Townsville Facts & Worksheets

The biggest city in North Queensland, Australia, Townsville, is a significant industrial and economic base. It is home to one of the world’s biggest zinc and nickel refineries and is an important trade partner of China. The city is also a national renewable energy powerhouse and is Australia’s “fortress city.” The Strand, Riverway, Reef HQ, and Townsville Sports Reserve are popular attractions.

See the fact file below for more information about Townsville, or you can download our 32-page Townsville worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

HISTORY

• The original inhabitants of the Townsville region are the Bindal and Wulgurukaba people, who also serve as their traditional proprietors and guardians. The Bindal people refer to their nation as “Thul Garrie Waja” and believe that the direction of a shooting star indicates danger or a need for assistance. 
• The Wulgurukaba people call their homeland “Gurrumbilbarra” and utilize the carpet snake as a symbol. According to their creation myth, a creation snake formed the Hinchinbrook Channel, which then gave rise to the Palm and Magnetic Islands.
• The snake’s tail is in Halifax Bay, his torso is on Palm Island, and his head is on Arcadia, Magnetic Island.
• Captain James Cook named Cape Cleveland, Cleveland Bay, and Magnetic Island in 1770, and Indigenous people had lived in the area for a long time. 
• In 1864, John Melton Black and Robert Towns assigned Andrew Ball and Mark Watt Reid to find a suitable port in Cleveland Bay, which led to the founding of Townsville.
• By 1868, Townsville had established itself as the primary port and service center for the Cape River, Gilbert, Ravenswood, Etheridge, and Charters Towers gold fields. The sugar business grew in coastal towns north and south of Townsville while the pastoral industry spread further west.
• Townsville, Queensland, has a rich history dating back to 1868, with the Anglican Diocese of North Queensland established in 1876. The town has experienced significant growth since 1970, with the opening of the largest Woolworths in Australia, a nickel refinery, and the Ross River dam. Recent developments include the construction of the Riverway Arts Centre, the establishment of the Jezzine Barracks community trust, and the Riverway Stadium. Significant events in Townsville include the union of Townsville and Thuringowa, the completion of the Townsville Ring Road, and the renovation of Flinders Street. In 2014, the Jezzine Barracks was transformed into an Aboriginal and military commemorative heritage site.

PIONEERS

• Robert Towns. Townsville was named in February 1866 after merchant and investor Robert Towns. Towns, born in England in 1794, went to sea at a young age and became the master of a brig trading around the Mediterranean before age 20. From 1827, Towns sailed between England and Australia aboard his ship, Brothers, carrying emigrants and general goods. After settling in Sydney as a mercantile agent, he established his fleet and wharves at Millers Point.
• Andrew Ball. Townsville was established in 1864 by Andrew Ball, a pioneer in exploring the Cleveland Bay region. He discovered the Ross River outlet for a port and oversaw Woodstock Station for pastoralists Robert Towns and John Melton Black. Afterwards, Ball engaged in pastoral work before returning to Townsville and marrying Mrs. Rose O’Neill, who eventually bought the Exchange Hotel. Later, Ball and Rose built Rosebank, a sizable timber home with a view of a lagoon and creek in Mysterton.
• Catherine Robinson. A lady recognized for her strength and independence, Catherine Colvin, one of the first European women in the newly established yet unnamed town, was a true Townsville pioneer.
• James Morrill. The First European Pioneer in Townsville. James Morrill, a sailor, traveled from Essex, England. He went to sea at a young age and was a carpenter’s mate aboard the Peruvian when it departed Sydney for China on February 27, 1846.
• The barque was destroyed in a cyclonic storm near Horseshoe Reef, part of the Great Barrier Reef. After rapidly building a raft, twenty-two survivors set out to drift for forty-two days, frequently seeing shore but always being forced away by opposing winds and tides. Morrill, an athletic and vigorous young man, did everything he could to save the castaways, including capturing fish and sharks to eat raw. Still, only five individuals survived the landing near Cape Bowling Green.
• Joan Innes-Reid. Driven to meet people from different countries, Innes-Reid left Canada and the United States in 1938. She worked for fifteen years and earned her Master’s in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago. In 1954, she joined Townsville General and Cairns Base Hospital as a Medical Social Worker, providing services to rural areas of North Queensland for eight years.
• Robert Hayles. Hayles, born in London in 1843, was the patriarch of a family with a long history on Magnetic Island. He arrived in 1898 after working on a sheep range, gold mining, owning a hotel, and having eleven children. With a vision of Magnetic Island as a vacation resort, he purchased seventeen freehold blocks at Picnic Bay from George Newman in 1899, using some money to build Magnetic Island’s first hotel.
• John Melton Black is recognized as the “practical” founder of Townsville, having envisioned a prosperous port settlement. Townsville would not have grown to become the “Capital of North Queensland” without this man’s drive, vision, and entrepreneurship.
• Eddie Mabo. Edward Koiki Mabo was born on Mer (Murray) Island, Torres Strait, on June 29, 1936. His mother passed away soon after he was born, and his Uncle Benny and Aunt Maiga took him in as their own. After relocating to the Australian mainland in 1957, he wed Bonita Neehow in 1959, and they raised ten kids collectively.

