Townsville

ECO Certified Destination (Nature Tourism) since 2024.

Townsville is home to sprawling biodiversity and a passionate community with fascinating stories to tell.

Townsville provides the opportunity to explore diverse and captivating internationally-significant environments all in the span of a day. Connecting these landscapes is a diverse network of dry tropical savanna grasslands and woodlands consisting of unique Australian fauna and flora. Townsville is the Southernmost gateway to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and is situated on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Boasting 300 days of sunshine, Townsville is the largest regional centre in Northern Australia, and leaders in marine science and sustainability – defining the future through innovation to find a balance with nature. A vibrant regional city nestled in natural environments make it the perfect place for exploration – from hiking, swimming, snorkelling and diving; this is place for curious explorers to connect and learn about the urious explorers to connect and learnatural world. The diversity of experiences – both guided and self-discovered – are endless from outback adventures to luxury island getaways, tropical rainforests, to vitally important wetlands. Indulge your seeker spirit, and discover something unexpected.

About the community

The Townsville population boasts a large mix of cultures, nationalities and demographics. It is a place where people from all walks of life come together and celebrate their heritage and stories.
The local First Nations People share important knowledge and these stories can be discovered across the urban and natural landscape. Townsville continues to grow an environmental culture and community which frequently run exciting events, functions & ceremonies.

Townsville, as a destination is the centrepiece of a rich, diverse and deep cultural history, especially belonging to the areas two Indigenous Nations (both undergoing Native Title Claims currently); Gurambilbarra Wulgurukaba People (North of Townsville CBD) and Bindal People (South of Townsville CBD).

Local first nations groups and local initiatives encourage the development of positive relationships and bridging any gaps in the local community. A major component in tourism and local initiatives emphasises the sharing and amplifying of indigenous cultural heritage, history, stories, artworks and more. Townsville have public artworks located throughout the urban landscape that tell the story of the ancient ‘connection to country’ which the Traditional Owners retain despite the impact of non-Aboriginal settlement in the area. There are multiple areas with immeasurable cultural and spiritual values that Townsville as a destination seeks to protect and conserve.

Sustainability Commitment

Townsville is home to several ethically and environmentally responsible, wildlife conservation and tourism businesses who are dedicated in creating a balanced city of the future which provides opportunities to sustainably showcase the best it has to offer.

As a destination, Townsville is continuously building a circular economy which supports and connects local business, groups and organisations. The Support Local Program encourages local buying, capacity building and expertise which helps keep carbon emissions low, business support high, and increasing the resilience of the community. Multiple programs are available to locals and business to help them become and remain sustainable in waste, water, transport and energy. An example of this is the Plastic Free Townsville program which assists cafes, restaurants, bars and venues in reducing or eliminating their single-use plastic waste.

Council and community support local projects that have sustainability at the forefront of operations. Seeking different ways of doing business-as-usual is bringing innovative groups and individuals together to achieve wonders that are in line with global best practices. Some local projects include:

Sustainability at events

• Townsville’s long list of events have demonstrated a significant economic and social injection into the region.
• Local business have supported a wide variety of big and small events and are making large strides in creating new event experiences to support Arts & Culture. Townsville is taking steps to reduce the environmental footprint of events including initiatives that reduce energy, waste and water, championed by a range of event organisers, stallholders and exhibitors.

Lessons on ecology and pollinators

• Three for Bees is a partnership project between Townsville City Council, Townsville & District Beekeepers, and the broader community aimed at building awareness and stewardship within the community and contributing towards increasing native and honeybee populations. The revamped garden beds are a living, breathing, small-scale ecosystem for plants, which attracts bees, ladybugs, worms, snails and microbes.

Learnscapes through many habitats

• Learnscapes are places with visitor infrastructure and educational experiences that enable visitors to learn about diverse ecosystems and local stories. There is a network found across Townsville regions from the Town Common Wetlands, to misty Paluma Village in the rainforest, signs help guide our visitors.

Sun protection

The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area is on the doorstep to Townsville’s foreshore. Some sunscreens can damage the reef, so choose natural sunscreen and apply it half an hour before swimming.