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Townsville City
3.7(25 reviews)

Townsville City, QLD 4810

3.7(25 reviews)

Ranked 14th best suburb by locals in Northern Region, QLD

Great for

  • Parks and recreation
  • Clean & green
  • Public transport
  • Eating out
  • Schools

Not great for

  • Parking
  • Lack of traffic
  • Cost of living
  • Pest-free
  • Peace and quiet

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families With Kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists

Reviews of Townsville City, QLD

Editors Choice

"Refreshing and delightful"

I love the Townsville CBD, from the Cotters Markets to City Lane, the new Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Museum of NQ, Reef HQ, The Courthouse Theatre and more right on your doorstep, the city is easy to navigate by foot or car and it is only a short drive (less then 2mins) over Melton Hill to the stunning Strand and its beaches plus the Breakwater Marina and Ville Resort & Casino. The Strand has a variety of eateries like the CBD. The CBD is home to friendly people who wear their hearts on their sleeves and its quite evident that the CBD (and city as a whole) is booming and will be home to many more residents in the near future.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
10
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Editors Choice

"Happy returning visitors to your wonderful city"

June 2019, after four years we have been able to return to Townsville for a relaxing holiday. Our first visit was in 2003 with all our children (4 in total) after that we have been coming for years and always stayed in the Aquarius on the Strand.
Townsville is a wonderful place to visit as a middle aged couple or with children, there is lots to do and plenty of eateries. For the shopaholics there is plenty, we visited this time two of the known shopping centres; Stocklands and Castletown. The latter our favourite, clean, a great variety of shops and very friendly people in general. Eating out for lunch or coffee and cake we highly recommend the Carvery excellent service and fantastic prices.
Staying on the Strand means plenty of walks along the beachfront and although difficult for my wife (wheelchair bound) it is possible to enjoy the scenery to the fullest. All eateries along the Strand are worthwhile a visit; The Watermark - beautiful food, not the cheapest but value for money. Try their pizzas as well you wont be disappointed. Last night 22 June we were spoilt by the fireworks finishing a great day along the beach, filled with BBQ competition, classic car competition.
Last thing, well done Townsville after the devastation of the recent flooding, you as a town/city have shown your resilience that requires respect from out of town visitors - thank you once again for a lovely stay, your hospitality, your endurance and for sharing your beautiful city you call home.
Deborah and Carlo Wisse - Gympie QLD

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
12
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24th September 2023

"Bought an apartment in August, very pleased"

I bought my apartment in the CBD in August and I love it, I go to the Beet Bar for Brekky, sometimes Betty Blue, have lunch at the Food Cabin and Dinner at Salt. Go to Gym, go for a walk along the boardwalk and go to Cowboy's home games during footy season, can motor around on an Neuron Scooter and all in under 5mins from my apartment. Pretty pleased. Definitely feel fulfilled.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
0
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7th July 2023

"A multitude of benefits"

Living in the suburb of Townsville City offers a multitude of benefits that make it an exceptional place to reside. From its vibrant atmosphere to the array of amenities available, there are several compelling reasons why Townsville City stands out as an outstanding residential choice.

One of the most prominent attractions in the area is the Queensland Country Bank Stadium. This state-of-the-art sporting venue hosts a wide range of events, including rugby league matches, concerts, and community gatherings. The stadium provides an incredible source of entertainment and a sense of community pride, offering residents the opportunity to enjoy world-class sports and entertainment right on their doorstep.

Proximity to the Strand is another exceptional perk of living in Townsville City. The Strand is a stunning waterfront precinct that stretches along the coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Coral Sea. Residents can take advantage of the picturesque walking and cycling paths, relax on the sandy beaches, or indulge in a range of water activities such as swimming, paddleboarding, or kayaking. The Strand is also home to numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars, allowing residents to savor delicious cuisine and enjoy a vibrant social scene against the backdrop of stunning ocean views.

For nature enthusiasts, Townsville City offers easy access to the ferries that transport residents to the idyllic Magnetic Island. Just a short boat ride away, Magnetic Island is a tropical paradise known for its pristine beaches, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife. Whether it's a weekend getaway or a day trip to explore the island's natural beauty, living in Townsville City means having this breathtaking destination within reach.