PARKS, BEACHES AND COMMUNITY VENUES

• The Strand is a 2.2 km long, superb promenade along the shore designed for enjoyment. Bike and walking pathways, kid-friendly swimming beaches, gorgeous picnic areas, water parks, playgrounds, fitness centers, and breathtaking lake views can all be found along this stretch of land bordered by palm trees.
• In addition to fishing from the pier, jogging, or just lounging on the beach and taking in the magnificent views of Magnetic Island, you may enjoy the free family fun of The Strand Water Park. Offering the best of all worlds is The Strand.
• Queensland Museum Tropics, previously known as the Museum of Tropical Queensland, is located in Townsville, Queensland, Australia. Queensland Museum Tropics provides a view of North Queensland through galleries that depict the story of World Heritage-listed rainforests, reefs, and the tragedy of HMS Pandora, the ship dispatched to capture the Bounty mutineers. The museum also looks at tropical life from ancient times to the present. The numerous exhibitions and displays concentrate on natural and cultural history, biodiversity, and human science. The Queensland Museum Network includes it.
• Great Barrier Reef Marine Park safeguards a significant portion of the nation’s reef, promoting commercial marine tourism, fishing, ports, shipping, recreation, scientific study, and indigenous traditional use. It restricts fishing and wildlife removal, and ships must travel on designated routes to avoid sensitive areas.
• Perc Tucker Regional Gallery houses around 2,000 artworks and hosts national and international exhibitions. It focuses on North Queensland and the Tropics, featuring historical and contemporary art from Tropical Queensland, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders, contemporary art from Papua New Guinea, famous art, and ephemera.
• Castle Hill, a heritage-listed pink granite monolith in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, is a unique natural feature on the Queensland coast. At 286 meters above sea level, it commands a dominant position in the city’s skyline. It is known for its unique city views over Cleveland Bay toward Magnetic Island. In 1993, Castle Hill was added to the Queensland Heritage Register.
• Queens Gardens, a heritage botanic garden in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, was founded in 1870 and used initially as a military base. It was later converted into a recreational park and redesigned by Alan Wilson in 1959 due to urbanization and residential expansion. The gardens are now only a tenth of their original size.
• The Palmetum is a 17-hectare botanical garden showcasing over 300 species of palm plants, including rare and endangered species. The park is a fascinating experience, with 60% of the plants having labels. The park also features a boardwalk around the marsh route and the inlet from Ross River, providing a unique experience for visitors.
• Ross River is 49 kilometers long and passes through Townsville in North Queensland, Australia, providing potable water for the city. Named after William Alfred Ross, the first publican and later mayor of Townsville, the river’s 1864 name honors the city’s first publican. It empties into the Coral Sea.
• Magnetic Island, a 52-square-kilometer hilly island in Cleveland Bay, Queensland, Australia, is a suburb of Townsville with 2,335 permanent residents. Accessible by ferry from Townsville Breakwater to Nelly Bay Harbour, it features a National Park, bird sanctuary, and walking trails. It’s a popular vacation spot with resorts and motels and includes Townsville’s electoral district and Herbert’s federal seat.
• Billabong Sanctuary houses around 70 Australian mammals, birds, and reptile species, including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, wombats, crocodiles, goannas, parrots, cassowaries, and African meerkats. Its natural billabong attracts various species, some breeding and rearing on site. Visitors can take guided or self-directed tours of the 11-hectare tropical bush.

