Arts & Entertainment
Museum Of Tropical Queensland
Part of the Queensland Museum Network, Museum of Tropical Queensland delivers a snapshot of North Queensland with galleries telling the stories of World Heritage-listed rainforests, reefs and the tragic tale of HMS Pandora, the ship sent to capture the Bounty mutineers. Located in the heart of Townsville, the museum also explores life in the tropics from prehistoric times to the modern-day. The diverse range of exhibitions and displays are designed to captivate audiences of all ages, focussing on natural and cultural history, biodiversity, human science and much more. Relax and refuel waterside by enjoying a coffee, snack or light lunch during your visit at The Galley Cafe. Open daily from 10 am to 2 pm. The Museum Shop showcases a unique range of merchandise, contemporary homewares, jewellery, educational games and toys plus a variety of souvenirs to make your visit a memorable one! Townsville and regional residents receive discounted museum admission. All exhibitions are included with admission. Become an Annual Pass holder and receive unlimited entry to the museum for 12 months. Paid street parking is available outside the museum, and free parking (time limits apply) is available on The Strand, about 200 metres from the museum.
Learn More Book Now
Stardust Drive in Theatre
A place to come with friends, to sit outside under the stars and watch a movie. Enjoy a homemade Burger and chips, cold drinks or ice cream, snack on popcorn, or relax with a coffee. Come again and enjoy our morning Cafe, homemade delicious treats in a beautiful garden setting. Kids welcome with an onsight Enchanted Secret Garden, and 18 hole mini-golf course. Check their website or Facebook for the movie program and weekly specials.
Learn More Book Now
Museum of Underwater Art - Coral Greenhouse
The John Brewer Reef ‘Coral Greenhouse’ is located in the heart of the Greater Barrier Reef Marine Park and is the largest MOUA installation thus far, sharing a message of reef conservation and restoration. It is the first-ever underwater building created by international underwater sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, who hopes to advance education and offer opportunities for scientists, marine students and tourists to engage - either by snorkel or dive - in action-based learning and to conduct globally important research on coral reef restoration.
Learn More Book Now
Ayr Nature Display
The Ayr Nature Display is Australia's finest, preserved collection of butterflies, moths, beetles, crustaceans, seashells, reptiles, rocks, timber, aboriginal stone implements and fossils, especially ammonites, all under one roof. The Ayr Nature Display was conceived and arranged by Jess and Allan Ey. The display was opened to the public in 1966. The experience begins as you walk past feature walls decorated with North Queensland rocks at the front and the entrance of the display. 9,400 slabs cut with a lapidary saw were used. After traversing the entrance, you will walk into an exceptional display of thousands of specimens housed amazingly in a 4.9-metre by 28.4-metre room.
Learn More
Brandon Heritage Precinct
If your interests include machinery or history, make sure you visit the Brandon Heritage Precinct. With plenty on display, the complex is the base of the Burdekin Machine Preservationists. This group of machinery enthusiasts are happy to welcome visitors to view their collection of machinery, tractors and other relevant items of interest. The Brandon Heritage Precinct contains a Workshop area, Steam Shed and Blacksmith Shop, the old Brandon Church and displays a collection of machinery that was used in the Burdekin District. The Burdekin Machine Preservationists have completed their restoration project of a 1910 Marshall C Class Tractor. This tractor, which is on display at the complex, is the only one of its class left in the world. Tours can be taken through the complex on Mondays between 9am and 4pm when the Burdekin Machine Preservationists are in attendance. Suggested entry is gold coin donation. They have a wealth of mechanical knowledge, so feel free to ask lots of questions.
Learn More
Burdekin Library
The Burdekin Library is a welcoming space on the main street of Ayr. Make sure of a wide range of services available including eLearning, eBooks, computers, Smart devices, public Wi-Fi and internet. The Burdekin Library contains two magnificent artworks included in the original building. Visit Burdekin Shire Council's Library Artworks web page to read about the Mirka Mora mural and the stained glass window by Gary Burgess. Library membership is free to all Queensland residents with identification. International and interstate visitors are offered a visitor membership that requires proof of identity and current residency, as well as a AUD25 non-refundable fee. Visitors may borrow 2 items for 4 weeks. Keep up to date with library events via the Burdekin Library Facebook page. Come and explore the library today!
Learn More
Burdekin Theatre
Located in the main street of Ayr - only one hour's drive south of Townsville - sits one of Australia's finest little proscenium arch Theatres. Every year, the Burdekin Theatre plays host to hundreds to live performances, conferences, meetings, festivals, exhibitions and local events. The Burdekin Theatre is undeniably the home of arts and entertainment in the Burdekin. Ensure you leave enough time before or after attending the live performance, conference or meeting as there is a number of art pieces to discover within the Theatre grounds.