Beyond its natural attractions, Townsville City offers a wealth of job opportunities. As a major regional hub, the city boasts a diverse economy, with significant sectors in healthcare, education, mining, defense, and tourism. This economic diversity provides residents with a range of employment options and fosters a thriving job market, making Townsville City an attractive destination for professionals seeking career advancement and growth.

When it comes to leisure and entertainment, Townsville City does not disappoint. The suburb is home to a vibrant nightlife scene, with numerous bars, cafes, and clubs catering to various tastes. Whether you're in the mood for live music, cocktails, or a cozy cafe to relax with friends, Townsville City offers a diverse range of venues to suit every preference. Residents can enjoy a vibrant social life and immerse themselves in the city's energetic atmosphere.

In conclusion, Townsville City offers an exceptional living experience with its proximity to the Queensland Country Bank Stadium, the stunning Strand precinct, convenient access to Magnetic Island, a thriving job market, and a vibrant nightlife scene. With its array of amenities and opportunities, Townsville City stands out as a desirable suburb that combines natural beauty, recreational options, career prospects, and a lively social scene. It's no wonder why so many individuals choose to call Townsville City home.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
1
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24th March 2023

"a friendly welcoming community"

moved to townsville from new zealand in early march and although its a quiet city the locals are very friendly and randoms greet you in the street, you never got that back in new zealand where people either are indifferent, unfriendly/unwelcoming and generally obnoxious

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
2
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"Moved here in December 2020"

Hi, I moved here in December 2020 and I am loving the move so far, I moved from Mornington Peninsula

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
3
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"Ugh"

Visited relatives here, yeh not impressed and neither are they. They are looking at relocating to Collingwood Park in Brisbane and I think its a great move.

0
0123456789
0123456789

You dont understand the absolute disdain for Townsville in this comment unless youve been to Collingwood Park hahaha

kaitlinc

Yeh sure, move to a suburb that has two disused coal mines under it causing random sinkholes to appear.. read this https://qldbusinesspropertylawyers.com.au/blog/mine/

Dont be an idiot.

Chris Heffernan
Chris Heffernan

good luck getting a place in brisbane - the rental market there is cooked and i mean you and 60 others lined up outside a $800pw mould-infested shitbox you and them are competing for

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"Visited in January, Moved here in June"

I visited Townsville in January from my former home in Wallan, Vic, I was very impressed. The humidity and heat was not unbearable, they do make Airconditioning and fans you know? I knew after spending a week here that I would move here within a year and I did, just before the Victorian lockdown. So grateful to be here now and the people here are nothing but supportive and friendly. Sarah - formely of Wallan now of Townsville

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
4
hallym

Hi Sarah, greeting from Wallan, VIC. How is Townsville? How cheap are rent or buy?

hallym

Like brand new 4 bedrooms for rent or buy? You obviously know how much this is in Wallan.

Chris Heffernan
Chris Heffernan

some of my friends here in townsville are all from vic and they say the same thing - warmer climate, no daylight savings and a quieter down-to-earth lifestyle

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"Good"

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
5
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"Moved here 2018"

Happy with the unit I bought, neighbours are sociable and I can't see me moving again, when you have found something good keep it that way

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
8
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"Pretty good"

Moved here from Coomera, I like it here. Been here 5 years now.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
10
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"Really nice"

The city is located close to the coast which makes for great picture perfect postcard shots for Instagram, people are lovely and there are many trendy cafés to visit and things to see and do.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
9
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"Glad I did!"

I am loving my new lifestyle in Townsville, there is so many events on like Townsville Eats, PBR, Greek Festival, North Queensland Fringe Festival and there is an abundance of restaurants and cafes to visit, you can't do it all in one day. The people are so friendly and made me feel welcome, its an easy walk around or if you wish to catch a taxi or uber or bus they are there too. I won't be returning to Melbourne, I have found what I want in Townsville.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
11
AliG123
AliG123

There are problems, crime is peaking , stolen cars etc. Rent don't buy. If you are in in a government job you'll be fine - the ups and downs of the economy won't affect you much.

Travo97

I bought here Penny, glad I did :)

kyliet19

AliG123. Be thankful you could afford to buy I would love to buy a house in Townsville

Chris Heffernan
Chris Heffernan

ALIG123 - crime and stolen cars happen whereever you go in the world, it was a big problem where i came from (the hutt valley in wellington new zealand) and to date ive had no issues here in townsville

AliG123
AliG123

Townsville is on the up curve august 2023, its mining dependent. Maybe the curve will keep going. They are building more of the odious housing estates of the ponzi scheme in the south. Be aware - some of these housing estates will have public housing in them which means your shiney new house of 450 000 will be next to a house with rubbish dumped outside and fights in the street. In other places they build them next to known crime spots then people wonder why they are being broken into.

