Townsville Layover Guide (TSV)

What are you looking for in TSV?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Townsville Airport (TSV) is a regional airport located in Garbutt, Queensland. It’s situated about 4 km (2.5 miles) from downtown Townsville. The airport began operations in 1939. Townsville is the largest city in northern Queensland and serves as a major gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. It’s known for its tropical climate, vibrant cultural scene, and close access to natural attractions like Magnetic Island and the lush rainforests of Paluma Range.

Can you leave Townsville Airport (TSV) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers on domestic connections at Townsville (TSV) may exit the terminal, but international travellers must clear immigration and hold a valid Australian visa in advance. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} Eligible nationals can apply online for an eVisitor (subclass 651) or Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601). :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} A Transit visa (subclass 771) may be required. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• The Strand A scenic waterfront boulevard offering palm-lined promenades, swimming lagoons, picnic spots, cafés and cycle paths with stunning coastal views. Perfect for relaxing, grabbing a quick coffee or lunch by ocean. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or Sunbus Route 110 to Flinders Street then 10 min walk.)
• Castle Hill An iconic pink granite monolith rising above the city offering 360° panoramic views of Townsville, Magnetic Island and Coral Sea. Hiking trails, lookout platforms, stunning sunrise or sunset vantage points. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 min or Sunbus Route 112 to Charles Street.)
• Reef HQ Aquarium World’s largest coral reef aquarium housing over 60 exhibits of reef fish, corals and marine life. Interactive touch pools, turtle hospital and educational displays showcase Great Barrier Reef conservation efforts. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min or Sunbus Route 110 to Flinders Street then 5 min walk.)
• Billabong Sanctuary A wildlife rescue and conservation park featuring native Australian fauna such as kangaroos, koalas, crocodiles and birds. Hands-on animal encounters, informative keeper presentations and lagoon setting ensure memorable wildlife experiences. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~30 min or Sunbus Route 110 to Riverway then 10 min walk.)
• Magnetic Island Trip Short ferry voyage to Magnetic Island where secluded bays, vibrant coral reefs and walking trails await. Hire a buggy or join guided tour exploring stunning landscapes, koala habitats and Forts. (Time required: 4 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min to Ross Creek ferry terminal then 20 min ferry.)
• Museum of Tropical Queensland Cultural and natural history museum showcasing maritime archaeology, Aboriginal art and tropical ecosystems. Immersive interactive exhibits, shipwreck displays and rotating special exhibitions reveal North Queensland’s rich heritage and maritime discoveries. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or Sunbus Route 112 to Flinders Street then 5 min walk.)
• Jezzine Barracks Precinct Historic military site transformed into vibrant cultural hub featuring art galleries, botanical gardens and café-lined promenades. Stroll heritage-listed pathways while enjoying public art installations and panoramic views of Cleveland Bay. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 min or Sunbus Route 110 to Palmer Street.)
• Queens Gardens Serene botanical sanctuary exhibiting lush tropical and subtropical flora across manicured lawns, shaded walkways and historic conservatory. Ideal spot for picnics, photography or a tranquil break amid heritage-listed garden landscapes. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or Sunbus Route 112 to Denham Street then short walk.)

Things to Do in Townsville Airport (TSV)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Townsville Airport’s only dedicated lounge is the Qantas Club, located immediately left after security. It offers comfortable seating, buffet snacks, barista coffee, tarmac views, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, workstations, shower facilities and bar service from noon. Access is restricted to Qantas Club members, eligible frequent flyers and business-class travelers, and newspapers. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There are no on-site hotels at Townsville Airport; the nearest properties lie within 3 km. Options include Mercure Townsville (2.2 km), offering 4-star rooms, free Wi-Fi, on-site restaurant and shuttle service; Nightcap at Dalrymple Hotel (2 km) with pub-style dining; and BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks (2.7 km). Rates vary seasonally and are easily bookable online. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Overnight stay within Townsville Airport terminal is not permitted; there are no dedicated rest pods or sleeping lounges. Travelers can use standard seating areas near boarding gates; ergonomic chairs and limited bench seats offer minimal comfort. Consider nearby 24-hour cafes or hotel rooms for proper rest, with charging stations available.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Townsville Airport provides free unlimited Wi-Fi throughout all domestic and international terminals. Connect to the “Townsville Airport Free WiFi” network, then log in via social media or email. Speeds typically support web browsing, streaming and video calls. No password or purchase is required; terms and conditions apply per session.

SIM/eSIM Card: There is no dedicated SIM or eSIM kiosk at Townsville Airport. Travelers should purchase prepaid SIM or activate eSIM online in town before arrival; major providers like Telstra, Optus and Vodafone have stores in the CBD 10 minutes away. Passport ID may be required; data plans vary. Check coverage maps. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: A taxi rank is located outside Arrivals; cabs operate 24/7. Fares to the CBD (10 km) start around AUD 30 and vary by time and additional passenger surcharges. Credit cards and major ride-hail apps are accepted. Estimated travel time is 15–20 minutes, subject to traffic. Luggage assistance available. Pre-book via dispatch line.

Train: Townsville Airport has no direct rail link. To catch train services like the Spirit of Queensland to Brisbane or Cairns, take Kinetic bus routes 205/215 from the terminal to Townsville Station (8 km). Trains depart daily; journey offers coastal views and onboard amenities. Reserve in advance. more info

Bus: Kinetic Townsville operates bus routes 205 and 215 linking the terminal with the CBD, The Strand waterfront and Magnetic Island ferry terminal. Services run every 30 minutes from 4:30 am to midnight. Standard fares apply; paper tickets or the myKi card can be used. Luggage bays available. Off-peak discounts. more info

Shuttle: There is no dedicated airport shuttle service. However, several hotels near Townsville Airport offer courtesy pick-up and drop-off by reservation. Private shuttle companies also operate on request; pre-booking is essential. Charges vary by distance and group size. Inquire directly with your accommodation or transfer provider. Some vehicles are wheelchair accessible.

Car rentals: Major car rental companies including Avis, Budget, Hertz and Thrifty have counters in the Arrivals hall. Vehicles range from compact to SUVs; free airport pick-up is provided. Reservations are recommended. Fuel, insurance and additional driver fees apply. Operating hours follow flight schedules. GPS hire available. Contactless pick-up available. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Townsville Airport offers Short-Term, Long-Term and Premium parking adjacent to the terminal. Rates start at AUD 5 per 30 minutes for Short-Term and AUD 20 per day for Long-Term. Premium parking provides covered bays. Payment via credit card, PayWave or PayPass is accepted. Disabled bays are marked. EV charging stations are available onsite.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Townsville Airport does not have indoor luggage storage; however, self-service lockers are located outside the terminal entrance on Stinson Avenue. Prices vary by duration: typically AUD 5 for two hours, AUD 10 for 24 hours. Locks are included; larger items may not fit. Payment by coins or card accepted. CCTV monitored for security. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Townsville Airport (TSV) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks