Lifestyle and recreation

City living without the congestion—Townsville offers the perfect balance of convenience, lifestyle and space.

With its relaxed tropical climate, vibrant dining and entertainment scene, and strong sporting culture, Townsville delivers a dynamic yet easy-going lifestyle rarely found in larger cities. Whether it’s weekend markets, waterfront dining along The Strand, or cheering on local sporting teams, there’s always something to enjoy.

Surrounded by some of Australia’s most iconic natural attractions, Townsville is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, tropical islands, lush rainforests and World Heritage-listed national parks. From sailing and snorkelling to hiking and exploring, outdoor adventure is part of everyday life.

Modern, connected and highly liveable, Townsville invites you to experience the very best of North Queensland—where career opportunity meets an exceptional lifestyle.

Education

Townsville offers a comprehensive and high-quality education landscape, with a wide range of options spanning early childhood through to tertiary study and professional development. The region supports thousands of students across more than 100 schools, along with two university campuses, TAFE and specialised training providers, ensuring clear pathways from school to career.

Whether you're seeking outstanding schooling for your children or looking to advance your own career through vocational training or university study, Townsville provides accessible, flexible and well-regarded education opportunities in a supportive regional setting.

Universities

Townsville University Hospital is located adjacent to one of Australia's leading institutions, James Cook University (JCU). Ranked among the world's top universities and in the top 2% globally, JCU is internationally recognised for excellence in teaching, research and real-world impact.

JCU is ranked #1 in Australia for median graduate salary for international graduates and #1 in Queensland for full-time employment outcomes, reflecting its strong focus on producing job-ready graduates. With a five-star rating for teaching and employability, and global recognition for partnerships and impact, JCU offers an outstanding environment to work, study and collaborate.

The hospital campus is also within a short 20-minute commute of CQUniversity, a five-star rated institution recognised for excellence in teaching, employability, facilities and student support.

Together, these universities provide access to world-class degrees, cutting-edge research, and a wide range of sport, lifestyle and professional development opportunities.

Schools

Townsville and the wider North Queensland region offer a comprehensive and high-quality education network, with more than 100 schools across the region and over 200 schooling options when broader North Queensland centres are included. This provides families with extensive choice across government, Catholic and independent sectors, from early learning through to senior secondary and boarding pathways.

In Townsville alone, families can access a strong mix of well-regarded schools, many recognised for their academic outcomes, student support and co-curricular excellence. Leading independent and private options include Townsville Grammar School, The Cathedral School of St Anne & St James, St Patrick's College (girls, boarding) and Ignatius Park College (boys) all known for their strong academic focus, leadership development and broad extracurricular programs including sport, arts and STEM.

Boarding opportunities are also a standout feature of the region, with schools such as St Patrick's College and The Cathedral School attracting students from across rural, remote and international communities due to their high-quality facilities, structured academic support and strong pastoral care.

Across the region, schools place a strong emphasis on student wellbeing, community connection and real-world learning. Combined with access to outstanding sporting, cultural and outdoor recreation opportunities, North Queensland provides the ideal environment for children to thrive, delivering a balanced lifestyle while supporting confident, capable learners.

Childcare

Townsville offers a broad range of childcare and early learning options, with dozens of centres located across the city and surrounding suburbs, and many more available throughout the wider North Queensland region. Families can choose from long day care, family day care, kindergarten programs and outside school hours care, ensuring flexible solutions to suit a variety of work and lifestyle needs.

Early learning providers in the region are known for their high-quality, play‑based education programs that support children's cognitive, social and emotional development from infancy through to school age. Many centres also offer Queensland Government‑approved kindergarten programs delivered by qualified early childhood teachers, helping children transition confidently into formal schooling.

With strong availability, flexible options and a focus on quality early childhood education, Townsville provides a supportive and affordable environment for young families.

Sports, entertainment, and culture

Townsville has firmly established itself as a vibrant hub for sport, arts and live entertainment, with a growing calendar of major events attracting national and international audiences.

At the heart of the action is the Queensland Country Bank Stadium which is a state‑of‑the‑art, centrally located venue with a capacity of over 25,000 and room for future expansion. Since opening in 2020, it has hosted high-profile State of Origin clashes, North Queensland Cowboys NRL games and major international fixtures, alongside headline concerts featuring global artists such as P!NK, Guns N' Roses and Foo Fighters, following its opening performance by Elton John.

Beyond the stadium, Townsville's events calendar continues to expand, reinforcing its reputation as the events capital of the north. Signature events include the NTI Townsville 500 Supercars Championship and the North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA), a dynamic celebration of arts, culture and community featuring hundreds of performances across music, theatre and visual arts.

From large-scale sporting spectacles and music festivals to community events, markets and cultural celebrations throughout the year, entertainment is always close at hand. Whether you're a sports fan, music lover or arts enthusiast, Townsville delivers a rich and diverse cultural scene that punches well above its size.

Lifestyle

If you're seeking beaches, islands and rainforest adventures, Townsville places you at the gateway to some of North Queensland's most iconic natural experiences. With easy access to coastline, hinterland and World Heritage‑listed environments, an exceptional outdoors lifestyle is part of everyday life.

Just minutes from the CBD, you'll find a variety of coastal experiences to suit every lifestyle. The Strand, Townsville's award‑winning waterfront promenade, offers a vibrant stretch of beach, dining and recreational space only a short drive from the city centre. Nearby Rowes Bay provides quieter, dog‑friendly beachfront access, while Bushland Beach and Saunders Beach offer relaxed coastal living, weekend markets, fishing and camping within a short drive.

Beyond the mainland, Magnetic Island - located just 20 minutes by ferry - delivers a true tropical island experience. Home to over 20 bays and beaches and surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef, the island offers hiking trails, snorkelling, diving and one of Australia's largest wild koala populations. It's a destination equally suited to day trips or extended stays, combining natural beauty with an established community and tourism infrastructure.

For freshwater escapes, Crystal Creek provides a stunning rainforest setting less than an hour from the city, featuring waterfalls, rock pools and family‑friendly swimming areas. A little further afield, the Hinchinbrook region is home to Wallaman Falls, Australia's highest permanent single‑drop waterfall, along with the TYTO Wetlands - offering world‑class birdwatching and nature experiences.

For those interested in history and outback exploration, destinations such as Hughenden, part of the famous Australian Dinosaur Trail, showcase North Queensland's unique geological heritage and add another dimension to weekend travel options.

Whether it's snorkelling offshore reefs, hiking through tropical rainforests, fishing along the coast or exploring regional towns, Townsville offers unparalleled access to natural wonders - all within easy reach. It's a lifestyle defined by accessibility, variety and the ability to truly enjoy the outdoors year‑round.

See everything that the Townsville Hospital and Health Service region has to offer

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