Car & Van Hire - Townsville

With almost year-round sunshine and great beaches, Townsville is a popular destination for tourists from Australia and other countries. Its star attraction is the Great Barrier Reef. It's a good idea to plan to spend a full day exploring this natural wonder. The boat trip from Townsville to the reef takes about two hours to arrive, and once you're there, you can indulge in a wealth of activities. Snorkelling and scuba diving are extremely popular at the reef. There are also glass-bottom boat rides, helicopter trips or if you just want to chill out, the chance to relax on the beach of a nearby island.

In the Townsville area, you'll find the beach often considered Australia's most beautiful: Whitehaven Beach. Located on Whitsunday Island, this breathtaking stretch of white sand and clear turquoise water looks like something from a postcard. Even if you don't visit the island, you'll have plenty of options for beaches on the mainland, too. This stretch of the Queensland coast is known for its incredible natural beauty.

Within Townsville, you'll find lots to see and do. Get your bearings by going for a walk along the Strand, the city's famous boardwalk. You'll enjoy views over nearby Magnetic Island as you stroll along. The Strand has a lagoon where you can have a quick swim, and if you're there in the evening, you can visit the Strand Night Markets. This is one of Townsville's best spots to pick up a bite to eat, as well as souvenirs and handicrafts.

Car rental in Townsville will let you see more of Queensland, and Townsville is an excellent base for road trips. The Paluma Range National Park is an excellent place to start. Home to many species of rainforest birds, this expanse of green is ideal for lovers of nature. You can take a hike to scenic viewpoints like McClelland's Lookout or go for a swim at the Paradise waterhole at Big Crystal Creek. Explore the waterfalls and discover the majesty of the rainforest.

For something completely different, try visiting Charters Towers, about ninety minutes' drive from Townsville. This town was once the second-largest settlement in Queensland and was the centre of the state's gold rush. Today, it is a fascinating stop for anyone with an interest in history. Preserved buildings and museums tell the story of the gold rush and the part it played in the growth of Queensland.

Car and van rental in Townsville is a wonderful way to get around and see more of Queensland. Townsville does not have significant traffic, and there is an ample range of parking options. Many visitors use the city as their base to explore the nearby area or as the starting point of a road trip that might take them to Cairns or Brisbane.

There is a huge difference in Queensland between driving along the coast and driving in the outback. The former is likely to be easier for visitors, as there are more towns along the way and fewer potential hazards on the road. If you live in a city, outback driving might be a completely new experience for you.

Before setting out on a road trip, you will need to do some planning. Carry a paper map, as you are likely to lose your mobile signal when out on the road. Ensure you have enough petrol, water and food. Check in advance for petrol stations and other services along the way. You might also want to look up the road conditions before starting out, as many outback roads are unsealed.

If you are visiting Townsville between October and April, be prepared for unpredictable weather. Both flooding and bushfires are common and can present major hazards to drivers. Roads can be closed quickly in the event of a flash flood. If a road is closed, do not attempt to enter it or drive into flood waters. Instead, look for an alternative route.

Another potential hazard on outback roads comes in the form of road trains. These enormous trailer trucks are a common sight on rural Australian roads. The largest vehicles of their kind in the world, Aussie road trains can be over 50 m long and travel at speeds of up to 100 kmph. In dry conditions, they can create huge dust clouds, limiting visibility, so keep your distance when sharing the road. If you are trying to overtake a road train, you will need to do so with extreme care. Keep the length of the vehicle in mind and ensure that you have a clear line of sight.

Animals are another hazard on the road, with kangaroos being a major cause of accidents in Australia. They are most active at night time, so avoid driving outside cities between dusk and dawn. Slow down if you see animals beside the road, and drive very carefully.