Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive
2019 Events and Insider Guide
Whether it's on the beach, the stage, or field, be prepared to experience world-class events in spectacular settings. View or download your 2019 Events and Insider Guide to start planning your perfect holiday to Townsville North Queensland.
Events
10th December 2018 to 20th December 2019
Volunteering and Tourism in Townsville
Make your travels a memorable experience by joining Conservation Volunteers Australia in Townsville for a day or two of volunteering on outdoor conservation projects. You will get to experience Townsville's nature and outdoors from a different perspective while helping with activities such as macroinvertebrate surveys, water quality monitoring, weed removal, beach clean ups and native plant propagation.
6th April 2019 to 10th November 2019
Natural Curiosity: Discovering the secrets of Queensland's Greatest Collections
An exhibition created by the Museum of Tropical Queensland. We are all curious about the natural world. We are intrigued by how things began, what they are like now and how they will be in the future. Venture across land and sea, over millions of years through Queensland’s State Collection to learn how researchers today work with the past to predict the future. From discovering new animal species, to understanding the effects of climate change, this vast collection of over a million specimens holds the secrets of Queensland’s natural heritage.
1st July 2019 to 31st August 2019
The North Australian Festival of Arts
The North Australian Festival of Arts is a month-long arts and cultural festival celebrated in July – where Townsville’s winter is a perfect summer. Presenting national and international acts, NAFA will showcase the vibrant artistic and cultural life of northern Australia. The 2019 line-up features over 300 events and live shows together with the Northern Fringe Festival, Strand Ephemera, Festival of Stories, the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Queens Gardens and headline acts including Aria award winners, punk cabaret in the Spiegeltent, comedy, circus, dance, theatre, popular family shows and more!
29th August 2019 to 2nd September 2020
SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week
Bringing together the excitement of competitive sailing and community events, along with the ambience of Magnetic Island each August/September, SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week offers an experience to remember. With top notch racing, live bands and partying galore, the shore side program of this annual regatta is sure to leave you wanting more year after year. You don't need to be a competitive sailor to participate in this great event, there is something available for everyone whether it be jumping onboard the a racing yacht or partying after dark with the crews at one of the social functions.
30th August 2019 to 1st September 2019
Townsville Expo 2019
The 2019 Townsville Expo is the region’s largest outdoor adventure, home and lifestyle event, with well over 100 local and national companies on show. This is your opportunity to view and compare the very latest caravans and campers, 4x4's, vehicles, boats, accessories and more, all in the one convenient location. Plus discover dozens of home and lifestyle companies and uncover new holiday destinations! This event has something for everyone, from jumping castles and wildlife shows for the little kids through to luxury vans, 4x4's and camp oven cooking demonstrations for the big kids. Bring the whole family and discover a world of adventure at the Expo, August 30 to September 1, Reid Park Townsville. Friday 8.30am to 4pm. Saturday 8.30am to 5pm. Sunday 8.30am to 4pm.
31st August 2019
Crusty Demons: Rise of the Demons World Tour - Townsville
The Crusty Demons of Dirt are back and bigger than ever in 2019! They are bringing back some of your favourite Crusty Demon OG's along with some new blood that will go bigger, faster, higher, and more insane than before. Dirt bikes, new tricks, Crusty babes, carnage, along with an incredible production, all set for one hell of a show. This tour is not something you’re going to want to miss.
2nd September 2019 to 8th September 2019
Women's Adventure Film Tour 19/20 - Townsville City
The Women's Adventure Film Tour presented by Paddy Pallin is back for its third season! This is Australia’s original women’s adventure film tour, created by Adventure Entertainment in partnership with She Went Wild. This short film festival is a celebration of the inspiring women around us who are doing extraordinary things in the name of adventure. This year’s lineup features an all-star cast of Australian athletes including cliff diver Rhiannan Iffland, climber Angie Scarth-Johnson, trail runner Jacqui Bell and many more including women in snow sports, mountaineering and mountain biking. The Women's Adventure Film Tour is as an official part of Women's health Week by Jean Hailes for Women’s Health. Each screening of the Women's Adventure Film Tour features seven short films across 110 minutes. Selected screenings will include emcee introductions, prize draws and Q&A. The Women's Adventure Film Tour is exempt from classification, but the films are suitable for the entire family and would obtain G/PG ratings. Follow their Facebook Page for more updates.