Learn More
Cannon Park
Cannon Park is a lifestyle centre including a six screen cinema complex and a fantastic selection of cafes and restaurants. Located diagonally across from Willows Shopping Centre on Hervey Range Road and Riverway, it also houses Townsville's only Kingpin Bowling Lounge and laser skirmish and is nearby to a roller skate rink and indoor sports complex.
Learn More
Central Village
Grab a bite at Coo.King BBQ And Hot Pot, Guzman Y Gomez, Sushi Kiyo or OBJ's Sports Bar. Treat yourself to a latte, cake or salad bowl at YWAM Cafe. Located in the heart of Townsville, Central Village has something for everyone. Central Village showcases sidewalk cafes, open air dining, a pedestrian plaza, as well as abundant patron car parking. It's an ideal location to start your night out or take the family for dinner and a movie. Central Village includes: Birch Carroll and Coyle, Grand Central Cafe, Guzman Y Gomez, Sukiyo Sushi and Snap Fitness.
Learn More
Charters Towers Miner's Cottage with Gold Panning activity
The Miner's Cottage is located in the historic precinct of old Charters Towers. Established in 1992 by the current owner, this quaint little cottage has become a "must see" attraction when visiting the city. Every year, over a thousand school children participate in the popular "gold panning" activity. for REAL alluvial gold. The cottage houses a private collection of unique curios from the district. Recently, a fully functioning blacksmith shop has been added to the range of things to experience. Handmade items are available for sale to help fund the enterprise. Bus groups are treated to a fascinating insight into the collection by the owner. Highly regarded on TripAdvisor due to the personal nature of the tours. The cottage is available for group bookings all year round. Opening hours vary depending on the time of year. The building itself is of historical significance, being a workers cottage with connections to early pioneering families. The tour guide is an experienced gold prospector with extensive knowledge in where to find gold. Gold Detectors are available for hire - on request, and training is part of the hire. This year, the blacksmith's shop has been commissioned to create a replica steam train/tram.
Learn More
Cluden Park
Cluden Park is a heritage-listed, multipurpose venue uniquely placed as the home of horse racing in North Queensland. Cluden Park hosts over 30 race meets a year, including signature social event, the Townsville Cup. Cluden Park is located on private, lush acreage of impressive proportions featuring distinctive nineteenth-century architecture with a modern aesthetic. A haven away from the hustle and bustle for family-friendly events and dining, or a destination for the next social and fashion-forward event, Cluden Park offers a setting like no other. The Cluden Park landscape offers a highly flexible venue with unlimited potential; available to be hired for everything from weddings to festivals, corporate functions and indoors and outdoors celebrations.
Learn More
Dalrymple Sales Yards - Cattle Sales
Experience the thrill of a live cattle auction, held every Wednesday at the Dalrymple Sales Yards. The Charters Towers region is the largest cattle producing Local Government area in Australia with beef produced on 250 commercial properties running around 600,000 head of cattle collectively. Dalrymple Sales Yards sell over 100,000 head of store and prime cattle per annum and host North Queensland's premier bull and horse sales. The quality of the animals sold through the Dalrymple Sales Yards is evidenced by the recent sale of a bull which fetched a record price of AUD145000.
Learn More
Empire Alternacade and Events - Townsville
Empire is Townsville's #1 Bar and Arcade Established in 2018, Empire is an underground, alternative arcade bar, located in the heart of Townsville's CBD - they're all about rad tunes, and even radder drinks. Emoire features 16 pinball machines - 2 pool tables - 100 board games - 5 console stations - air hockey table - huge selection of Craft beer + spirits - themed cocktails - tournaments and events. Come out and play!
Learn More
Home Hill Branch Library
The Home Hill Branch Library is a welcoming space located in Home Hill. Make use of a wide range of services available including eLearning, eBooks, computers, Smart devices, public Wi-Fi and internet is available. Library membership is free to all Queensland residents with identification. International and interstate visitors are offered a visitor membership that requires proof of identity and current residency, as well as a AUD25 non-refundable fee. Visitors may borrow two items for four weeks. Keep up to date with library events via the Burdekin Library Facebook page. Come and explore the library today!
