Townsville Cruise Port
Townsville, Australia · Pacific
Cruise ships dock at Berth 10 — Main Cruise Berth, Townsville.
Plan my port daysCompact cruise port with a modern terminal, free shuttle to the CBD, and easy access to reef and island experiences.
At a glance
Port summary
Townsville's Quayside Terminal at Berth 10 is modern and well-equipped. A free shuttle runs into the CBD on cruise days, and the city itself is compact and walkable once you're in the centre. The Strand waterfront, Reef HQ Aquarium, and the ferry to Magnetic Island are the main draws. Stinger season (November–April) limits open-water swimming, but stinger nets are in place at The Strand.
Cruise dock
🚢 Berth 10 — Main Cruise Berth
The designated cruise ship berth at Port of Townsville. Adjacent to the Quayside Terminal. Accommodates vessels up to 300 metres. Cruise ships have priority berth rights if bookings are made 12 months prior.
📍 Latitude: -19.252133, Longitude: 146.829411
See dock on port map →Getting to Townsville
From the cruise terminal to the city centre
Free shuttle bus loops between the terminal and the CBD on cruise ship days. Multiple stops along The Strand and city centre.
📍 Shuttle bus stop at Quayside Terminal bus zone
13cabs (132 227) or Black & White Cabs (133 222). Dedicated drop-off zone about 100 m from the terminal.
📍 Taxi rank past the bus zone at Quayside Terminal
About 3 km from the terminal to the city centre. Flat route but can be hot — shuttle recommended in summer.
📍 Walk south-east along the waterfront toward the CBD
Local Translink buses connect suburbs and the CBD. Less convenient than the free cruise shuttle for port transfers.
📍 Translink bus stops on main roads near the port area
SeaLink ferry to Magnetic Island — 20-minute crossing, up to 17 services daily. Return fare $44 adult.
📍 Breakwater Ferry Terminal (about 1 km from Quayside Terminal)
DiDi and Uber both operate in Townsville. Availability can be limited outside peak hours.
📍 Open DiDi or Uber app
Map & things to do
Money & payments
Cards accepted almost everywhere — carry a small amount of cash for markets only
Things to do
Jezzine Barracks
Short stop⭐ Highlight
A 15-hectare heritage precinct with coastal boardwalk, 32 art installations, restored fort, and ocean views.
🕐 Morning or late afternoon for comfortable walking
Reef HQ Aquarium
⭐ Highlight
The world's largest living coral reef aquarium and gateway to understanding the Great Barrier Reef.
🕐 Morning to catch feeding presentations
The Strand Waterfront Walk
Short stop🚶 Walk
A scenic 2.2 km beachfront promenade with swimming enclosures, rock pool, waterpark, and cafes.
🕐 Morning before the heat builds
Billabong Sanctuary
🎯 Activity
Australian wildlife park where you can cuddle koalas, hand-feed kangaroos, and watch crocodile feedings.
🕐 Arrive by 11 am to catch feeding shows through the afternoon
Magnetic Island Day Trip
🎯 Activity
Tropical island with secluded beaches, bushwalking, wild koalas, and snorkelling — just 20 minutes by ferry.
🕐 Depart on an early ferry for maximum island time
Flinders Street East Dining
Short stop🍽️ Restaurant
Townsville's main eat street with cafes, restaurants, and bars in a heritage-lined tropical setting.
🕐 Lunchtime for the best selection of open venues
Queensland Museum Tropics
Short stop🏛️ Museum
Home to HMS Pandora shipwreck artefacts and fascinating natural history of tropical Queensland.
🕐 Any time — indoor and air-conditioned
Maritime Museum of Townsville
Short stop🏛️ Museum
Small but engaging museum covering Townsville's maritime and naval history with model ships and artefacts.
🕐 Any time — small indoor museum
Castle Hill Lookout
📸 Viewpoint
Panoramic 360-degree views over Townsville and Magnetic Island from a 286-metre granite monolith.
🕐 Early morning or late afternoon for best light and cooler temps
Queens Gardens
Short stop🌿 Nature
Peaceful heritage-listed botanical gardens with tropical plantings and towering fig trees in the heart of the city.
🕐 Morning for cooler temperatures and birdsong
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Plan my port days →Frequently asked questions
- Where does my cruise ship dock in Townsville?
- Your ship docks directly at the Townsville cruise terminal in Australia.
- Can I walk from the cruise port into Townsville?
- Yes. Townsville is walkable from the cruise port — many cruisers reach the city centre on foot.
- How do I get from the cruise port to Townsville centre?
- Typical options include Shuttle bus, Taxi, On foot, Local bus, Ferry, Ride-hail (Uber/Bolt). Durations and costs are listed in the transport section above.
- How much time do I need in Townsville?
- Plan for at least 3 hours ashore to see Townsville independently and return to the ship with a safe buffer.
- What currency is used in Townsville and are cards accepted?
- Townsville uses the Australian Dollar. Carry some cash for markets, taxis, and smaller vendors — cards aren't accepted everywhere.
- Is there Wi-Fi at the cruise port?
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the Townsville cruise terminal.
- When should I be back at the ship?
- Cruise lines usually require all passengers on board about 30 minutes before scheduled departure. Confirm the exact all-aboard time on your daily programme.
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