Is Townsville or Cairns nicer?
The Cairns area generally has more to do and more to see than the Townsville area, and a wider choice of accommodation. Also easier to get to if flying with many more flights, and generally the airfares are lower to CNS than TSV.
The Townsville population is 183,332. This population makes Townsville North Queensland's largest city, and bigger than Cairns. Most people assume Cairns to the be the biggest city in northern Queensland, but it isn't. Cairns is certainly sizable, and it is indisputably the main hub for tourism in the region.
Renowned for its postcard-perfect beaches, its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and its generous sunshine, Townsville's reputation as a fabulous holiday destination precedes it. But northern Queensland's unofficial capital has more tricks up its sleeve than you might realise.
People that visit Cairns often end up saying they could happily spend their life there, enjoying the city and its gorgeous surroundings. But if you're short on time, three days is the perfect amount to experience this incredible city for all its tropical splendour.
Particularly an all-inclusive style resort where you can spend your days relaxing either on the beach or by the pool, Cairns (and its surrounds) might be the better option for you. That's one area that Cairns really stands out above Townsville when it comes to accommodation options.
Technical details : The average maximum temperature in Townsville was 29.7C and the minimum 20.6C. Similarly, Cairns was 0.9C above the average temperature.
The best time to visit Townsville is September-November
In summer, temperatures can reach as high as 31℃ (88℉) in the middle of the day. The average low temperatures in winter float around 17℃ (62℉), while the coldest it gets down to is about 15℃ (59℉).
Townsville is a thriving precinct with access to a variety of world class education facilities, leading edge health care, affordable housing, unique retailing, spectacular events and entertainment, dining precincts and a wide range of outdoor recreation options.
When it comes to great cities in Australia, you have a lot of choice. But for some, Cairns is the perfect place to relocate. This tropical, relaxed hub in Queensland is a popular tourist destination from April to November, thanks to its stunning amenities and exceptional location.
Townsville is located in tropical north Queensland. It's often overlooked by international visitors, in favour of its northern counterpart, Cairns. But Townsville is worth a visit as well, thanks to its family-friendly attractions, excellent day trips, and close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef.
Can you swim in the ocean in Townsville?
Discover The Strand
The Strand is a 2.2km world-class beachfront promenade custom-built for enjoyment. Along this palm tree lined stretch are bike and walkway paths, safe swimming beaches, picturesque picnic spots, playgrounds, exercise stations, a water park and restaurants and bars with to-die-for water views.
I recommend at least three days and two nights on Magnetic Island, but if you can stay three nights, that's even better. There are so many beautiful beaches, trails and restaurants, plus there is a super relaxed vibe on Maggie, that you might as well take advantage of it.
But if you're looking to head to Cairns on a budget and with fewer crowds, the best time to visit is in the shoulder months (April/May or September/October), or the wet season from November to March.
Getting around Cairns by public transport is easy and affordable. Buses run daily throughout Cairns, servicing the city and the suburbs. Bus services are available to most beaches and shopping centres, making it easy for you to jump on and off.
Reaching the Barrier Reef from Cairns and Port Douglas only takes from 35 minutes to one and a half hours depending on your boat type and the location you are going to snorkel and scuba dive, whereas from everywhere else on the east coast of Australia it takes two and half to three hours to reach the snorkelling and ...
The city itself doesn't feature a beach so if you're looking to escape to a typical beach location with sandy shores sprinkled with palm trees and swimming areas you'll need to head north to one of Cairns' Northern Beaches.
"The region around Cairns has bigger cities, but Townsville city is considerably larger than Cairns," said Townsville Enterprise economic development general manager Ross Contarino.
Rain falls throughout the year in Cairns. The month with the most rain in Cairns is February, with an average rainfall of 16.3 inches. The month with the least rain in Cairns is September, with an average rainfall of 1.1 inches.
Winter months are generally considered to be warm to mild. Day temperatures often average around 25°C to 29°C. Night temperatures average around 13°C to 18°C.
Townsville has dry periods in June, July, August, September and October. On average, January is the wettest month with 9.6 inch (244 mm) of precipitation. On average, September is the driest month with 0.4 inch (10 mm) of precipitation.
How hot does Townsville get in summer?
