Way up in North Queensland, Townsville is a laid-back seaside city known for its slow-paced way of life. From the easy-going esplanade to its nearby national parks and tropical offshore islands, this underrated destination rivals regional big hitters like Cairns. The most affordable way to bounce between spectacular local attractions is with a cheap Townsville hire car from Bargain Car Rentals.
Pick up a car hire from Townsville Airport to begin your self-guided adventure.
BARGAIN CAR RENTALS TOWNSVILLE CAR RENTAL: RANGE OF SERVICES
Our Townsville Airport depot stocks a sizeable fleet of modern vehicles. From spacious family-sized sedans to tiny fuel-efficient hatchbacks, we’ve got a cheap Townsville car rental to suit every budget and taste.
Exploring Townsville with a hire car needn’t break the bank—our famously low prices apply to all our rides.
Looking for rock-bottom rates, first-class service, and convenient collections/drop offs? Look no further than Bargain Car Rentals at Townsville Airport.
CAR HIRE PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF
Pick up: Our desk is located in the Arrivals Hall. Please collect your keys from our desk.
Drop Off: To return your vehicle you will need to enter the Saver Carpark and then turn right. The Bargain Car Rental Ready Bays are located 8 rows along at the edge of the car park. Please leave the ticket in the car on return and bring your keys to the Bargain Car Rentals desk inside the arrivals hall.
ABOUT TOWNSVILLE AIRPORT
Tiny Townsville Airport is Australia’s 11th busiest aviation hub, meaning it really isn’t very busy at all. With just one main terminal building, this easy-to-navigate airport is a cinch to reach. From the Airport, Townsville’s CBD is only 8 km (about 15 minutes) away.
ABOUT TOWNSVILLE
Often overlooked for more famous holiday destinations, Townsville is a hidden tropical gem with an authentic, off-the-beaten-track vibe. Gentle swaying palms line aquamarine waters along the Strand, while gorgeous beaches pepper the outlying coastline. For many visitors, the pièce de resistance is Magnetic Island (or Maggie), an irresistible nearby isle attracting beach lovers in droves.
Bargain Car Rentals offers the best rental car prices at Townsville Airport. The precise cost depends on the season, car type, and availability, though you should expect to spend $35 to $95 per day. Get a Townsville Airport hire car quote here.
We stock a solid selection of cost-effective car rentals at Townsville Airport, from luxury SUVs to compact hatchbacks and comfortable sedans. Check out our entire Townsville car hire fleet here.
As one of the few large, Australian-owned car hire companies in the country, Bargain Car Rentals has earned an excellent reputation for offering quality service at reasonable rates. Check out our Townsville Airport car hire to see how you can save.
Wondering where to go on your upcoming Townsville car hire adventure? We’ve compiled a shortlist of the top 10 attractions.
1. The Strand
As Townsville’s favourite recreational space, this breezy palm-fringed strip welcomes a slew of strolling and snacking locals daily. Cool off with a refreshing croc-free swim in the lagoon, or hire a SUP to cruise crystal clear waters. Don’t miss the night markets on the first Friday of the month.
2. Castle Hill
Wedged between the airport and the CBD, this iconic pink granite mountain sets a dramatic backdrop to the city. You can admire the majestic monolith from virtually anywhere in town. But for the best views, tackle one of the steep and sweaty (bring plenty of water) hikes to the summit.
3. Billabong Sanctuary
Spanning 11 hectares, this sprawling wildlife sanctuary hosts an eclectic collection of adorable native Australian animals—plus a few terrifying reptiles, too. More than just a zoo, Billabong puts on croc-feeding shows, a pat-a-wombat experience, and cassowary feeding sessions.
4. Museum of Underwater Art
The Southern Hemisphere’s only underwater museum has several installations scattered around the region. The most accessible is a brightly lit siren-like lady jutting out of the sea by the Strand. Jump on a snorkelling tour to explore coral-clad underwater artworks in the Great Barrier Reef.
