When on holiday, exploring the natural landscapes of your new home away from home is an excellent way to spend your time, and Townsville offers everything from coastlines and beaches to tropical rainforests. The Anderson Gardens are the largest botanic gardens in Townsville, just a 15-minute drive from the city centre. Here you’ll see collections of foliage from the dry tropics regions of Queensland and around the world. There’s plenty of room for picnicking, strolling and exploring, so bring along a picnic rug and some lunch for a pleasant day out amongst the greenery. There is a 10000-step circuit for those looking for a challenge, and even a public swimming pool next door to cool off after a wander through the gardens. The Cape York Peninsula Collection displays plants native to Far North Queensland, the Pandanus Collection boasts the largest cultivated collection of Pandanus in the world, and the gardens hold an array of tropical trees for all to admire. Plus, there’s even a tropical fruit orchard here and you’ll find ducks swimming in the lotus pond.

Let the whole family get in touch with their wild side with these animal-focused activities. Billabong Sanctuary is an eco-reserve just shy of 20 minutes from Townsville in your Dollar rental car. Here, you can experience everything from holding a koala to encountering meerkats and personal crocodile feedings. Take a look at the range of wildlife interactions available and book according to which furry friends and crawly creatures your family loves the most. With feeding shows and keeper talks occurring throughout the day, you’ll see animals like cassowaries, turtles and crocodiles in action, and learn more about koalas, wombats and reptiles. Plus, there are free experiences on offer like the free flight bird show, kangaroo feeding and koala selfies. Planning to spend the day at Billabong? You’ll be well catered for with food from Blinky Bill’s Cafe, and there’s even a resort-style pool to keep the little ones entertained. Pop by the gift shop on the way out to bring home a souvenir from your Australian wildlife outing, and enjoy looking back on family photos with fascinating creatures. 

The Queensland Museum Tropics is centrally located in Townsville and offers an array of interactive activities for both adults and children to enjoy. With over ten galleries and exhibits to browse, you can easily spend the whole day learning new things about Queensland’s natural and social history. Interactive stations here focus on exploring how the human body works, and children from 5 to 13 years old can enjoy putting science to the test at the Sciencentre. The Sciencentre seamlessly blends fun and education with a giant Table of Elements, 3D noughts and crosses and a buzz wire game. Wander the Pandora Gallery to discover the story of the HMS Pandora through displays and artefacts, marvel at insects and organisms, learn about the wet and dry seasons in the At Home in the Tropics exhibit, and admire Aboriginal art in the First Nations Foyer. Plus, the Museum often holds family-friendly events like learning programs and seasonal activities to give children of all ages an entertaining and educational experience. Stop by the Galley Cafe for a coffee and a meal and take home a science kit or cuddly plush from the Museum Shop to bring a part of the Queensland Museum Tropics home with you. 

When in Townsville, you’ll be able to see the magnificent Magnetic Island from across Cleveland Bay. The 40-minute ferry ride from the Townsville Breakwater to Nelly Bay Harbour is an experience in its own right, with amazing coastal views and marine life to be seen. Load your Dollar rental car onto the vehicle ferry and enjoy the peaceful environment as you cruise over to the Island. Not only loved by tourists, but Magnetic Island also has a thriving population of its own, making it the perfect place to experience both island living and the local community atmosphere. Try something new with a Discovery Snorkel Tour around Magnetic Island. Led by master reef guides, this tour is suitable for adults and children of all ages, providing a family-fun adventure of a lifetime. From snorkelling through colourful reefs to glass-bottom boogie boards, there are water activities to suit all skill levels. Plus, informative talks and wildlife encounters offer an educational, hands-on experience. With walking tracks, wildlife parks and family-friendly restaurants to explore, a day trip to Magnetic Island offers a magical escape from the everyday. 

A family holiday in Townsville promises an exciting journey filled with laughter, learning, and togetherness. Memorable moments await in this coastal haven, with your Dollar rental vehicle leading the way.