Townsville, Queensland

Townsville, Queensland

Australia

Dive into the Great Barrier Reef's pristine waters just minutes from shore to witness the world's most spectacular underwater wonderland.

Currency Australian Dollar (AUD)
Language English
Time Zone AEST (UTC+10)
Best Time to Visit Feb–Apr
Typical Duration 16-43 nights
Price Range From $2,556 pp
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port No

Gateway to Australia's Great Barrier Reef and tropical North Queensland, offering access to pristine coral ecosystems and vibrant marine life.

Cruises that visit Townsville, Queensland

Build Your Day in Townsville, Queensland

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Strand Park Picturesque spot for swimming & picnics Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 6k
Castle Hill Lookout Granite monolith with scenic city views Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 4k
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Famous destination for scenic snorkeling National park · ★ 4.7 · 4k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Mon
Townsville Shopping Centre Massive range of shops, clean food court. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 4k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Willows Shopping Centre Townsville A great variety of shops, and a good food court. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 3k Closed · Opens 10 AM
The Ville Resort-Casino Lively casino resort with marina views Hotel · ★ 4.2 · 3k
The Watermark Townsville The best service food and atmosphere in Townsville. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 3k Closed · Opens 6 AM
Castletown Easy access and parking great food court and variety of shops Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 3k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Billabong Sanctuary Animal sanctuary with native wildlife Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closed · Opens 9 AM
C Bar Refined waterside cafe for global dining Modern Australian · ★ 4.2 · 2k Closed · Opens 6 AM
Fairfield Central Shopping Centre Clean, ample shopping options, good parking. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 2k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Strand Rockpool Free public seawater swimming pool Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 2k Closed · Opens 9 AM
SeaLink North Queensland Onsite services Ferry service · ★ 4.5 · 2k
Longboard Bar & Grill Both meals were excellent and my friends loved their meals too. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 2k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
IMC Steak House The steaks were cooked to perfection, melted in our mouths. Steak · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Queensland Museum Tropics | Townsville Archaeology & natural history exhibits Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Lone Star Rib House Townsville Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 1k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Shorehouse Would highly recommend if you are after a special dinner in Townsville . Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 12 PM
The Commonwealth Hotel Pub with global fare & a beer garden Pub · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Cactus Jack's Western-themed locale for Tex-Mex food Mexican · ★ 4.2 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Jam Corner The food was amazing, service fantastic and attention to detail incredible. Modern Australian · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Pedlar Project Informal cafe for espresso & pastries Cafe · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 6 AM
Grill'd Townsville Stylish chain for flame-grilled burgers Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM
A Touch of Salt Visiting Townsville and found this restaurant from the Good Food Guide. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM
The Intersection Townsville Shopping Centre Older shopping centre and has the best Vietnamese restaurant Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 1k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Grandma's Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Cafe · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Quarterdeck Dine-in·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4 · 1k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Molly Malone's Irish Pub Lively Irish pub with a deck & music Irish pub · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 3 PM Tue
Magnetic Island National Park Quiet beaches & wooded walking paths National park · ★ 4.8 · 1k
City Arcade Good centre with a good variety of facilities and stores Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 1k Closed · Opens 9 AM
The Balcony Restaurant ... friendly atmosphere with excellent service and amazing food. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Domain Central Decent selection of shops, ample parking and food options Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Gyo Japanese Tapas Bar Restaurant Incredible food, very reasonably priced, great service. Japanese · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 5:30 PM Tue
Riverway Lagoons Swimming pool · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 6 AM
Shaw & Co. The Service, the food, the pairings and desserts, all exceptional. Steak · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 12 PM Mon
ANZAC Memorial Park Dogs allowed·Picnic tables·Playground Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Warrina Shopping Centre Good selection of retailers and ample parking even during busy periods Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Tide Cafe - Catering Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Cafe · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 5:30 AM
Lux Noir It's fabulous darling, treat yourself to an amazing dinner & show. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Tue
Townsville Brewing Co Posh pub food & beer in old post office Pub · ★ 4 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM Mon
The Beach Hotel Townsville Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Pub · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Rockpool Pavilion Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 3.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM
Kissing Point Fortification Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
The Spirited Goat ‘The Strand’ Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 AM
Empire Alternacade Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 PM
Bridgewater Q The food delicious, service on point and such a beautiful atmosphere. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Vitti Cafe on Gregory Dine-in·Takeout·No-contact delivery Cafe · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 AM
Happy Place Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Cafe · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 AM
BalaBite Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Takeout Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Hoi Polloi - Espresso Bar Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Espresso bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Copper Bar & Grill Townsville Dine-in·Takeout Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
City Lane Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
spicyheaven Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Levanti Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 AM
Polola The food was exceptional, the cocktails were amazing and the beer was cold. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM
Ardo Rooftop Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 3.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Hooch and Fellow Dine-in·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 PM Wed
Terasu 10/10 - Food, cocktails and service was outstanding. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM
Osk Bar Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM
Marmor Sensational food, thoughtful wine list, great service! Fine Dining · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM Tue
237 Flinders Street Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.1 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 PM Tue
Harbourfront Hotel Outstanding meals, and outstanding service. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Padoka Cafe Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Cafe · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM Mon
Restaurant 1889 at The Brewery Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 5:30 PM Fri
Little Sunshine & Co. Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Coffee shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 6:30 AM Mon
Maritime Museum of Townsville Local ship museum with diverse artifacts Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
The Big Townsville Sign Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
The Docks Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Bar · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM
The Strand Water Park Playground · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Secret beach Park · ★ 4.1 · 0k
North Ward Shopping Village Food outlets, a newsagent, Coles, bakery, Liquorland, dress shop etc. Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Goat Track Nature preserve · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Little Fletchers Dine-in·Takeout·No-contact delivery Restaurant · ★ 4 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Central Village Townsville Great food options and parking. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open 24 hours
Bistro Sol Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 AM
Private Dining By Steele Dine-in·Delivery·No takeout Fine Dining · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Townsville Stinger Net 1 Outdoor swimming pool · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Townsville Strand Waterfall Park · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Panorama Lookout Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Walker Street Steps Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k
The Vintage Bar Co Townsville Event management company · ★ 5 · 0k
Shelly Beach Beach · ★ 4 · 0k
Former Townsville Railway Station Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Townsville, Queensland