Learn More
Maritime Museum of Townsville
Established in 1986, the Maritime Museum of Townsville is a custodian of objects and information connected to the North Queensland's maritime heritage and history. The museum's purpose is to collect and preserve objects and information for posterity and use all this to tell and share the stories about the region's relationship with the sea through exhibitions, activities and experiences. They showcase the history of the Port of Townsville and inform customers how the two world wars affected Townsville. Hear the story of the Yongala shipwreck of 1911 and view many model ships that illustrate the development and variety of ships through the ages. On display are also seven examples of vessels that were used in the region, including a former ferry which became a line boat, inscribed in the Australian Register of Historic Vessels because of its significance to Australia's maritime history.
Learn More
National Trust Heritage Centre
Journey back to the late 1880s and discover a quaint collection of heritage houses and their stories at the National Trust Heritage Centre. The three heritage houses featured at the centre have been furnished and restored to their original period glory and include a Worker's Dwelling (1878), a grand villa residence known as The Currajong (1889) and an early North Queensland farm residence known as The Farmhouse (1921). Guided tours are available.
Learn More
Ocean Siren / MOUA / Museum of Underwater Art
The Ocean Siren is a 4m high illuminated sculpture by artist Jason deCaires Taylor and inspired by Takoda Johnson, a young indigenous girl from the Wulgurukaba tribe. It serves as a warning signal about the warming seas' threat to the Great Barrier Reef. The sculpture showcases Takoda holding a traditional indigenous communication device, a Bayliss shell, while looking out towards Magnetic Island and the Great Barrier Reef. At night, the sculpture's colour changes based on daily water temperature data from an AIMS weather station on Davies Reef. This visual representation of current conditions helps raise awareness about the risks of warming seas to coral reefs. The structure of Ocean Siren, fabricated with stainless steel and translucent acrylic, features a matrix of LED lights that gradually change colour, resembling a heat sensing camera image. The sculpture aims to bring reef science to urban areas in a live, visual, and impactful manner, conveying a clear message about this complex issue.
Learn More
Old Brandon Church
The Old Brandon Church is the place to go if you love historic buildings. Formerly the Saint Patrick's Catholic Church, the building is listed on the Registers of both the National Estate and the National Trust of Queensland. This excellent example of a 'carpenter Gothic' church has stood on two sites in Brandon. After severe damage from cyclone Aivu in 1989, it was purchased by the Burdekin Shire Council, and in 1991 moved to its present site. It has been lovingly restored and is an excellent subject for structural photography. On Mondays, combine your visit to see this beautiful building with a visit to the Burdekin Machinery Preservationist's shed right next door. The Old Brandon Church is an hour's drive South of Townsville, and five minutes North of Ayr.
Learn More
Perc Tucker Regional Gallery
Housed in one of Townsville’s finest heritage buildings, Perc Tucker Regional Gallery is a dynamic visual arts centre and has a significant collection of North Queensland art. It is Townsville’s foremost gallery with an exciting and diverse program of local, national and international exhibitions, with a special focus on exhibitions featuring North Queensland artists. Floor talks, lectures, education programs and performances of music, theatre and dance supplement exhibitions. The Perc Tucker Regional Gallery is located in the heart of the city centre on the corner of Flinders Mall and Denham Street.
Learn More
Pinnacles Gallery
Pinnacles Gallery is a dynamic art space committed to offering a diverse exhibition program with a strong community focus. Pinnacles Gallery is located in Townsville's premier Riverway precinct in Thuringowa, providing a perfect backdrop for you to enjoy local and touring exhibitions of visual arts, craft, social history and more. Once you have browsed the latest exhibition, take a swim in Riverway lagoon, stroll along the riverfront under the shade of the large rain trees or catch a performance at the Riverway Arts Centre.
Learn More
Queensland Country Bank Stadium
Queensland Country Bank Stadium is a centrally located, 25,000 seat, best-practice, multi-purpose regional stadium in Townsville. The Stadium is a joint project of the Queensland Government, Australian Government and Townsville City Council and is supported by the National Rugby League (NRL) and North Queensland Cowboys. The stadium forms part of the Townsville City Deal that was signed in December 2016. Queensland Country Bank Stadium owned and operated by Stadiums Queensland.
Learn More
Riverway
Located in Townsville on the magnificent Ross River frontage, Riverway offers a dynamic combination of residential, commercial, cultural, sports and leisure activities. The precinct provides an exciting environment to enjoy a variety of water-based and waterfront activities. With two huge swimming lagoons, the Riverway Arts Centre, Pinnacles Gallery, the Riverwalk, public art, village spine, restaurant, and parklands, there truly is so much to explore. Other quality restaurants, cafes and shops are part of the commercial precinct planned for construction in addition to a national-standard cricket and AFL sports facility. The area is a year round visitor destination with an annual calendar of events including festivals, Christmas festivities, New Year's Eve, Australia Day Celebrations, as well as food, wine, art and sporting events. The picturesque promenades, glorious Ross River, spacious parklands and state of the art Arts Centre, Gallery and Sports Centre are all venues used to host a range of public events.
