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[jculife]

A uni student’s guide to living in Townsville

Are you starting or considering study in Townsville? 

If you’re feeling a bit lost, we’ve got you covered! Our guide will tell you everything you need to know about enjoying the Ville like a true local. 

WHERE TO EAT:

There’s a plethora of great places to eat around Townsville. You’ll find a variety of dining options on Palmer Street, Flinders Street, Canon Park and a few other small hubs. A few of our favourite picks for uni students are:

Cactus Jacks

Great cocktails and delicious Mexican food. Head there on a Tuesday night and get all you can eat chilli for only $12. Did we mention there’s chocolate nachos?

Image: https://cactusjacks.com.au/

Otto’s Fresh Food Market

A Townsville favourite, Otto’s provides a fresh market of foods as well as pre-made goodies. Try a sweet from the cabinet, a fresh juice or a smoked chicken pretzel roll (our favourite).

Images: https://www.facebook.com/OttosFreshFoodMarket/?fref=ts

IMC Steak House

IMC has scored the title of Townsville’s best steak by The Townsville Bulletin and we understand why. Not only are they delicious but you can score them at a reasonable price, which is great for a uni student budget.

Image: https://www.facebook.com/imcsteakhouse/?fref=ts

Max Brenner

A chocolate lovers dream, Max Brenner is full of chocolate goodness and busy at all times for a reason. Share a choc fondue for two if you’re on a budget.

Grill’d

You can’t go wrong with burgers from Grill’d. They are also a great option for people with food intolerance and they have quite a few vegetarian options. Their “beer garden” area out the back is perfect for a burger and a beer on a Friday night.

Image: https://www.facebook.com/GrilldBurgers/?fref=ts

Jam Corner

Two words – GREAT BREKKY. They aren’t too pricey either. 

Image: https://www.facebook.com/jamtownsville/?fref=ts

Juliette’s

You’ll find Juliette’s on the Strand with great gelato, coffee and delicious sweets – YUM.  

Image: http://www.about-australia.com/attractions/juliettes-for-lovers-of/

WHERE TO EXERCISE: 

Forget a gym membership, Townsville is known for it’s range of areas to exercise outdoors for FREE. Just take your pick...

Castle Hill

Castle Hill has got to be the most popular exercise destination in all of Townsville. No matter what hour of what day you’ll find plenty of locals trekking this popular exercise track. For starters, we would suggest trying to walk up the Castle Hill road. If you really want to be daring and break a sweat, you can try the Goat Track for a more intense workout. Trust us, it’s all worth it in the end when you’re at the top and you get a look at that stunning view of Townsville.

Image: http://www.about-australia.com/attractions/castle-hill/

The Strand

The Strand is a Townsville icon and while it’s pretty to look at it’s also a pretty kick-ass walking track. There are even free exercise stations that you can stop at along the way if you’d like to break it up. When you’re finished, there’s plenty of places to grab a coffee or fresh juice along the way.

Image: https://www.experienceoz.com.au/en/townsville/the-strand-townsville/the-strand

Jezzine Baracks

Jezzine Baracks is a relatively new addition to Townsville and the 15-hectare precinct commemorates the military and Aboriginal heritage of the Kissing Point headland. The redevelopment restored significant elements of the original Kissing Point Fort complex giving it plenty of stairs and walkways for breaking a sweat. 

Image: http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2014/04/04/3978764.htm

WHERE TO PARTY:

Head to Flinders Street for a great night out! Here’s some of our favourite spots for uni students: 

Flinders HQ

Another relatively new addition to the Ville is Flinders HQ. Head there on a Tuesday night for a boogie and free entry all night. 

Image: https://www.facebook.com/FlindersHQ/

Madcow

The Madcow is a Townsville veteran. This double-storey, Australiana, Saloon-type wonder is sure to show you a good night. Grab a teapot and dance to new and old school hits until the cows come home. It’s also FREE entry. 

