Townsvilleis a city on the north-eastern coast ofQueensland, Australia. It is in the dry tropics region of Queensland, adjacent to the central section of theGreat Barrier Reef.Townsville is Australia's largest urban centre north of theSunshine Coast, with a 2015 population estimate of 180,333.Considered the unofficial capital ofNorth Queenslandby locals, Townsville hosts a significant number of governmental, community and major business administrative offices for the northern half of the state.
Popular attractions include "The Strand", a long tropical beach and garden strip;Riverway, a riverfront parkland attraction located on the banks ofRoss River;Reef HQ, a large tropicalaquariumholding many of theGreat Barrier Reef's native flora and fauna; theMuseum of Tropical Queensland, built around a display of relics from the sunken British warship HMS Pandora;Castle Hill, the most prominent landmark of the area and a popular fitness destination; The Townsville Sports Reserve; andMagnetic Island, a large neighbouring island, the vast majority of which isnational park.