Learn More
Sciencentre
Unleash your inner scientist at the Sciencentre at the Museum of Tropical Queensland. A discovery-zone with plenty of fun where you can get hands on with a range of interactive exhibits and discover how science challenges the human body, exercises the brain and stimulates the senses. Explore the world of science through play. Follow your curiosity, ask questions, test your ideas and use your imagination in this exciting, interactive and experience-rich environment. Challenge your friends, solve puzzles and learn about how science is a part of the things we do every day. Be curious. Be a scientist at Sciencentre.
Learn More
Sea Monsters: Prehistoric Ocean Predators
Earth’s oceans were home to some of the largest, fiercest and most successful predators ever. While dinosaurs ruled the land, giant reptiles and sharks hunted the depths. Sea Monsters: Prehistoric Ocean Predators combines real fossils from millions of years ago, gigantic replicas including a 13 metre long Elasmosaurus and 9 metre Prognathodon, hands-on interactives and much more! Ancestors of three types of ancient reptiles left the land and colonised the seas. They were ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs and mosasaurs. These three groups developed into awesome sea monsters that make today's great white sharks seem small. What can their fossilised bones tell us about how they lived? How do they compare to today’s top ocean predators? Discover the secrets of these monsters of the deep in this new exhibition that will delight all ages! Are you ready to meet them?
Learn More
Stock Exchange Arcade
Imagine back to the days of the 1800s, when the gold rush was at its prime and the township of Charters Towers was the second largest city in Queensland. An arcade was designed by Sydney architect Mark Day and built by Sandbrook Brothers of Sydney in 1888 for local civic leader and businessman Alexander Malcolm. Known then as the Royal Arcade, it housed one of Australia's first regional stock exchanges, the Charters Towers Stock Exchange from 1890. At one time the price of gold was set in that very Arcade, an indication of the importance of the Charters Towers' economy at the time. Today, the stockbroker's offices have been converted into shops and make for an interesting insight into the buildings history. Wander through the Don Roderick Gallery, enjoy the building's magnificent architecture and don't miss the "Calling of the Card," a ghostly reminder of Charters Towers' golden days.
Learn More
The World Theatre
Explore the World Theatre, a cultural complex where the unique blend of heritage architecture and state of the art technology meet. Browse at your own leisure and check with the friendly staff for details of the live shows, movie times, morning melodies and the free local and touring exhibitions of art, sculpture, photography and more. For an interesting insight into the past ask the staff to tell you the story of the 'Murder on Mosman'.
Learn More
Townsville Museum and Historical Society
The Townsville Museum and Historical Society has two large exhibition halls displaying artefacts relating to Townsville's medical, artistic, technological and social history. It is located in the suburb of Currajong, in the former Traffic Training Centre building. As well as its extensive artefact collections, the Museum also owns a large number of photographs and plans of Townsville and a more limited collection of documents and books relating to North Queensland. A recent new acquisition is a journal written by Elizabeth O'Brien, widow of Clifford O'Brien, who was drowned in the sinking of the Yongala off the north Queensland coast in 1911. This journal and Elizabeth's story is on permanent display in Hall 2.
Learn More
Townsville Street Art
Townsville's city centre has been transformed into a Street Art haven! Explore streets, alleys and laneways to see vibrant displays at every turn, from pops of colour to mega murals. Visit the Townsville Visitor Information Centre along Flinders Street to collect a free copy of your Street Art Walking Trail map, and be sure to have your camera at the ready.
Learn More
Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts
Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts is a leading independent platform for contemporary and experimental arts practice operating on Wulgurukaba and Bindal Country (Townsville, North Queensland). Established in 1986, we have a four-decade legacy of bringing art and audiences together. Umbrella showcases contemporary work by established, mid-career and emerging artists, delivered through a program of onsite and touring exhibitions. We also deliver partnered projects (including the recently realised world-first 'Discover, Dive, Draw' program), public programs, artist residencies, studio access, professional development programs, events and festivals. Umbrella’s biennial Pop Up North Queensland (PUNQ) festival presents exciting visual and performance art, showcasing renowned First Nations and Australian collaborations, exhibitions, installations, performances and workshops. Umbrella’s growing membership base is comprised of artists, curators, writers, and arts lovers from North Queensland, Australia and overseas. Members can participate in the annual Members’ Exhibition, and enjoy discounts on workshops and events. An additional membership covers access to The Studio. Please see Umbrella's website for public holiday and exhibition install closures.
Learn More