5th September 2019 to 11th September 2019
Revolutionising Turtle Health on the Reef
Human activities are putting sea turtles in danger. Work with Earthwatch Scientists to assess sea turtle health and collect crucial data to support better management strategies to conserve these wondrous creatures. Australia is home to six of the world’s seven marine turtle species including green, hawksbill, leatherback, loggerhead, olive ridley, and the flatback turtle. Green sea turtles are internationally listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Even though green turtles are the most abundant in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and are protected inside this World Heritage Area, they are still greatly impacted by pollution, mining and tourism. Assessing the health of wild animal populations has proven challenging for many marine species; and without information on the ability of a population to survive and produce offspring, management plans and actions to protect populations at risk are hindered. Earthwatch scientists are testing a novel, minimally-invasive, user-friendly method to assess the health of turtles in the wild, where more specific technical equipment is not yet available. During the week you spend with us, you will not only learn everything about green sea turtle biology, conservation, and health issues, but you will experience first-hand what you can do to protect this endangered species.
14th September 2019
Audi Centre Townsville ICN Nth Qld Championships
The Tropix is the largest regional fitness show in the country and continues to deliver the ultimate fitness experience to Townsville and surrounds. This event is the showcase of models, bikini divas, fitness models and body builders with something for the whole family of all ages. Now averaging over 350 entrants year on year the inspiration provided by this event is one you need to see. Situated in the iconic Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre the venue truly lends itself to showcasing the Townsville Region. With the beautiful winter escape weather there is no better place to come and visit then Townsville, North Queensland in April.
21st September 2019
The Great Island Trek
An awesome adventure with spectacular scenery. Trek, walk or run across Magnetic Island and see secluded bays, spot koalas in the wild, keep at eye out for sea turtles and discover the hidden gem that is Magnetic Island.
22nd September 2019
A Touch of New Zealand Festival
The food and wine from New Zealand is taking the world by storm and A Touch of Salt will be showcasing some of the best from the land of the long white cloud. Join them to experience A Touch of New Zealand in all forms of entertainment, food and wine.
5th October 2019 to 6th October 2019
Swan Lake – Imperial Russian Ballet Company - Townsville
The Imperial Russian Ballet Company return to Australia with Swan Lake...the most loved classical ballet of them all. This masterpiece ballet is presented in two acts and follows the original storyline. Subtle revisions and variations have been introduced by Gediminas Taranda, Artistic Director of the Imperial Russian Ballet Company. Swan Lake crosses the world of magic and mystical creatures with that of the real world. It is a story where the virtues of love and forgiveness in the end conquer evil and betrayal. The Imperial Russian Ballet Company was formed in 1994, headed by the Bolshoi Theatre soloist Gediminas Taranda. The Imperial Russian Ballet Company comprises 40 dancers from the major ballet schools of Russia.
5th October 2019
Dance Tropics Dance!
Dancenorth, 1RAR and Otto’s join forces once again to present… Dance Tropics Dance! One part mini festival… one part dance show… all parts fun and participatory! Featuring all of your live toe tapping favourites from the incredible 1RAR band...this is Townsville’s newest dance party under the stars! Bring your loved ones, your hot date, your squad! This is an all ages events so make sure you join them for this magical evening! No dance experience necessary and family friendly. All proceeds from this event go towards locals charities.
6th October 2019
Magnetic Island Triathlon 2019
North Queensland's own tropical destination adventure island brings you a great Sprint Triathlon - last year was a sell out - so don't leave it too late to swim on one of the best kept secrets which is Magnetic Island and one of the best destinations for this spectacular Triathlon.