Chris Heffernan
Chris Heffernan

aljs - like ive said crime is everywhere in the the world no matter where you go sydney has its crime, melbourne has its crime, even the hutt valley in new zealand has its crime (and far more of it than townsville) - i feel safer walking the streets at night here in townsville than i did back in the hutt valley.

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"Boring but cheap"

My husband and I moved from Sydney to Townsville after he was offered a job at the university. We are both highly educated, but I am struggling to find a job. In addition, I never had to drive in Sydney as I could take a bus anywhere. That is not case here, we only have one car and I don’t really drive. I find that locals seem friendly, but it was easier to meet people in Sydney ( and that is saying a lot). I am finding that our lifestyle has suffered greatly since moving here as there were a lot more parks, gardens , places to go with my daughter. Most playgrounds were covered and close by. I could always hop on a bus and go to the botanical gardens or get a coffee and walk around manly beach.The heat and bus system in Townsville prevents this. We stay indoors all weekend with air-con. Sydney housing was much more expensive and cramped, but we were not usually spending our days cooped up. I thought that moving to a larger suburban house would be better for our family, but I was very wrong. Not recommended for people who are used to good public transport and plenty of interesting places to go. Not just the beach.

2
megs8

Hi Raven123
We lived in Townsville for nearly 10 years and never really got used to the heat. I do suggest that you pack your bags as soon as you are able to and leave. Don't settle in there and definitely dont buy property as there is no growth.

sarahl15

Absolute garbage. If you can't find a job you obviously aren't looking hard enough, there is an extensive bus service in Townsville that takes you all over the city. There are heaps of parks and gardens, I really can't even believe this review to be real seems like a total fake out by someone from another town that wants to sabotage Townsville.

Megs, go away TROLL.

AliG123
AliG123

you find the real estate agents get very angry when they read these reviews.

raven1234
raven1234

I have to say that I differ in my opinion of living here sarahl15. For me, it's mostly about the summer heat and the fact that you cannot really be outside during the daytime to enjoy the outdoors with my kid. I disagree with the sort of transportation network that you describe. From your comment, I get the impression that you must drive everywhere and have not actually had to wait for a bus in the heat. This is a big contrast for me compared to living in a large city like Sydney, where there is actually an extensive, tram, rail, and bus network. Since Townsville is small it probably doesn't want to invest in a better transport system, as most people are not stuck in traffic. However, if you don't drive it is very tough. In terms of jobs, I have an advanced academic degree, but the uni does not have the money or resources to hire at the moment. Perhaps that will change in the future. Because the city is small there are just less opportunities for people who have a specialised degree. It is probably better for people in allied health, the services industry, or military? I am just trying to paint my impression of living here and we all differ in our perceptions. There is no right or wrong, but I do think people with similar circumstances should be informed before making an important decision.

AliG123
AliG123

Most people drive in townsville, the uni bus service is problematic, you can wait for hours for the bus to turn up. The only silver lining is UBER is now in town so you can ditch the buses if you wanted. There's always some mad talk of "light rail" but of course there's not the numbers to support it, no one wants to walk their bags back to the house for a kilometer in ferocious sun or hammering rain. the real estate agents have become furious since discovering this page by the looks of it.

an1

What did you expect, youre living in NQ? Of course its going to be hot in Summer. Its more spaced out than Sydney, so like most regional cities it is more common to drive. By the sounds of it you belong in Sydney

larryg3

Wow Ali, I can't believe you think everyone on here is an agent, some of us are locals who love Townsville and are sick of the few who are so agro against it, if you have nothing nice to say then shut up.

AliG123
AliG123

Maybe I should warn more people in a more determined way not to wreck their finances and foolishly buy into Townsville. I think you have motivated me.