5. The Riverways
On the southern end of town, the Riverways is a tranquil waterfront district full of shady walkways and refreshing artificial lagoons. Come here to relax with the family or cool off on a sweltering Townsville afternoon.
6. Townsville Palmetum
Also known as the Townsville Botanic Gardens, this shady 17-hectare area is ideal for a leisurely afternoon stroll. Gentle trails meander between an impressive collection of flora, including numerous endangered palm tree species.
7. The Army Museum of North Queensland
Townsville has long been a pivotal Australian Defence Force city, largely thanks to the Lavarack Barracks army base. Visit the Army Museum of North Queensland to learn more about its proud military history.
8. Jezzine Barracks
Next to the Army Museum lies Jezzine Barracks, a charming public art trail connecting Rowes Bay to the Strand. Tackle the Kissing Point walking track for prime Castle Hill and Magnetic Island views.
9. Museum of Tropical Queensland
Smack bang in the CBD, this modern exhibition centre is the city’s premiere museum. Exhibits span maritime history to archaeology and science. Next door lies the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium, home to a vast collection of coral and colourful fish.
10. Mount Stuart
Already conquered the steep inclines at Castle Hill? Then give Mount Stuart a red hot go. Looming over the horizon at the southern end of town, this towering mountain stands 584 metres tall—about twice the height of Castle Hill. Allow at least half a day for the 15km return hike.
While Townsville City has several worthwhile attractions, the main highlights reside outside of town. Here’s a shortlist of the top 10 places to hit in your Townsville car hire adventure.
1. Magnetic Island
A quick 20-minute car ferry trip sails you to Magnetic Island, a true-blue tropical paradise punctuated by translucent waters and sugary white sands. Spend lazy days kicking back at stunning spots like Alma and Horseshoe Bay.
2. Great Barrier Reef
Along with Cairns and Port Douglas, Townsville is a convenient hub for snorkelling at the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. Many tour operators combine their trips with a visit to the Museum of Underwater Art.
3. SS Yongala
SCUBA divers won’t want to miss S.S. Yongala, one of the world’s best wreck diving sites. The century-old relic lies in a watery grave about 48 nautical miles southeast of Townsville.
4. Bowen
A two-and-a-half-hour drive east of Townsville leads you to Bowen, a refreshingly unpretentious seaside town home to some of Australia’s best beaches. Hit Rose Bay and Horseshoe Bay Beach.
5. Paluma Range National
Nature lovers should explore Paluma Range National Park, a gorgeous protected area one hour and a half north of Townsville. Traverse rugged rocky trails, then cool off with a refreshing dip in Little or Big Crystal Creek.
6. Wallaman Falls
Australia’s highest single-drop waterfall resides in Girringun National Park, a scenic two-hour drive from Townsville. Hike down to the base to feel the spray of this mighty 305-metre cascade. Camping is available nearby.
7. Cardwell Spa Pool
Swimming holes don’t get much more inviting than Cardwell Spa Pool, a tranquil pond famed for its serene, fluro-blue waters. May to September are the best months to admire this turquoise-tinged glory.
8. Mission Beach
Tropical North Queensland’s most iconic beach lies within easy reach (3 hours) of Townsville. Sun-drenched sands and sparkling aquamarine waters await at this perennially popular spot.
9. Etty Bay
Ever wanted to meet a real wild cassowary in the flesh? Make your way to Etty Bay campground, where a dinosaur-like avian scavenges for food—keep a safe distance away.
10. Paronella Park
Well worth the detour, Paronella Park is a charming Spanish-style castle built in a mystical rainforest setting.
Townsville has a dry tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a hot and humid wet season (November to April) and a temperate dry season (May to October).
The best time to visit Townsville is in the dry season when you can expect cool nights and warm but pleasant days.
Not only does summer get notoriously hot and muggy up north, but it also brings heavy rains. Plus, stinger season runs from November to May, putting any beach without a net off-limits.
What’s the cheapest season to visit Townsville?
You’ll find discounted hotels and cheap car hire in Townsville during the wet season due to lower demand. However, a wet season visit is only recommended if you’re not planning to do much hiking or ocean swimming.