About Townsville, Queensland

Townsville, Queensland, has emerged as a vibrant cruise hub in Australia and New Zealand itineraries, with five major cruise lines including Viking Ocean Cruises, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, Seabourn, and Silversea regularly calling at this port. While primarily serving as a port of call rather than an embarkation point, Townsville welcomes 61 upcoming cruises, with most voyages spanning 16 nights and visiting destinations like Sydney, Cairns, Darwin, and Bali. The port experiences peak activity during the Australian summer months of November through March, plus September.

When your ship docks in Townsville, you'll discover a relaxed tropical city with easy access to natural wonders and local culture. The iconic Great Barrier Reef lies within reach for those seeking underwater adventures, while the city's waterfront precinct offers shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions perfect for a few hours of exploration. Whether you're seeking active excursions or leisurely strolls through this charming North Queensland destination, Townsville delivers a memorable port experience.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Explore the Great Barrier Reef

Townsville is your gateway to the world's largest coral reef system. Take a fast catamaran to the reef for world-class snorkeling and diving among vibrant coral gardens and tropical fish. This once-in-a-lifetime natural wonder is just 90 minutes offshore and offers unforgettable underwater encounters you won't find anywhere else.

2

Taste Fresh Tropical Seafood

Discover Townsville's thriving seafood scene at waterfront restaurants serving barramundi, mud crab, and prawns caught locally. The Strand precinct offers casual beachside dining with stunning views, or venture to local eateries for authentic Queensland coastal cuisine featuring tropical fruits and fresh catches of the day.

3

Stroll the Iconic Strand

Walk along Townsville's beloved beachfront promenade featuring palm-lined paths, pristine sandy beaches, and the striking Jezzine Barracks historic fortress. The Strand stretches 2.2 kilometers with parks, playgrounds, and unobstructed ocean views—perfect for a leisurely morning or afternoon exploring this locals' favorite gathering spot.

4

Browse the Cotters Markets

Experience authentic local culture at the vibrant Cotters Markets, held weekends near the city center. Browse handcrafted souvenirs, Aboriginal art, fresh tropical produce, and local artisan goods while mingling with friendly vendors. It's the perfect spot to find unique gifts and immerse yourself in Townsville's creative community.

5

Discover Maritime History

Visit the Museum of Tropical Queensland to explore shipwrecks, Indigenous heritage, and colonial history. The museum's centerpiece is the preserved SS Yongala, a legendary wreck that attracts divers worldwide. Learn fascinating stories about Townsville's role in Australia's maritime past through engaging exhibits and artifacts.

Cruise Lines at Townsville, Queensland

Cruises Departing From Townsville, Queensland

Cruises Visiting Townsville, Queensland

Ship Schedule at Townsville, Queensland

Townsville, Queensland Location

Other Cruise Ports in Australia

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise lines sail from Townsville, Queensland?

Five major cruise lines operate from Townsville, Queensland: Viking Ocean Cruises, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, Seabourn, and Silversea. With 61 upcoming cruises available, you'll have excellent options for ocean cruises departing from this Australia & New Zealand port of call.

When is the best time to cruise from Townsville, Queensland?

The peak months for cruising from Townsville are September, November, January, February, and March. These months offer the best availability and represent the most popular times to depart from this port, so booking in advance during these periods is recommended.

How much do cruises from Townsville, Queensland cost?

Cruise fares from Townsville, Queensland range from $2,556 to $65,074 per person, depending on the cruise line, itinerary length, cabin type, and travel dates. This wide price range accommodates various budgets, from more affordable options to luxury cruise experiences.

What destinations can I visit on cruises from Townsville?

Cruises from Townsville offer access to some of Australia and the South Pacific's most stunning destinations, including Sydney in New South Wales, Darwin in the Northern Territory, Cairns in Queensland, Airlie Beach, and Benoa in Bali. These itineraries showcase the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region.

How do I get from Townsville cruise port to the city center?

Townsville cruise port is conveniently located close to the city center, approximately 2-3 kilometers away. You can reach the city by taxi, ride-sharing services, or local buses. Many passengers choose to walk or take a short taxi ride to access Townsville's attractions, restaurants, and shopping areas.

What can I see and do in Townsville during a port day?

Townsville offers excellent attractions for a port day, including the Reef HQ Aquarium, Magnetic Island (accessible by ferry), the Townsville waterfront precinct, and the Museum of Tropical Queensland. You can also enjoy local restaurants, shops, and beaches, or take a scenic drive to nearby natural attractions in the region.

Is Townsville cruise port a tender port or dock port?

Townsville cruise port features modern docking facilities where most cruise ships can dock directly at the terminal, allowing for convenient embarkation and disembarkation. The port is well-equipped with passenger facilities, making it easy to access the city and explore local attractions during your port of call.