AliG123
AliG123

Raven1234 you'll need to get a car, Townsville becomes too hot and inconvenient without one. Stage your day , go down to the beach early. Winter is generally very pleasant in Townsville. As i said get a car it's the only way in most places

gailh6
gailh6

I moved to the city last year and have found it to be great, my house value has gone up too... AliG you sound like you need some help, are you ok? If you need some help don't be afraid to reach out <3

Travo97

You mean like how people in Sydney 'violently' defend the city by pointing out the harbour, the bridge, the opera house and you have pretty much seen the pinnacle of Sydney's offerings? find something better to do on a Monday.

AliG123
AliG123

You see this is what happens when real estate agents just continue provoking people into making more comments. Let's just have an honest conversation, crime needs to be controlled and we needs jobs here.

AliG123
AliG123

What's the point of luring more victims on to the rocks ? Buying a house in Townsville nearly destroyed me.

AliG123
AliG123

I'd bet there are plenty of people that bought into Townsville that are furious about how things have worked out here.

gailh6
gailh6

As you said, getting old, painfully old. I doubt the person who made that comment on November 23rd last year is still around to see these comments. So really trolling these reviews is not what I would consider helpful. I am sorry you had a bad experience here but like the rest of the people in the world when you have a bad experience learn to move on. Don't keep hanging on, no amount of bad comments is going to turn people against the city. It has its problems like any city and continually bashing it achieves nothing. Over the years prior to the mining downturn Townsville was one of the countries fastest growing regional cities so like me those people must have seen the good in the city and unlike a place like Mackay the population has not gone backwards, people are still moving here but there preference is for new house and land packages hence why prices in established properties have fallen. They are still selling though. Its silly to think prices would keep going up like those artificially inflated capital city prices, even Brisbane prices are anaemic as they didn't have as many investors from China and elsewhere buying empty apartments and houses.

AliG123
AliG123

If only all the detractors just died and you could present a happy story , eh ?

AliG123
AliG123

Crime is out of control in Townsville, get the car thieves in prison and maybe things will stabilise.

fiona-newf

So helpful! People are used to different lifestyles and paces and moving means changing lifestyle. Not a bad thing at all, just different. As a current Sydney-ian looking at Townsville it's great to get all perspectives to make an informed decision. Still love the idea of moving here, it looks and sounds like a beautiful place. Thank you for your honest perspective.

mariap15

I understand where Raven 1234 is coming from.I do not live in Townsville but I understand how you feel.Living in Sydney and then moving to Townsville would have been a big culture shock. Townsville will never become Sydney. Sydney has a very large population .Sydney has an infrastructure to cater a large number of people.Busy transport services.Many retail shops.Many parks, schools ,hospitals ,etc. Townsville and most of Qld towns /cities are very small and slow ,like villages. What you see is what you get . Progress is very slow compare to Sydney . The capital growth is very low compare to Sydney. Having a degree doesnt guarantee a job.I am from Brisbane and its slow compare to Sydney .As I slow down and get older Townsville is a peaceful place to settle.

Chris Heffernan
Chris Heffernan

took me a bit to find a full time job here in townsville but i finally got there with a bit of persistence, sure brisbane has all the work but they dont have the accomodation and youll be a lottery winner if you do manage to find a place to live in brisbane - good luck down there, townsville rocks and i have no plans to leave it - either back to new zealand (where its twice as bad) or to any other part of australia

Chris Heffernan
Chris Heffernan

ALIG123 - no matter where you fo in the world there is out of control crime - im from suburban wellington new zealand (hutt valley) and crime is twice as bad as youve described here in townsville - over there you get stolen cars to use in ram-raids of dairies (mini marts), assaults, knife crime and (thanks to a labour government) the cops cant do squat about them plus even though self defence is permitted under new zealand law it will be you who defends yourself/property/another person who ends up being arrested and charged (all thanks to this (nz) labour government)

Chris Heffernan
Chris Heffernan

megs8 -if you dont like the heat then id suggest melbourne youll quickly be sick and tired of the time consuming process of de-icing your car on winter mornings and the 11c days plus the odd day of freezing rain and wind

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"I was pleasantly surprised"

I was so surprised at how beautiful the CBD and the city as a whole is, yes it can be dry sometimes but you know it is the dry tropics so be realistic. Some years are wet, some are dry.. as in most other places. The views to Magnetic Island are postcard perfect, the local residents are very friendly and will gladly answer any questions you have or help with directions if need be. I am moving here later in 2019 and I am very keen. I have recently secured full time work and I am looking forward to my new start in Townsville.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
12
melodyg