Image: https://www.facebook.com/Mad-Cow-Tavern-110167841510/

Heritage Exchange

Head to the Heritage Exchange for the best cocktails in Townsville, they’re a little pricey but totally worth it. This charming bar often has live music on a Friday night and the beer garden area is a lot of fun. 

Image: https://australianbartender.com.au/2015/10/23/heritage-exchange-townsville-good-drinking-done-right/

Seaview

If you’re doing a Sunday sesh, then the Seaview is the place to go! Any long weekend is guaranteed so see this sea-side pub packed to the rafters. Grab a bucket of beers for cheap and enjoy the sea-breeze! 

Image: http://www.seaviewhotel.com.au/

WHAT TO DO:

Townsville is full of hidden gems. For the full Townsville experience, be sure to check out these top spots:

Reef HQ

Experience the Great Barrier Reef without getting wet at the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium right here in Townsville. Reef HQ will open  your eyes to an amazing world filled with thousands of charismatic marine creatures. Use your student card to get a good price and spend the day exploring! 

Image: https://www.bookme.com.au/bookings/whitsundays-airlie-beach-townsville/activity/reef-hq-aqaurium-townsville/1572

Magnetic Island

Only 25 minutes from Townsville, Magnetic Island is a short ferry ride to a tropical paradise. There’s lots to see and do whether you want to spend a day or a whole week there. Grab a group of friends, hire a topless moke and explore the island at your pace. We would suggest heading to Mexican restaurant Noodies and buying a round of cocktail jugs. They come with a free sombrero! and who doesn’t want a free sombrero? There’s plenty to do so visit the Magnetic Island Tourism page to help plan a trip. 

Image: http://frugalfrolicker.com/magnetic-island-beaches/

The Museum if Tropical Queensland

The Museum of Tropical Queensland is the only branch of the Queensland Museum north of Brisbane. On Flinders Street in Townsville, the iconic building looks across Ross Creek in the city. The star attraction is the HMS Pandora gallery. Sent to catch the famous Bounty and her mutinous crew, the Pandora sank off the coast of Cape York in 1791. Hundreds of amazing artifacts have been recovered from the wreck and are on display. There’s always new great displays on offer, so check out their website to see what’s showing. 

Image: https://www.facebook.com/museumoftropicalqueensland/

Billabong Sanctuary

Cuddly koalas, snapping crocodiles, what’s not to love about The Billabong Sanctuary? This Townsville tourism favourite is an 11-hectare sanctuary just south of Townsville. Totaltravel.com calls it “Australia’s best interactive wildlife sanctuary” and we understand why. You can get up close and personal with Australia’s wildlife with feeding and handling or watch an interactive show by their experienced rangers. 

Image: http://www.billabongsanctuary.com.au/

Perc Tucker Regional Gallery

If you’re spending some time in the CBD, be sure to hit up the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery to see what they have on offer. This heritage listed public art gallery offers a dynamic range of local, national and international exhibitions complemented by workshops, talks and a host of other programs. It’s also FREE to visit. 

Image: https://www.facebook.com/PercTuckerTCC/

Cowboys game

CARN THE COWBOYS! What better way to experience the Townsville spirit then by visiting a local Cowboys game at 1300 Smiles Stadium. You can grab general admission tickets for relatively cheap and buses run to and from the stadium regularly, making a game easy to get to. 

Image: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-10-06/north-queensland-cowboy-flags/6830164

Crystal Creek

Get out Google Maps and put in Crystal Creek for a day trip that will have you returning time and time again during the wet season. On a really hot day you’ll love the crystal clear (and cold) water holes, water falls and rapids. Pack a lunch and prepare to spend a day swimming, eating and relaxing at this local favourite. On the way home be sure to stop in at Frosty Mango for an ice cream and your perfect day will be complete. 

Image: http://www.top100experiences.com.au/listing/crystal-creek/