Moving to Townsville: Relocating to Townsville

by Jenna Aug 13, 2024

Moving to Townsville? Our comprehensive guide can help you make an informed decision about relocating to Townsville, QLD, Australia.

Moving to Townsville? Expect sunny skies, warm days and plenty to see and do. Best Rated Transport can not only help you find the best interstate removalists for your move, but have also put together a easy-to-read guide on everything you need to know before relocating to Townsville.

Is Townsville, Australia a good place to live?

If you love warm weather, shopping, beaches and footy, then yes, Townsville is the perfect place to call home. 

Townsville Weather 

If you had to describe Townsville's weather in two words, it would be tropical and dry. Expect hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters.

Average temperatures range from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F) in summer and 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) in winter. 

What are the best schools in Townsville?

If you have school-aged children then one of the biggest things to consider is their school. In fact, if you are on the hunt for the perfect neighbourhood, you may want to check out the schools as part of the process.  

Townsville offers a range of schooling options including public, private, and international schools.

Some well-regarded schools in the area include Townsville Grammar School, Ryan Catholic College, and William Ross State High School. 

Best suburbs in Townsville

Regardless of what neighbourhood you choose, you'll be able to find a lovely place to call your own. The average rental price for homes in Townsville typically ranges from AUD $300 to $500 per week for a standard three-bedroom house.

While everyone will have a different opinion of the 'best' suburbs in Townsville, below are some of the ones that are ideal for families. 

  1. North Ward: North Ward offers stunning ocean views, parks, cafes, and proximity to Townsville's CBD.

  2. Annandale: A family-friendly suburb with leafy streets, parks, schools, and shopping centers. Annandale is located close to James Cook University and the Townsville Hospital.

  3. Douglas: Douglas is popular among students, academics, and medical professionals with modern housing, parklands, and recreational facilities.

  4. Kirwan: A well-established suburb with schools, shopping centers, and sports facilities, Kirwan offers a range of housing options and is popular among families and professionals.

  5. Aitkenvale: Located close to Stockland Townsville Shopping Centre and James Cook University, Aitkenvale offers convenient access to amenities, schools, and public transport.

  6. Belgian Gardens: For waterfront properties, Belgain Gardens is a leafy delight with parks, and close proximity to The Strand.

  7. Idalia: A newer suburb with modern housing developments, parks, and walking tracks. 

  8. Cranbrook: Known for its affordable housing options, schools, and parks. Cranbrook offers a family-friendly atmosphere and is conveniently located near major roads and shopping centers.

  9. Castle Hill: Offering panoramic views of Townsville and the coastline, Castle Hill is popular among outdoor enthusiasts for its hiking trails, picnic spots, and recreational activities.

  10. Mount Louisa: Situated on elevated terrain, Mount Louisa offers views of Townsville and Magnetic Island. It's a growing suburb with new housing developments and easy access to amenities.

Things to do in Townsville

There's plenty to do in Townsville with cultural and community events, hikes and waterfalls and, of course, the Cowboys NRL team to cheer on. Below are some of the most popular activities associated with Townsville: 

  1. The Strand: Parks, playgrounds, cafes and restaurants, The Strand has it all. You'll also find a Rock Pool and free waterpark along the popular walking/cycling track. 

  2. Magnetic Island: Take a short ferry ride from Townsville to Magnetic Island and discover an island adventure that keeps giving. Here you'll find its pristine beaches, hiking trails, and wildlife. 

  3. Reef HQ Great Barrier Reef Aquarium and Cairns Tropical Museum: Two great indoor activities to check out include the Reef HQ Great Barrier Reef Aquarium and Cairns Tropical Museum. The museum is also free for locals. 

  4. Castle Hill: Hike or drive to the summit of Castle Hill for panoramic views of Townsville, Magnetic Island, and the surrounding coastline. 

  5. Billabong Sanctuary: Get up close and personal with Australian wildlife at the Billabong Sanctuary. 

  6. Riverway: Discover Townsville's cultural precinct at Riverway, featuring art galleries, outdoor sculptures, and landscaped gardens along the Ross River. 

  7. Jezzine Barracks: Learn about Townsville's military history and Indigenous heritage at Jezzine Barracks. Explore walking trails, art installations, and historical landmarks while enjoying scenic views of the coast.

  8. Cultural Festivals and Events: Experience Townsville's vibrant cultural scene by attending festivals and events throughout the year. Highlights include the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, Townsville Cultural Festival, and Strand Ephemera public art exhibition.

Cost of Living in Townsville

While everywhere in Australia has seen some massive rises in cost of living, Townsville's cost of living is generally lower compared to major Australian cities like Sydney or Melbourne. 

Here's an approximate breakdown of monthly expenses for a family of four living in Townsville in 2022. 

  • Rent (3-bedroom apartment): AUD 1,200 - AUD 2,000
  • Groceries: AUD 600 - AUD 1,000
  • Utilities (electricity, water, gas): AUD 200 - AUD 350
  • Internet and phone: AUD 70 - AUD 100
  • Transportation (public transport or fuel): AUD 150 - AUD 300
  • School fees (if applicable): Varies depending on the school

How to Get Around

Townsville has a well-connected transportation network, including buses, taxis, and car rental services. While public transportation options are available, owning a car can provide more flexibility, especially for exploring the surrounding regions. The city is also bike-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes and paths in many areas.

Job Opportunities in Townsville

One of the reasons why many people look at relocating to Townsville is because there are so many job opportunities available. Not only is it a tourist mecca, but there's also plenty of opportunities in healthcare, education, tourism, mining, and defense.

Major employers include James Cook University, Townsville Hospital, and various government agencies. 

Moving to Townsville? Get the Best Rate on Interstate Removalists 

Making the move interstate can be tricky and it's always important to do your research on your new destination. If you are relocating to Townsville, then Best Rated Transport can help you with every aspect of your move, starting with finding your the best rate on interstate removalists. 

Our Instant Quote system allows you to compare interstate removalists and receive instant quotes, saving you time and money. Our dedicated team can then help you with any additional questions you have and ensure your move is seamless and stressfree when relocating to Townsville. 

Our Instant Moving Quotes service is fast, free and guaranteed to deliver you the best rate in a matter of minutes. No need to contact several companies - we’ve done the comparisons for you! 

Try it out today - it's free to us and your first step in the exciting journey of moving to Townsville.  

Best Rated Transport has helped thousands of people move interstate. We are dedicated to ensuring our customers are able to make an informed decision based on their precise needs and ditch the stress that often comes with an interstate move.

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