Hi Kelly, have you moved yet? My husband and I just made the decision to move and are extremely excited. However we need to land jobs first. I hope we do sooner rather than later :D Please let us know how you went with finding accommodation, getting to work, and meeting people :)

pennyc6

Hey Melody, I can't speak for Kelly but I had no trouble finding a rental property in the city, North Ward, Castle Hill and Belgian Gardens are also nice areas to look into! getting to work for me is easy as Townsville traffic is generally pretty good going and I have met plenty of people with shared interests, the key is to look into clubs and Townsville isn't short of them e.g. there is art, sport, theatre, comedy to name a few. I hope you find work soon, there are plenty of jobs on offer try all the job sites and ring the recruitment companies. Plenty of projects are getting off the ground in 2020 with the opening of the NQ Stadium, the commencement of a new Lithium Ion battery facility, a US based company is planning a quartz/graphene plant at the Port as well. It really depends on what you are looking for and what your skills are. There is also some retail jobs coming up with Skechers opening stores at Castletown Shoppingworld and Stocklands Aitkenvale in December, Grandma's Cafe and restaurant opening at North Ward shopping village and it is hoped Aldi will be coming in 2020 too. I hope the move goes well :)

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"Fast growing business and lifestyle hub"

Townsville CBD is a fast growing dynamic business hub with a vibrant nightlife and growing restaurant scene, it is a hive of construction with major investments by the Queensland Government, University providers and major national and international companies. I love the easy walks to places like the Strand and the magnificent views you get from many aspects. I love living here.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
11
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"City and sea views"

I love Townsville City, it is so close to the beautiful Strand and has plenty of cafes and restaurants. The people are friendly and the lifestyle great. What more could you ask for?

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
10
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"Great place to live and play."

I love Townsville City, it is close to everything and is the business hub of the city. So many places to explore and will be very close to the new North Queensland Stadium when completed in 2020, new projects are in the pipeline and underway so there is no shortage of jobs and the beautiful strand is located a short walking distance away. Yes there are some closed shops in the CBD but most CBD's in Australia have the same but I can happily report the tide has turned and they are starting to be rented out again and the CBD is more bustling everyday.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
12
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"Too many restrictions and regulations"

Townsville is a lovely small city with all the facilties and services of any big city without the hustle and bustle.
You can get almost anything you need in Townsville.
One drawback if you travel though, is the necessity of flying down to Brisbane to access most international flights.
The swimming areas provided by council are absolutely wonderful.
The major fault I have discovered for a boatie is the excessive regulations in the area.
The entire beach along the Strand is off limits to boating...one cannot bring a boat into shore or even into shallow water for swimming for fear of fines. It is reasonable to expect boaties to stay clear of flagged swimming zones, but to declare the whole beach off limits is council regulation gone mad. The beach without any boating activity just looks deserted, sterile and forlorn.
The same goes for Magnetic Island...the profusion of Dept of Marine and Fisheries exclusion buoys prohibits landing on most of the island's beaches. The only beach that has any "laid back holiday feel" about it is Horseshoe Bay, and the reason for that is because it is filled with boats and yachts, and all the related activity that goes along with that.
Why do these councils think that prohibiting human activity is the way to proceed? There will always be those who act irresponsibly...(the current youth crime problem is evidence of that) but the great majority of citizens (and boat owners) are responsible people and respectful of others, and restricting access to these beautiful places is only going to keep them away in droves.
I recently towed my boat all the way from Adelaide to Townsville, and spent several months there in Townsville, but I was so disgusted by all the rules and regulations, that I doubt if I will ever do it again.
I should also add that the exhorbitantly high cost of council rates is preventing me from ever buying a property in Townsville.

Great for

  • Beautiful beaches
  • Lovely swimming pools provided by the council

Not great for

  • Too many boating regulations
  • Distinct lack of places for self contained motorhomes...not RV friendly
  • Youth crime has reached epidemic levels
1
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"think what you need to think"

townsville has recovered to some extent.

Great for

  • Not a major city
  • People who rent

Not great for

  • Council shutting access to unique tourist places
  • Highest council rates in Australia and no work
  • Sizeable part of community doesn't care
  • High Cost of Living
  • High unemployment
  • Military City
  • Theft is bad

Who lives here?

  • Retirees
2
gailh6
gailh6

What a troll, I love it here. You sound like a serial whinger, all those things you listed could be attributed to any city in the world so im sorry just grow up!