9th October 2019
Morning Melodies - The Beggars
The Beggars are Renee Donaghey, Stuart Day and Quinton Dunne, their sound is often compared to legendary Australian Vocal group The Seekers. Since forming in 2006 The Beggars have made multiple Australian and International tours, topped the European country music charts and made over 150 appearances on the iTunes music charts.
12th October 2019 to 13th October 2019
Glendi Festival Townsville
This year marks a special anniversary - celebrating 20 Years of the Townsville Greek Festival. Enjoy 'A Taste of the Mediterranean' with the Glendi Festival! Glendi is Greek for festivity, revelry, merrymaking - a celebration. Festival goer's senses will come alive with traditional music and dancing displays, delectable foods and cooking demonstrations from around the Mediterranean including Greece, Italy, France and Turkey The festival has always been and continues to be, a free event for over 25,000 attendees. There will also be a variety of children's entertainment and funfilled activities for the whole family to be involved in. The festival is proud to offer the community an opportunity to reflect on the values and traditions that have helped shape the country and, more importantly, the region.
23rd October 2019
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Melbourne City Ballet will recreate the cherished story of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz for audiences across Australia in 2019. The dancers will click their heels together and get a little bit wicked as they follow the classic tale of Dorothy Gale, a young country girl who is swept away to the magical world of Oz. Full of enchanting characters, some friendly and some truly wicked! The Wonderful Wizard of Oz will be imaginatively brought to life in this brand new production for Melbourne City Ballet. With stunning new sets and costumes and the company’s largest ensemble to date, this brand new ballet proves there is no place like home, and will be and enchanting event suitable for the whole family.
14th November 2019 to 17th November 2019
4 Day 3 Night Coral Spawning Liveaboard
Coral spawning is a major event on the Great Barrier Reef calendar and occurs in November every year. In other parts of the ocean only a couple of colonies may spawn, but in Townsville they have 12 families of coral that are of the spawning variety. Up to 88 per cent of the coral may spawn during this event! For an ocean lover, there are few experiences more festive than watching the reef’s Big Bang. The Great Barrier Reef coral spawning has been likened to being in a snowstorm underwater! Immerse yourself as the future reef snows upwards towards the surface in a pink and white flurry, brushing your face and fingertips on their way. It is a magical, slightly disorientating once-in-a-lifetime experience on many divers’ bucket list. Snorkellers and divers are welcome. Guests will spend the day snorkelling and diving the reef and familiarising themselves with the reef. When the sun sets and the coral starts spawning divers will jump and an be in the thick of it all!
15th November 2019 to 16th November 2019
PBR Australia Grand Finals
Welcome to the roller coaster world of the adrenalin cowboy as they take on the nation’s most extreme bucking bulls in a three-hour action packed event that will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first bull of the night through to the last. This is the final and deciding chapter of the PBR year-long race for National Titles. It’s a showdown like no other – 22 riders all eager for glory as they strive to overcome the power of the most extreme bucking bulls in a head to head battle of power, agility and the fight of the fittest eight seconds at a time over the course of two nights of competition. Choreographed with pyrotechnics, lasers, concert sound system and mega screen replays, with multiple camera angles that will take you behind the scenes and inside the bucking chutes as riders prepare for the ride of their life whilst delivering you the ultimate live event bull riding experience inside the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre. This is an event not to be missed. This is the one and only PBR National Finals.
20th November 2019
Morning Melodies - Christmas with Karen Knowles
Karen Knowles, one of Australia's favourite singers, will return to Townsville for a special Christmas concert on 20 November 2019. Well known for her Carols and Christmas repertoire and regular performances as part of the Lord Mayors Carols broadcast throughout Queensland on Channel 7, Karen will perform with her musical director.
22nd November 2019
Dylan Moran - Townsville
Legendary Irish comedian Dylan Moran is returning to Australia with a brand-new show Dr. Cosmos. Moran will once again offer his unique take on love, politics, misery and the everyday absurdities of life, all served with poetical panache from one of the finest comedians of his generation. Moran has been called the Oscar Wilde of comedy and his famed style - deadpan, witty and crackpot lyricism - promises to be an unmissable journey through his interpretations of the world, swerving cliche to offer a cutting blow to our idiosyncrasies.
