the city. Notable recurring events include Groovin' The Moo Music Festival, Australian Festival of Chamber Music, Townsville 500 Supercars Championship, North Australian Festival of Arts, Australian Italian Festival and more.

If it's beaches, islands and rainforest adventures you are after, you've come to one of the most idyllic places on the northern coast.

• The Strand – 6-minute drive from CBD. A beautiful stretch of beach.
• Rowes Bay – 8-minute drive from CBD. Regular and dog-friendly beaches.
• Bushland Beach – 25-minute drive from CBD. Stunning locality, Sunday Markets and beach.
• Saunders Beach – 32-minute drive from CBD. Great land fishing and overnight camping.
• Magnetic Island –  20-minute ferry from the Townsville Breakwater ferry terminal. A stunning island with 23 beautiful bays and beaches, Northern Australia's largest colony of koalas + access to Great Barrier Reef.
• Crystal Creek – 45-minute drive from CBD. A stunning, family-friendly waterfall close to our city.
• Hughenden – four-hour drive from CBD. Home to the famous Australian Fossil Trail.
• Ingham/Hinchinbrook Way – One-hour from CBD. Home to Wallaman Waterfall (the highest, permanent, single-drop waterfall in Australia) and the TYTO Wetlands.

Townsville is not short on accessible, natural wonders, with everything from beaches to islands and world-recognised dive spots on your doorstep.

• Visit Townsville - Things to Do & Planning Your Trip | Queensland
• Eight Natural Wonders In & Around Townsville | Queensland
• The Perfect 5 Day Townsville Holiday Itinerary | Queensland
• Australian Dinosaur Trail | Visit Hughenden

Explore an island 20 minutes from the CBD via ferry

Magnetic Island is a paradise for both families and solo adventurers. Explore, hike, eat and enjoy yourself on an island that is as connected as it is beautiful. Regular whale watching tours are also conducted during migration season for those who want a majestic experience above the water. For those wanting to explore the depth there are a multitude of snorkelling and diving opportunities around Magnetic Island; with a dedicated snorkel trail that takes you alongside the WW2 Moltke shipwreck via beaches accessible by foot or vehicle.

• Best Things to Do On Magnetic Island Near Townsville | Queensland