AliG123
AliG123

Maybe I should warn more people in a more determined way not to buy here. I think you've motivated me.

gailh6
gailh6

Well mine has risen so hopefully yours will soon too, but some of us plan to stay here for life hence why property value means little.

AliG123
AliG123

That's a bald faced lie. The real estate agents need to try and do something positive in Townsville rather than try and feast on the dry bones at the moment

Chris Heffernan
Chris Heffernan

no work? you obviously havent been looking hard enough, i came over from new zealand and initially it was a struggle to find work but in the end i found it. persistence pays off

AliG123
AliG123

The economy in townsville is like a roller-coaster, when things are good - they are good but the bad times are always around the corner. At the moment things are good, people are fleeing the majpr cities the politicians built - vast real estate ponzi schemes where house prices are high and you'll lose a significant amount of your life in traffic or using public transport.

Be aware , education isn't as evolved in the major cities where you can take part time evening technical courses where the theory and practical all gets done together. Whatever level of education you've got / licensing you arrive is what you'll have for the rest of your life. Unless you have lots of money and time to take off from full time work or a mortgage. If you are connected to the mates network or work for the government you'll be fine - more than fine. The interview process will be stacked against you, I went for a government job and was handed a question sheet minutes before the interview that friends and family had been given WEEKS before.

I don't worry about it anymore, just make sure you put deadlocks on your doors and padlocks on your garden gates and it will be good enough to keep the community out of your house and stop them stealing your car.

Chris Heffernan
Chris Heffernan

alig123 - alot of my newfound friends are from melbourne and they have no regrets moving to townsville the weather is alot warmer, rents alot cheaper and the people alot friendlier plus we always agree that daylight savings is a bad thing and as queensland doesnt have dst we are alot happier here than in the SE states or even new zealand

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"Unemployment is high, so is insurance, petrol and everything else."

Have found it unfriendly but a lot has to do with being a military town and the transient population. Born and bred locals are resentful of newcomers and in 3 years we have not been invited to any social event with work colleagues. The military is based throughout the suburbs in rentals and we have witnessed antisocial behaviour with excessive drinking, drug taking and domestic abuse. Cost of living is very high compared to other cities. This is a workers town and most go to Cairns or Airlie Beach for a break from the boredom. Property prices have plummeted so buying a house is reasonable but extremely hard to sell.

Not great for

  • High unemployment
  • Military City
  • High Cost of Living
2
AliG123
AliG123

I stopped eating out in Townsville because of food poisoning , I was wiped out for a week and a half from one place on the strand. The only place I will eat at now is the casino and a few fish and chip places. After falling sick once again from a frozen pizza from a supermarket I called someone I know - he told me that he refuses to buy any perishable good from that supermarket because he was being made sick. Brisbane instituted a safe eating policy to protect residents and tourists alike from food poisoning - not in Townsville

malc1

Completely agree with everything you said. It took us 2 years to sell our house at Alligator Creek and the A hole who bought it offered 70,000 below what it cost us to buy the land and build. It was the only offer we ever got and he knew he had a choice of literally hundreds of properties. It was take it or leave it, no bargaining. Meat from Woolworths was often rotten and had to be taken back for a refund. Asked them why that kept happening and got the dont care attitude. Couldnt get out of that hole of a place quick enough. The best experience I ever had in Townsville was looking at in the rear vision mirror when heading south permanently.

TerryS1
TerryS1

What a bunch of absolute cowards.

Chris Heffernan
Chris Heffernan

ive found the complete opposite, people are very friendly and welcoming here randoms greet you in the street, never got that in new zealand where locals give newcomersor even old timers icy stares and obnoxious attitudes.

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"Good place to explore"

I was only in Townsville for a short while. I took the train from Mt Isa to Townsville and caught another train there to get to Brisbane. The country West of Townsville is lovely. I wouldn't mind living within a 50 km radius of Townsville City.

Townsville seems to be a thriving marine research centre. The aquarium is amazing! It's one of the few places that keep dugongs in captivity. Their pool has a walkway through it and you can watch these incredible animals swimming around you and being fed. The selection of sharks on display is huge and the fairy penguins try to play with people through the glass.

The bus drivers are madmen though. The bus drivers driving style was like something out of Harry Potter and I kid you not! He was rather unfriendly too. I'm not the only one who had a bad experience with them either. A museum curator I know had her bicycle break down on her and it was raining so she caught the bus. The bus driver charged her extra for taking the bike on the bus.