Average Temperature in Townsville
The hot season lasts for 4.8 months, from November 11 to April 5, with an average daily high temperature above 86°F. The hottest month of the year in Townsville is January, with an average high of 88°F and low of 77°F.
The average annual rainfall is 1143mm on an average 91 rain days, most of which falls in the six month "wet season" November to April. Due to the "hit or miss" nature of tropical lows and thunderstorms, there is considerable variation from year to year.
The majority of Townsville's rain typically falls during the tropical summer months, known as the wet season.
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Sunny and Cloudy Days.
City | Sunny | Cloudy |
---|---|---|
Rockhampton, Queensland | 125 | 91 |
Sydney, New South Wales | 110 | 127 |
Toowoomba, Queensland | 107 | 110 |
Townsville, Queensland | 112 | 105 |
This can be attributed to two factors: regional house prices rising at twice the rate of capital cities, and people fleeing COVID-19 affected capital cities. Corelogic report data has shown that sales volumes are up a whopping 38.2% in the Townsville region as of February this year (source).
Experts say that the population of Townsville will reach 198, 826 by the end of June 2021. Looking back on the data of the last eight years, the growth rate has been both strong and consistent, with 1200 to 2000 people moving to the region each year.
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Freshwater is the best Cairns suburb to migrate to if you're after a suburb that offers a bit of everything. The suburb is close to the airport, beaches, and is just 8 kilometres from the city. But perhaps the best benefit of living in Freshwater is that it is home to the train station for the Kuranda Scenic Railway.
The safest, most liveable and all-round best suburbs to reside in Cairns are recorded as Trinity Beach, Redlynch, Palm Cove, Smithfield, and Freshwater.
The region of Cairns is home to the iconic Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest, but the city of Cairns itself is also a must-visit. You'll find brilliant cafés, bustling markets and plenty of beaches nearby. Relax by a resort pool or spend your days exploring this tropical oasis.
What do people enjoy about Townsville?
Townsville is a great place to come to experience life like a local by enjoying stunning hikes, eateries, night markets, botanical gardens, as well as a great place to anchor down to explore the natural wonders of Tropical North Queensland.
Townsville boasts five northern beaches that offer a quiet place to relax and escape the crowds, plus excellent fishing spots and adequate facilities that will make visitors want to stay a little longer. Magnetic Island is also just a short boat ride for some amazing beaches.
Townsville is a reasonably safe city if you are vigilant. Keeping an eye on your belongings and carefully closing your car and housing are a must in this city. Choose a taxi if you return to the hotel late at night. You should also beware of the fauna of the region, especially the poisonous jellyfish and crocodiles.
1. MAGNETIC ISLAND IS JUST AS BEAUTIFUL AND AS EASILY ACCESSIBLE AS THE WHITSUNDAYS, WITHOUT THE PRICE TAG. A picture is worth 1000 words, so as for Magnetic Island's beauty, see above! ALL of the beaches there are this beautiful, we promise.
When is stinger season in Cairns? Stingers love the tropical summer weather and can be found in the waters around Cairns from November to May. Swimmers should exercise caution in the water during these months, and beaches may be closed if the risk of stingers is great.
Magnetic Island is situated 8km offshore from Townsville, Queensland. Its beautiful beaches make it look like paradise, but can you swim on Magnetic Island? Magnetic Island is, in fact, great for swimming all year round.
Located just 8kms from Townsville, our ferry barge can get you and/or your vehicle to Magnetic Island in just 40 minutes!
Magnetic Island Ferries operate up to 8 barge departures from Townsville daily, delivering you and your vehicle to and from Magnetic Island in 40 minutes of comfort.
The wet season begins building up around December, and most of the region's annual rainfall (around 2000mm / 78.7 inches) occurs in the summer months. It is still very warm in autumn, both day and night, with temperatures averaging between 21.5 - 29°C (70.7 - 84.2°F).
The distance between Cairns and Port Douglas is 58 km. The road distance is 67.1 km.
Is it too cold to swim in Cairns in July?
Yes!
Swimming in july is pleasant in Cairns and the surrounding area. The sea temperature is 75°F on average (min/max: 73°F/78°F), allowing you to swim for a long time and enjoy water sports.
Sydney to Cairns Greyhound Hop On Hop Off Bus Pass $199.
