Flights to Townsville

Important Information on Flights to Townsville

The city of Townsville is one of North Queensland’s best-kept secrets, known for its outdoor beauty and magnificent blend of reef, rainforest and outback. Flights to Townsville provide visitors with an ideal base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, Magnetic Island and the southernmost parts of the Wet Tropics World Heritage area. Surrounded by some of the most stunning and versatile scenery in the country, this vibrant city is a must-visit for travellers looking for a hit of sunshine and nature, with plenty of pubs and restaurants to rest and refuel in between.

Start your tour of Townville with a walk up Castle Hill to take in the panoramic views of the city and sea. With multiple walking trails to choose from, it’s the perfect way to stretch your legs after your flights to Townsville before exploring the rest of the city’s highlights. Cool off with a croc-free swim in the lagoon along The Strand, or head straight out to the Great Barrier Reef to snorkel among sea turtles and pay a visit to the famous Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA).

One of Townsville’s most popular attractions is Magnetic Island, a small slice of paradise filled with pretty beaches, a colony of wild koalas and hiking trails with breathtaking views. Reached in 20 minutes by ferry, it’s one of the best day trips to have on your Townsville flight itinerary, with accommodation options for overnight stays too. Back on the mainland, don’t miss the opportunity to dine at JAM or take the kids to cuddle a koala at Billabong Sanctuary.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a fun family holiday destination, or a solo adventure, Townsville has something for every type of traveller. With Townsville Airport (TSV) located a short drive from the city, you can be chasing waterfalls and marvelling at red-earth landscapes in no time. Find cheap flights to Townsville and start planning your trip today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Townsville

How long does it take to fly to Townsville?

Flights to Townsville will vary in duration depending on your departure location and flight itinerary. For example, direct flights from the nearby city of Cairns can take as little as 1 hour, while departing from Brisbane takes 2 hours, and from Sydney and Darwin up to 3 hours. Farther departure locations, such as Perth and Hobart, may require a connecting flight. For more information on popular flights to Townsville, see below:

0 hour 55 mins From Cairns
2 hours 0 mins From Brisbane
2 hours 40 mins From Sydney
2 hours 40 mins From Darwin
3 hours 40 mins From Melbourne

When is the cheapest time of year to fly to Townsville?

When searching for cheap flights to Townsville, consider planning your trip between April and May or October and November. Generally, these months fall outside of the peak tourist times, which can result in more reasonable airfare. However, cheap flights to Townsville can be found year-round, particularly when booking in advance.

Which airlines offer direct flights to Townsville?

Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Regional Express (Rex) are the main airlines offering direct flights to Townsville. Availability will depend on your departure location, with connecting flights required for journeys from some cities. Compare airline prices and find cheap flights to Townsville by entering your dates in our flights to Townsville deal finder.
 

What is the airport code for flights to Townsville?

The airport code for flights to Townsville Airport is TSV.

What terminal will I arrive in for domestic flights to Townsville?

Townsville Airport operates from a single terminal building. All domestic flights to Townsville arrive at the main terminal.
 

What terminal will I arrive in for international flights to Townsville?

All international flights to Townsville land in the main terminal, no matter which airline you’re flying with.
 

What is the best time of year to book flights to Townsville?

The best time to book flights to Townsville is from March to May and September to November. These off-peak times provide an ideal mix of good weather, reasonable airfares and moderate tourist crowds. The winter months of June to August also offer a warm escape for those travelling from the south but consider avoiding school holidays if you’re after cheap flights to Townsville. Plan ahead to take advantage of special deals on flights and accommodation.

What cities can I fly to Townsville from? 

Townsville flights are available from a number of cities across Australia, including Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Use our flight deal finder to see pricing information for your preferred departure location.
 

How far is it from the airport in Townsville to the CBD?

Townsville Airport (TSV) is located approximately 7 kilometres west of the CBD. It can be easily reached by car in as little as 15 minutes, with taxis and rideshare collection points available at the arrival end of the terminal. An Airport Shuttle also provides pick-up and drop-off services for travellers.
 

What are Townsville's Top Attractions?

The Strand

The Strand hugs the foreshore of Townsville, featuring a beachside promenade perfect for taking a stroll, stopping for a swim or gazing across the water at Magnetic Island. Home to many cafés, restaurants and oceanfront resorts, it’s a great area to stay if you’re looking for accommodation to go with your Townsville flights. The Strand Night Markets are also held on the first Friday of each month, with delicious food trucks, local art and kids' entertainment to enjoy.

Great Barrier Reef

One of the many reasons travellers book flights to Townsville is for easy access to the Great Barrier Reef. The city is just a boat ride away from a spectacular central section of the World Heritage site, where you can snorkel, scuba dive and experience one of the world’s most treasured natural wonders. Its location also makes Townsville one of the best places to go skydiving, giving you a bird’s eye view over tropical islands, rainforest and crystal blue water – pretty magical, if you dare.

Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA)

Those that do journey out to the reef shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA). Underwater sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor has created an experience unlike anywhere else in the Southern Hemisphere, with a series of incredible artworks planted along the seafloor. It also features a coral greenhouse to support reef restoration.
 

Magnetic Island

Fondly known as ‘Maggie’, Magnetic Island is nothing short of a tropical paradise. Private and pristine beaches await at every turn, with an endless stream of stunning views from the many restaurants and hiking trails. If you’ve always wanted to spot a koala in the wild, you’ve got a pretty good chance when you visit Maggie, with over 800 of the cuddly creatures calling it home. It’s only a short ferry ride from Townsville, too, with multiple trips available each day. Shuttle services can be booked to take you straight to the ferry station once your Townsville flights land.
 

Castle Hill

Castle Hill sits prominently in the centre of the city and is a popular playground for runners, hikers, cyclists and walkers. Offering magnificent views, it’s the perfect place to take in a sunrise or sunset walk – just remember to take comfortable walking shoes and have your camera at the ready! There is also a parking lot at the top of Castle Hill if you’d prefer to reach the summit using four wheels.
 

Museum of Tropical Queensland

This site doesn’t look like a typical museum; it’s been built using debris from the shipwrecked British warship HMS Pandora, paying homage to its tragic tale. Inside the Museum of Tropical Queensland, there’s a diverse range of exhibitions to entertain all ages, from cultural history to human science, as well as life in the tropics from prehistoric times to now.
 

Paluma Range National Park

Escape the heat and soak up the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area with a visit to the Paluma Range National Park. Swim or kayak through the cascading waters at Little Crystal Creek, take a walk up to McClelland’s Lookout or explore its many trails via mountain bike. Pack a picnic for the day and head towards Jourama Falls to start your adventure, located just over an hour’s drive from the Townsville CBD.
 

When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Townsville

With an average of 300 days of sunshine annually, there’s no such thing as a ‘bad’ time to visit Townsville. If you want to avoid the crowds, experience warm weather and take advantage of reasonable airfares, consider booking your flights to Townsville from March to May and September to November. Temperatures range from a sunny 26°C – 30°C, ideal for taking advantage of outdoor activities and snorkelling spots.

Winter is also a very popular time for travellers booking Townsville flights, as the days remain warm, but the evenings are cool. From June to August, temperatures sit at an average of 24°C to 26°C with low rainfall, so you can still enjoy getting out and about. There are also fewer stingers in the water at this time of year, but that shouldn’t deter you from visiting in the summer. December to February heats up to an average of 29°C, and the locals are well-versed in using stinger suits so you can still enjoy the water and the reef. The tropical climate means Townsville can sometimes experience heavy storms at this time of year, but often the rain makes spotting rainforest waterfalls even more magical.