Great for

  • Aquarium and museum are great

Not great for

  • Crazy bus drivers

Who lives here?

  • Tourists
  • Country Lovers
  • Beach Lovers
2
AliG123
AliG123

The longest dam wall in the Southern Hemisphere used to be open to tourists but they have now blocked all but one access and locked away a quarter of its length - Townsville tourism is going nowhere

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"City problems like any other city"

It has it's nightlife problems in Flinders Street (voted most violent street in Qld)
You will find many people sleeping in the parks , There is plenty of theft going on , On the upside it has nice waterfront areas such as The Strand , Plenty of good eating areas for the rich and the poor , Expensive living on the Strand.

Great for

  • Work available

Not great for

  • Theft is bad

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
0
Chris Heffernan
Chris Heffernan

theft and crime happen everywhere in the world - no matter what city your in. Im from the hutt valley in new zealand where theres rampant car theft, ram-raids, assaults, gang activity/organized crime, aggressive entitled drivers who know the police dont do squat to enforce the road rules and self-defence is an arrestable offence despite it being permitted under new zealands criminal code.

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"Townsville - Great north city or visit or live"

Townsville is a large city located in Tropical North Queensland. Townsville has all the amenities you would expect from a city of this size, great shopping centers, schools and colleges, many sporting and recreational venues, playing field and entertainment centers. There are beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal clear blue waters, simply relax or partake in the many water sports on offer. Yet there is an amazing rainforest backdrop where you go walking the tracks to bird watch or just enjoy the diverse flora and fauna of the area. For the visitor there is no end to the accommodation options. Home prices are like those of any city varied but with the occasional bargain to be found.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
10
johnh50

What crystal clear blue water? you have to travel quite a few kilometres offshore to get away from the murky brown green water off Townsville, north and south. Yes the beaches are nice, but you can't swim here...

TerryS1
TerryS1

Looks pretty blue today! and you can't swim most places in Northern Australia thats why we have the Waterpark, Rockpool, Riverway and in coming years the new Strand Lagoon! :)

Jill Smart
Jill Smart

It looked amazing today as always, the views were spectacular.

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"An exciting place in tropical north Queensland."

Townsville is a town that prospers no matter what. Magnetic Island off the coast is a huge tourist attraction for the area. The foreshore has been developed to take the best advantage of views out over the bay to the island. Nestled behind the Great Barrier Reef there are no surf beaches but there is ample opportunity to snorkel, dive and the fishing is great.

Magnetic Island is a popular spot for the locals to pop across and do something different. The island is populated with over 2000 koalas and is home to many unique bird life. It truly is a nature lovers dream to come and visit and enjoy the local surrounds.

This tropical town is a favourite amongst Queenslanders and a popular holiday destination.

An attraction of visiting Townsville is to travel west 135 km to Charters Towers, a city full of history from the gold mining years.

Residents in Townsville have to put up with the hot tropical summer but once that has passed the rest of the year is idyllic.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
12
liverpoolfan

great review, any idea on whah the schooling is like as have 2 children and may be moving in the next couple of months. haven't heard much about townsville. would there be much for the children to do and would it be a good place for shopping

lukepm

Hi Townsville is my home town, although I have been away from many years,I started going back over the last several years, and I have discovered its avery liveable city. There are some very good schools in Townsville, and Charters Towers has three boarding schools.As for shopping the CBD is getting a massive facelift with many major retailers about to step up.Townsville is poised to become an attractive thriving tropical city,as it continues to grow in importance as a port,commercial centre,military base,and administrtion hub for Government and business.It offers a variety of wonderful beaches and get aways within a couple of hours drive.Mission Beach to the north, Magnetic Is just off the coast at Townsville, and The Whitsundays to the south.You should visit I think you will be pleasantly surprised. There is nothing like North Qld.Nick

AliG123
AliG123

Whatever you do , do not buy into this mess , there is no work and things will not be better for a decade. Rent a house and save what you can , when the work dries walk away with money in your bank

johnh50

I must agree with AliG123. Been here for three years, and not far from escaping this place of paradox.

Jill Smart
Jill Smart

What a load of crap AliG and John. There is plenty of work and new projects are coming online. Some people are never happy wherever they may be!

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