Maritime Museum of Townsville

Set sail for Townsville’s seafaring history and discover stories from the deep when you visit this intriguing museum overlooking Ross Creek and the marina.

The Maritime Museum of Townsville is a fantastic resource for learning about the region’s seafaring heritage through thought-provoking displays and interactive exhibits. Discover the heritage of the city and its port, as well as the Royal Australian Navy and its role in various war efforts. Watch amazing videos of divers exploring a wrecked ship and explore a boat shed and a lighthouse.

Stroll up the gangway that leads toward the Maritime Museum of Townsville’s front entrance. Check out the Seafarers’ Gallery to see early photographs of Townsville’s port and the fledgling diving industry that operated here. You’ll see a U.S. Navy diver’s hardhat, as well as some intriguing early navigation instruments. Other highlights include the underwater video that shows divers uncovering the wreck of the S.S. Yongala, which sank south off Townsville in 1911.

Visit the Federation Gallery to find the exceptional exhibition Women’s War Two, which showcases the important roles that women played in Townsville during World War II. On the other side of the Federation Gallery, you’ll find a collection of model naval vessels. Admire the expertly crafted models and see photographs of the original ships. Continue onward to the Boat Shed, which contains antique wooden vessels.

Wander out into the Maritime Museum’s grounds to find the Bay Rock Light House. Formerly installed on Magnetic Island, this structure was one of Queensland’s first lighthouses and was moved to the museum grounds in 1992. Bring a picnic or something to grill on the barbecue in the museum grounds and enjoy the pretty views of Ross Creek. You’ll see another vessel in the museum’s collection moored in the wharf: the HMAS Townsville. Enquire about the guided tours that are available on this ex-Naval vessel.

The Maritime Museum of Townsville is located on the southern bank of Ross Creek in central Townsville. It is a short walk from many city attractions and an inviting strip of cafés and restaurants. The museum is open daily and admission is inexpensive. Discounts are available for children and families.

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near Maritime Museum of Townsville

ReefHQ Aquarium

Experience a living example of the Great Barrier Reef on land, let the kids find “Nemo” and get a deeper understanding of one of the world’s most amazing ecosystems.

Museum of Tropical Queensland

Set out on a discovery tour of the cultural and natural heritage of North Queensland in this interactive waterfront museum with ever-changing exhibits.

Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal

This easy-to-navigate and very scenic transport hub is the gateway to the beaches, bush walks and wildlife of one of Queensland’s most idyllic islands.

Townsville

When it comes to Townsville, skip the taxi fare. This Northern Queensland hub is best experienced on foot.

Queens Gardens

Walk beneath ancient hoop pines, navigate a maze, see the Australian cockatoos or have a picnic in the lush setting of these tropical gardens.

Hotels near Maritime Museum of Townsville

The Ville Resort - Casino

Sir Leslie Thiess Drive

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the airport, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal, ReefHQ Aquarium, and Museum of Tropical Queensland. Maritime Museum of Townsville and Queens Gardens are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Oaks Townsville Metropole Hotel

81 Palmer Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in South Townsville, this luxury aparthotel is within a 15-minute walk of Maritime Museum of Townsville and Perc Tucker Regional Gallery. Museum of Tropical Queensland and Cultural Centre Townsville are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville

334 Flinders Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Townsville, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, Maritime Museum of Townsville, and Museum of Tropical Queensland. Catholic Diocese of Townsville and Cultural Centre Townsville are also within 10 minutes. Townsville Station is 24 minutes by foot.

Oaks Townsville Gateway Suites

2 Dibbs Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in South Townsville, this luxury apartment building is within a 5-minute walk of Maritime Museum of Townsville and Perc Tucker Regional Gallery. Museum of Tropical Queensland and Cultural Centre Townsville are also within 15 minutes. Townsville Station is 28 minutes by foot.

Rydges Southbank Townsville

23 Palmer Street

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in South Townsville, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of ReefHQ Aquarium and Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Castle Hill and Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal are also within 1 mi (2 km). Townsville Station is 29 minutes by foot.

The Palmer Collective

12 14 Palmer Street

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in South Townsville, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Maritime Museum of Townsville and Perc Tucker Regional Gallery. Museum of Tropical Queensland and Cultural Centre Townsville are also within 15 minutes. Townsville Station is 29 minutes by foot.

