Townsville
Townsville is a base for the central Great Barrier Reef, with a red granite lookout, a long beachfront strip and an island a ferry ride away.
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Townsville is the largest settlement in North Queensland, on the state's north-eastern coast. The city lies on Cleveland Bay, about 1,350 km north of Brisbane and 350 km south of Cairns, close to the central section of the Great Barrier Reef. Castle Hill, a red granite hill about 286 m high, rises above the city, and its summit lookout looks out over the bay. The Strand, a long tropical beach and garden strip, is the city's most popular park.
It suits travelers who want a working city with reef access and museums. The Museum of Tropical Queensland covers natural history and shows relics from HMS Pandora, and Flinders Street has many well-preserved 19th and early 20th century buildings. Magnetic Island, about 8 km offshore, is reached by ferry from Townsville. Winters are mostly dry, with blue skies and warm days. The wet season runs roughly November to April, and cyclones usually affect the city between December and April.
Townsville in five
- Time the balloon fiestaThe Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta runs in early October and books rooms months ahead. Reserve early or choose another week if you want quiet.Balloon Fiesta
- Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway at clear hoursThe tram climbs the mountain east of the city, with city views and trails at the top. Check operating hours and weather before you go, since high winds can close it.Sandia Peak Tramway
- Eat green chileNew Mexico chile, red or green, appears on many menus. Ask for "Christmas" to try both on one plate.
- Plan for the altitude and dry airThe city sits at about 5,300 feet (1,620 m). Drink water, use sunscreen and take it easy on the first day.
- Check entry rules before you book into the SunportVisa Waiver Program passports need an approved ESTA before boarding, and other passports need a visa. Confirm which applies to you before you buy a fare.Visa checker
Need to know
- Airport
- Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), about 10 min to downtown by car
- Getting there
- Fly into ABQ; drive from Santa Fe in about 1 hour
- Getting around
- Car or rideshare; the ABQ RIDE bus network
- Best base
- Old Town, downtown or Nob Hill
- Time needed
- 2 days; 3 to 4 with Santa Fe
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuaryCold, sun
- FebruaryCool, dry
- MarchWindy, spring
- AprilMild, spring
- MayWarm, dry
- JuneHot, dry
- JulyHot, monsoon
- AugustHot, monsoon
- SeptemberWarm, clear
- OctoberBalloon Fiesta
- NovemberCool, clear
- DecemberCold, luminarias
Right now in Townsville
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
25
- Feels like
- 27°
- Humidity
- 83%
- Wind
- 10 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 19%
Townsville
06:37 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today29°25°19%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 19%.
- Wed29°25°6%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 6%.
- Thu30°25°2%Thursday: Cloudy. High 30°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Fri31°24°0%Friday: Partly cloudy. High 31°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sat30°23°2%Saturday: Partly cloudy. High 30°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Sun31°25°4%Sunday: Clear. High 31°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 4%.
Updated 06:22 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 1.423 AUD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Santa Feabout 1 hour by carAdobe plaza, museums and galleries; the Rail Runner also runs on its current schedule.Read the guide
- Taosabout 2.5 to 3 hours by carA high-desert town with a historic pueblo and art galleries.Read the guide
- Acoma Puebloabout 1 hour by carA mesa-top Native community; tours run on set schedules.
Before you go to Townsville
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Rules for Townsville, checked
- Every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authority to enter. Check whether your passport uses the ETA app or eVisitor before you book.Source
- Declare all food, plant and animal products in your arrival declaration, since Australia restricts many of them at the border.Source
- Do not touch, stand on or take coral, shells or other reef life in the Marine Park, and follow your operator's snorkelling and diving rules.Source
- Dial 000 for police, fire or an ambulance anywhere in Australia. Dial 112 also connects from a mobile.
Plan around Townsville
Parks, cities and the rules every visitor needs
Read the guideFlagstaffA mountain town and Grand Canyon gateway, west on I-40
Read the guideEl PasoA border city on the road south
Read the guideBryce CanyonHoodoos in Utah, a long drive but a classic stop
Read the guideESTA, explainedWho needs it, the fee and how to apply
Read the guideTownsville FAQ
How many days do you need in Albuquerque?
Two days cover Old Town, the Sandia tram and a green chile meal. Add a day for Santa Fe or Acoma Pueblo. During the balloon fiesta, plan an early morning at the launch field.
Is Albuquerque worth visiting?
Yes, if you like Southwest food, mountain views and Route 66. It works best as a base for Santa Fe, pueblos and the Sandias rather than as a long-stay city.
When is the best time to visit Albuquerque?
April to May and September to October. Early October brings the balloon fiesta and crowds; July and August are hot with monsoon storms.
Do you need a car in Albuquerque?
Yes for most trips. The city is spread out, and day trips to Santa Fe, Taos and pueblos are easier by car. Old Town and Nob Hill are walkable once you are there.
Is Albuquerque safe for tourists?
Visitors usually stick to Old Town, downtown and Nob Hill. Like any big city, stay alert at night and avoid leaving valuables in a parked car.