Head north along the Queensland coastline and you’ll eventually find yourself in sunny Townsville, a buzzing city in North Queensland. With a smorgasbord of stunning natural beauty, a thriving arts scene and rich cultural heritage, Townsville has that perfect blend of outdoor adventures and regional charm. As a major educational hub, it also has excellent opportunities for students who are seeking a high-quality education in an inspiring environment.
Where is Townsville?
Located in North Queensland, Townsville is 1,350 kilometres north of Brisbane. This modern coastal city merges a laid-back lifestyle with all the conveniences of a bigger city. Perfectly placed between the Great Barrier Reef and the Outback, Townsville is a picturesque spot where the sun shines all year round, making it a popular destination for those travelling to regional Queensland.
Townsville is easily accessible by road, air and water. The city is serviced by Townsville Airport, which has regular domestic flights to major centres around Australia. If you’re travelling by road, Townsville is connected by the Bruce Highway, a major highway that runs along the Queensland coast. The drive from Brisbane to Townsville takes approximately 16 hours, so make sure to split it up over a few days and enjoy the many sights along the way. Long-distance bus services also operate routes to and from Townsville.
In the city itself, Townsville’s public transport system includes an extensive network of buses operated by Translink, which covers the entire city and Magnetic Island too. There are also taxis and rideshare services you can take advantage of. But best of all, Townsville’s well-maintained roads and walking paths make it easy to navigate by bike or on foot.
As the gateway to some of Australia’s most iconic natural attractions, people flock to Townsville in order to visit the Great Barrier Reef, Magnetic Island and the Wet Tropics rainforest. These natural wonders, combined with Townsville’s fantastic facilities, should appeal to students who are thinking about studying here.
Study in Townsville
In Townsville you’ll be able to study at high-quality learning institutions like James Cook University (JCU), which is a leading higher education provider, particularly in areas like marine biology, environmental science, tropical health and medicine.
In addition to JCU, Central Queensland University (CQU) has a campus in the Townsville CBD offering a range of courses to international students and there is also a TAFE Queensland campus, and other private registered training and vocational education providers. If you’re more interested in the hands-on side of learning, then a range of vocational education and training courses can be studied in the city. Townsville also has several primary and secondary schools, and you can take your pick of either public or private schools.
Studying in Townsville is a way for both local and international students to grow as people and set themselves on the path to success in their chosen field. With some outstanding educational institutions as well as a supportive learning community, you will enjoy a well-rounded and enriching student experience.
What to do in Townsville
The Townsville region is brimming with activities and attractions for everyone. From iconic landmarks to outdoor adventures in the Great Barrier Reef, there are plenty of Townsville experiences to discover.
Unmissable attractions
The Townsville region has several must-see attractions that highlight its natural beauty – starting with The Strand, which is a popular beachfront promenade with stunning views, water parks and picnic spots. Turn around and you’ll see Castle Hill towering above you. Head up top and you’ll get panoramic views of the city and Cleveland Bay.
Island getaways and aquatic fun
For aquatic adventures, head to Magnetic Island, just a short ferry ride from Townsville. The island has sun-drenched beaches, picture-perfect snorkelling spots and plenty of walking trails. Water sport lovers can enjoy diving, fishing and sailing here too. A little further out to sea, the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) is an iconic attraction, located on the beautiful John Brewer Reef, the MOUA provides divers and snorkellers an incredible experience. In addition, the Great Barrier Reef's many tropical islands, which are easily accessible from Townsville, have unmatched diving and marine life experiences.
Nature and wildlife
If you love getting out into nature and national parks, you’ll find plenty to explore in Townsville. The Billabong Sanctuary has close encounters with native Australian wildlife, while Anderson Park is great for a relaxing stroll around the Botanic Gardens. The Paluma Range National Park is packed with lush rainforests, waterfalls, swimming holes and hiking trails. Then there’s the Riverway complex along the Ross River for parklands, swimming lagoons, walking tracks and more.
Dining and bars
From waterfront dining at The Strand to trendy cafes in the city centre, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste buds in the Townsville region. Enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants across the city. Get out at night to experience the city’s nightlife at lively bars and pubsor settle in for an evening stroll along the water with a bite to eat.
Living in Townsville
Living in Townsville is synonymous with affordable living, excellent healthcare and outdoor adventures. That’s why so many people find it’s the perfect place to live, work and study. You’ll find a friendly community of locals, a diverse population, year-round sunshine, as well as proximity to other fantastic parts of the country like the Whitsundays and Charters Towers.
If you’re looking for a relaxed lifestyle on North Queensland’s coast, then there’s no better place to study than Townsville.