18th December 2019 to 22nd December 2019
Stable on the Strand
Townsville's Christmas Festival, Stable on the Strand, celebrates its 18th birthday in 2019 at Townsville's premier event location, Strand Park. Stable on the Strand is one of Australia's most spectacular Christmas events, delighting crowds of 40,000 people over five nights as Christmas is shared with story, song and festivity. Stable on the Strand will feature the Town of Bethlehem: the story of the birth of Jesus told interactively using live actors as wise men, shepherds, Roman soldiers, King Herod, and of course Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus; camels, chickens, goats, sheep, and a donkey for children to pat; huge carousel in the Stable Village; fabulous youth program; great children's activities; amazing entertainment on the Main Stage with local and guest artists; hospitality areas: enjoy the ambiance of Stable on the Strand while enjoying free tea, coffee and Christmas Cake. Entry is free!
29th February 2020
Elton John at North Qld Stadium - Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour
After more than half a century on the road and an unparalleled career, superstar icon Sir Elton John will perform his last ever Australian and New Zealand shows as part of the global Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour. Beginning in Pennsylvania, USA in September 2018, Elton John’s three-year Farewell Yellow Brick Road global tour has already been hailed as energetic, dazzlingly-original, bombastic, and a musical masterpiece. The milestone itinerary comprises more than 300 shows across five continents, stopping off in Australia 2019/20 for record-breaking shows. Elton’s legendary catalogue, including beloved songs such as “Bennie and the Jets”, “Rocket Man”, “Tiny Dancer”, “Crocodile Rock”, “Philadelphia Freedom” and more, are showcased in this musical masterpiece – a reflection of his great career, and 51 year collaboration with lyricist Bernie Taupin. “I always love coming back to Australia. Ever since my first visit in 1971 it has held a very special place in my heart.” More than a concert; an unforgettable memory. Tickets will sell fast, so don’t miss your chance to say farewell to music’s greatest treasure.
7th April 2020 to 10th April 2020
Life Festival 2019
Life Festival will be held at 210 Palmerston Street, during the Easter School holidays from 7 April to 10 April 2020. Guest Artists: Pat Morgan - Award-winning Australian Indigenous Country Gospel Singer-Songwriter. More artist to come. Local Artists will also performing Activities will include carnival rides, jumping castles, children and youth activities and a resource expo.
10th April 2020 to 13th April 2020
2020 Townsville North Queensland Games
The North Queensland Games is the largest multi-sport event in regional Australia. The NQ Games is held biennial and shared between Mackay, Townsville and Cairns. The 2020 NQ Games will be staged in Townsville and surrounding regions and will be the 19th Games. There will be over 30 sports to choose from with an estimated 4000 plus participants to be involved. The 2020 Townsville NQ Games is an action packed weekend commencing with the official opening ceremony to be held on Thursday 9 April 2020. Athletes, supporters and officials participating in the games can enjoy one of the most picturesque coastal cities in northeastern Queensland, Australia. The Strand esplanade, with its pier and water park, is popular. The Reef HQ Aquarium has marine life and coral from the Great Barrier Reef, plus a sea turtle hospital. Southeast of the city, the Billabong Sanctuary wildlife park is home to koalas, wombats and crocodiles. Offshore, Magnetic Island has coral reefs and a national park full of wildlife.
26th July 2019 to 9th August 2020
Australian Festival of Chamber Music
The Australian Festival of Chamber Music presents the finest musicians from around the world in a wonderfully unique and innovative ten day program of 30 concerts set in the tropical winter warmth of Townsville, North Queensland. The Festival has been delighting audiences for almost 30 years and has earned an international reputation for the quality of its programming and performances along with its friendly, intimate and relaxed atmosphere. More than 40 musicians from all around the world travel to Townsville to perform in world exclusive combinations. There is truly nothing else like it in the world - the unique combination of music, winter warmth and tropical location create a special atmosphere that entices audiences and artists back year after year.