NOTABLE TOWNSVILLE PEOPLE

• Joe Baker, a Queensland native, studied organic chemistry at the University of Queensland before joining James Cook University as an associate professor and foundation lecturer. His research focused on marine science, particularly the Great Barrier Reef, designated as a World Heritage Site in 1981. Baker held positions as Chief Scientist and Commissioner for the Environment.
• Hughie Edwards was an Australian aviator and war hero born in Townsville in 1914. He became well-known for his heroic service during World War II when he received the Victoria Cross for his gallantry as a bomber pilot in the Royal Australian Air Force. Edwards had a notable military career, eventually becoming Governor of Western Australia.
• Terence P. Hughes, a marine biology professor at James Cook University, is an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow and director of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies. His research interests include biogeography, evolution, macroecology, and social-ecological interactions.
• John Veron, a renowned marine biologist, was the first full-time researcher at the Great Barrier Reef and the first scientist hired by the Australian Institute of Marine Science. He participated in 67 expeditions, named 20% of reef corals, and developed a taxonomic system.
• Madge Winifred Ryan was an Australian actress who appeared in UK stage and cinema productions, including Entertaining Mr Sloane, Philadelphia, Here I Come, and Medea. She also performed in Broadway’s Summer of the Seventeenth Doll. She made her film debut in 1966 as Bertha Noversham in The Saint.

Townsville Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Townsville across 32 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Townsville. The city is also a national renewable energy powerhouse and is Australia’s “fortress city.” The Strand, Riverway, Reef HQ, and Townsville Sports Reserve are popular attractions.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Townsville Facts 
2. Hunting Ville
3. Townsville Crossing
4. Town Questioning
5. Fun Fact Ville
6. Towns History
7. Pioneers Ville
8. Guessing Ville
9. Yay or Nay Town
10. Town Visitor
11. Town Organizer

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Townsville located?

Townsville is located in Queensland, Australia, along the northeastern coast. It sits adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef and is considered the largest urban center north of the Sunshine Coast.

What is Townsville known for?

Townsville is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, Magnetic Island, and the picturesque Castle Hill. It’s also recognized for its vibrant cultural scene, featuring numerous festivals, art galleries, and museums.

What are some popular attractions in Townsville?

Some popular attractions in Townsville include:

• Magnetic Island: A short ferry ride away, offering pristine beaches, hiking trails, and wildlife encounters.
• The Strand: A scenic beachfront promenade featuring parks, playgrounds, and restaurants.
• Reef HQ Aquarium: The world’s largest living coral reef aquarium, showcasing the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.
• Castle Hill: A granite monolith offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding area.
• Museum of Tropical Queensland: A museum highlighting the natural and cultural history of the region.

What is the climate like in Townsville?

Townsville enjoys a tropical savanna climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and warm, dry winters. Average temperatures range from around 25°C (77°F) in winter to 32°C (90°F) in summer. The city experiences a distinct wet season from December to April, with heavy rainfall and occasional tropical cyclones.

What is the economy of Townsville based on?

The economy of Townsville is diverse, with key sectors including:

• Mining: Townsville serves as a regional hub for the mining industry, particularly in the extraction and processing of minerals such as zinc, copper, and nickel.
• Defence: The city is home to a significant military presence, including Lavarack Barracks and the Townsville Field Training Area, which contribute to defense-related industries and services.
• Education and research: Townsville hosts James Cook University, a leading research institution, along with several other educational and research facilities.
• Tourism: The city’s natural attractions, coupled with its vibrant cultural scene, make tourism a significant contributor to the local economy.

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