AIRPORT. The Cairns International and Domestic Airport is located within ten minutes drive from the Cairns CBD and is easily accessible by hire car, taxi or airport shuttle bus. A taxi will only cost you around $25/$30 one way into the CBD and the airport shuttle will set you back around $16 per person.
Complete your plans today by reserving a ride with Uber in Cairns. Request a ride up to 30 days in advance, at any time and on any day of the year.
Dolphins are sometimes seen splashing behind the boats on the way back into Cairns. Humpback whales make an appearance in our waters between June and September. Whichever outer Barrier Reef tour you decide to book, there is no doubt you will see a multitude of colourful marine life.
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Distance between Great Barrier Reef and Townsville City is 142.45 km.
Great Barrier Reef | -18.2861302 | 147.7000076 |
---|---|---|
Townsville City | -19.2576223 | 146.8178787 |
How long should you stay: It's recommended to spend at least 3 days exploring the reef. Single day trips from Cairns or Port Douglas just won't do this place justice.
The best time to visit Townsville is September-November
In summer, temperatures can reach as high as 31℃ (88℉) in the middle of the day. The average low temperatures in winter float around 17℃ (62℉), while the coldest it gets down to is about 15℃ (59℉).
Townsville is a thriving precinct with access to a variety of world class education facilities, leading edge health care, affordable housing, unique retailing, spectacular events and entertainment, dining precincts and a wide range of outdoor recreation options.
"The region around Cairns has bigger cities, but Townsville city is considerably larger than Cairns," said Townsville Enterprise economic development general manager Ross Contarino.
Does Townsville have a wet season?
Townsville has a dry tropical climate that is dominated by two distinct seasons: The wet season, summer (November to April); and • The dry season, winter (May to October). Characteristics of the above are discussed in the following sections. Summer months are generally considered to be hot and muggy.
The cool season lasts for 2.7 months, from June 5 to August 26, with an average daily high temperature below 78°F. The coldest month of the year in Townsville is July, with an average low of 58°F and high of 76°F.
Townsville has dry periods in June, July, August, September and October. On average, January is the wettest month with 9.6 inch (244 mm) of precipitation. On average, September is the driest month with 0.4 inch (10 mm) of precipitation.
The best time to visit Cairns is during the months of April and May or September and October. At this time, tourist crowds are low and flights and lodging rates are less expensive, but you may encounter some wet weather.
This can be attributed to two factors: regional house prices rising at twice the rate of capital cities, and people fleeing COVID-19 affected capital cities. Corelogic report data has shown that sales volumes are up a whopping 38.2% in the Townsville region as of February this year (source).
Experts say that the population of Townsville will reach 198, 826 by the end of June 2021. Looking back on the data of the last eight years, the growth rate has been both strong and consistent, with 1200 to 2000 people moving to the region each year.
- Springbrook. #1 - Springbrook. Queensland, Australia.
- Glass House Mountains. #2 - Glass House Mountains. Queensland, Australia.
- Brisbane. #3 - Brisbane. ...
- Binna Burra. #4 - Binna Burra. ...
- Tregony. #5 - Tregony. ...
- Maroon. #6 - Maroon. ...
- Mount Tamborine. #7 - Mount Tamborine. ...
- Montville. #8 - Montville.
When it comes to great cities in Australia, you have a lot of choice. But for some, Cairns is the perfect place to relocate. This tropical, relaxed hub in Queensland is a popular tourist destination from April to November, thanks to its stunning amenities and exceptional location.
The majority of Australians continue to live in the eastern mainland states. Almost 80% lived in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory in 2016.
Discover The Strand
The Strand is a 2.2km world-class beachfront promenade custom-built for enjoyment. Along this palm tree lined stretch are bike and walkway paths, safe swimming beaches, picturesque picnic spots, playgrounds, exercise stations, a water park and restaurants and bars with to-die-for water views.
How often do cyclones hit Townsville?
Thankfully, Severe Tropical Cyclones are rare, effecting Townsville on average once every twenty years. Storm surge is even more unlikely - it is estimated that a surge one metre above the high water mark would occur, on average, once in a hundred years.
I recommend at least three days and two nights on Magnetic Island, but if you can stay three nights, that's even better. There are so many beautiful beaches, trails and restaurants, plus there is a super relaxed vibe on Maggie, that you might as well take advantage of it.