Townsville waterfront

Townsville, Australia

Home to the newly opened Ardo Hotel, overlooking the sparkling Coral Sea.

Places in Townsville waterfront

Ardo Hotel signature restaurants Two signature restaurants at Townsville's latest luxury hotel, opened December 2023.
Ardo Hotel rooftop pool bar A bar by the glittering rooftop pool at Townsville's newest luxury hotel.

Best time to visit: May to October (dry season), taking advantage of Townsville's 320+ days of sunshine while avoiding the wet season and stinger season.
Getting around: Magnetic Island is reached by a 20-minute ferry from Townsville, with villages Picnic Bay, Nelly Bay, Arcadia and Horseshoe Bay running south to north along the island's coastline.
Currency: Australian Dollar (A$)
Language: English. Aboriginal languages are spoken in some communities.
Timezone: AEST (UTC+10, no daylight saving)
Current trends: Townsville's role as a premier Great Barrier Reef gateway continues to strengthen with new luxury hotel openings like the December 2023 Ardo Hotel, featuring 132 suites and a rooftop pool, while nearby Magnetic Island's mix of pristine, uncrowded bays and easily spotted roadside koalas keeps drawing day-trippers and overnight visitors just a 20-minute ferry ride away.

Nelly Bay (Magnetic Island) — Home to Restaurant Le Paradis, serving traditional French cuisine.
Arcadia (Magnetic Island) — Home to The Arcadia Hotel, with live music and a poolside bar.