Australia For Visitors > Townsville, QLD

Townsville
Queensland

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Townsville is the third largest city in the state of Queensland and is the first really tropical city that you see as you travel up north up the Queensland coast.


Townsville CBD, Castle Rock image

Townsville CBD with Castle Rock in the background
(as seen from Museum of Tropical Queensland)



Founded in 1864, Townsville still has some impressive 19th century architecture for the walker to see.

For a good view of the city and of the ocean beyond, you should climb up Castle Hill.

Another excellent view may be had from The Strand, a long beachfront road running around the edge of Cleveland Bay. The Strand has a beach, lots of palms and figtrees, gardens, and views out to Magnetic Island.

At the eastern end of The Strand is a marina; at the western end is Kissing Point with a saltwater swimming pool.

Some of Townsville's attractions include:
- the Reef HQ
- the Museum of Tropical Queensland
- the Maritime Museum

Townsville is the main departure point for Magnetic Island, a beautiful island about 8 km offshore from the city. Magnetic Island was named by Captain James Cook who found his compass giving problems when he sailed past in 1770.

These days Townsville is an important trans-shipment point for the agricultural and mining products from the interior of northern Queensland. It also has an important armed forces base and is the site of the James Cook University.



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Author: David Paul Wagner
(David Paul Wagner on Google+)






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