With the Easter holidays just around the corner, we’ve done the hunting for you with a guide to doing Easter in Townsville North Queensland, from chocolate stops and local finds to island escapes and easy drives, there’s plenty to explore.

Positioned within 90-minutes’ drive of all of Australia’s most iconic landscapes of the rainforest, reef and Outback, Townsville North Queensland is the gateway to some of the most unique and unexpected experiences available, and it’s just waiting to be explored. So, what are you waiting for?

Easter breakfast

Trust us, we know Easter is probably the only day of the year it is socially acceptable to eat chocolate for breakfast, but if you are looking for something more to make you really ‘hop’ out of bed, then you’re in luck because we’re blessed with a number of stunning restaurants and cafes that you should get egg-cited about! If you’re after a brekky with a view – check out The Strand with a number of cafes that will WOW you! For some of the best breakfast options - check out this list from Urban List!

A safe bet for anything sweet is Otto’s (at any, or all, of their locations). One of Townsville’s favourite foodie destinations – the pastry cabinet alone will be enough to whet any sweet appetite, and rest assured, the berliner special will be a must-have chocolate-infused creation!

RIGHT HERE IN THE CITY

Across the long weekend, Townsville fills with a mix of family-friendly activities and easy-going ways to spend the day, from Easter school holiday events and community activations to markets, Strand strolls and time spent by the water. Between the egg hunts, take a detour to Billabong Sanctuary and meet the local furry and scaly residents that don’t come in chocolate form.

As the day rolls on, it’s all about long lunches, sunset dinners and seeing where the evening takes you. If you’re in the mood for something more lively, Margaritaville at The Ville Resort-Casino brings the energy, with live music, DJs and a waterfront setting made for a long weekend session.

island time

Start with a swim at Alma Bay, wander down to Geoffrey Bay to spot rock wallabies as the sun begins to dip, or slip straight into the water for a snorkel from shore with Pleasure Divers. If you’re feeling like venturing a little further, jump on a boat with Aquascene Magnetic Island to explore what’s just beneath the surface, or relax and set sail for the afternoon with Pilgrim Sailing. Prefer to stay on land? Cruise the island in comfort with Magnetic Island Tours, or go off-road with MI Ride Discovery Tours to uncover a different side of the island.

The best bit, it’s only a 20-minute SeaLink Queensland ferry from Townsville; or take your car with Magnetic Island Ferries for freedom to explore!

NEARBY ESCAPES

Not every Easter escape needs a full tank. If you’re keeping it close this year, Townsville North Queensland is built for short drives that still feel like a getaway.

Long weekends tend to lean towards the outdoors, and around here, there’s no shortage of places to settle in and switch off. From tucked-away bush camps to wide open coastal spots, you’ll find plenty of natural hideouts to choose from, but ‘hop to it’ because camp sites do book quickly!

The lush forests and swim holes in the Hinchinbrook are perfect for a refreshing stay – Wallaman Falls camping area, Jourama Falls camping area, Orpheus Island and Hinchinbrook Island.

Charters Towers has some of the best bush camping you can find – check out Fletcher Creek, a great site with all the amentities. Or the mighty Burdekin River is Big Bend to the north, with great 4WD tracks, fishing and plenty of room to play.

Burdekin offers the best of both worlds – bush escapes, and coastal breezes. The local pick would be Wunjunga, complete with it’s very own Funny Dunny!

Townsville and surrounds include rainforest stays in the Paluma Range National Park, and beachfront sites at a number of caravan parks including Rollingstone, Saunders Beach and Rowes Bay. 

Explore more itineraries here.

Plan your next Townsville North Queensland escape at https://www.townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au/