Mercure Townsville

166 Woolcock Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Townsville hotel is located near the airport, within 2 mi (3 km) of Townsville Museum and Historical Society, Anderson Park Botanical Gardens, and Castle Hill. Royal Australian Air Force Townsville Museum and National Trust Heritage Centre are also within 2 mi (3 km).

City Oasis Inn

143 Wills Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Townsville, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Castle Hill, Museum of Tropical Queensland, and Maritime Museum of Townsville. ReefHQ Aquarium and Queens Gardens are also within 1 mi (2 km). Townsville Station is 26 minutes by foot.

Peppers Blue on Blue

123 Sooning Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Situated on the waterfront, this luxury hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Magnetic Island National Park, Nelly Bay Beach, and Nelly Bay Habitat Reserve. Alma Bay and Alma Bay Beach are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Madison Plaza Townsville

409 Flinders St.Corner Of Stanley And Flinders St., Corner Of Stanley And Flinders St.

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Townsville, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Catholic Diocese of Townsville and Castle Hill. Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre and Queens Gardens are also within 1 mi (2 km). Townsville Station is 22 minutes by foot.

Direct Hotels – Holborn at Central

4 Kingsway Place

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Townsville, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Castle Hill, Museum of Tropical Queensland, and Cultural Centre Townsville. Townsville Station is 13 minutes by foot.

Park Regis Anchorage

51 Palmer Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Grand Mercure Apartments Magnetic Island

146 Sooning Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Nelly Bay, this luxury aparthotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Magnetic Island National Park, Nelly Bay Beach, and Nelly Bay Habitat Reserve. Alma Bay and Alma Bay Beach are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Mariners North Holiday Apartments

7 Mariners Drive

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Townsville, this beach apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of The Strand Beach, Strand Waterpark, and Museum of Tropical Queensland. Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal and Cultural Centre Townsville are also within 10 minutes.

Grand Hotel and Apartments Townsville

8-10 Palmer Street

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in South Townsville, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Maritime Museum of Townsville and Perc Tucker Regional Gallery. Museum of Tropical Queensland and Cultural Centre Townsville are also within 15 minutes. Townsville Station is 28 minutes by foot.

Itara Apartments

1-15 Sporting Drive

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Thuringowa Central, this luxury aparthotel is steps from Tony Ireland Stadium and Riverway Lagoon. Willows Shopping Centre is 0.7 mi (1.1 km) away.

Summit Motel

6 Victoria Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Townsville, this motel is within a 10-minute walk of Catholic Diocese of Townsville and Castle Hill. Perc Tucker Regional Gallery and The Strand Beach are also within 15 minutes. Townsville Station is 29 minutes by foot.

The Robert Towns

261 Stanley Street

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Townsville hotel is located by the sea, within 1 mi (2 km) of Castle Hill, Museum of Tropical Queensland, and The Strand Beach. ReefHQ Aquarium and Queens Gardens are also within 1 mi (2 km). Townsville Station is 26 minutes by foot.

Base Magnetic Island Hostel

1 Nelly Bay Road

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

This Nelly Bay hostel is on the beach, 5.7 mi (9.2 km) from Radical Bay, and within 12 mi (20 km) of Horseshoe Bay Beach and Museum of Tropical Queensland. Queens Gardens and Castle Hill are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Aligned Corporate Residences Townsville

30-34 Palmer Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in South Townsville, this aparthotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Castle Hill, and Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal. Strand Park and Willows Shopping Centre are also within 9 mi (15 km). Townsville Station is 30 minutes by foot.

Seagulls Resort on the Seafront

74 THE ESPLANADE TOWNSVILLE QLD 4810, 74

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Belgian Gardens, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Pallarenda, Jezzine Barracks, and Army Museum North Queensland. The Strand Beach and Strand Rockpool are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Arcadia Beach Guest House

27 Marine Parade

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Offering direct access to the beach, this Arcadia guesthouse is in a national park, 0.1 mi (0.2 km) from Magnetic Island National Park, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Horseshoe Bay Beach and Radical Bay. Catholic Diocese of Townsville and Museum of Tropical Queensland are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Island Leisure Resort

6 Kelly Street

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Nelly Bay, this beach aparthotel is 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Magnetic Island National Park and 2 mi (3.2 km) from Magnetic Island Golf Course. Radical Bay and Horseshoe Bay Beach are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Waters Edge The Strand

63 64 The Strand

Offering direct access to the beach, this North Ward hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Strand Waterpark and Castle Hill. Museum of Tropical Queensland and Jezzine Barracks are also within 1 mi (2 km).