Townsville's best hiking trails

June 3, 2015 - 4 min read

Townsville Town Common Regional Park Just north of the Townsville city centre is the Townsville Town Common Regional Park. Covering a vast amount of land, this is the ideal spot for hiking no matter your experience. Take a short stroll around the Forest Walk if you want a relaxing start to your day, or pack […]

Townsville Town Common Regional Park
Just north of the Townsville city centre is the Townsville Town Common Regional Park. Covering a vast amount of land, this is the ideal spot for hiking no matter your experience. Take a short stroll around the Forest Walk if you want a relaxing start to your day, or pack your gear and head on the Freshwater Trail for a two-hour hike to get your blood pumping. With a huge amount of native wildlife, you can even spend the day birdwatching in this local nature reserve. If you need some energy to keep you going, check out these restaurants and cafes below.
Where: Cape Pallarenda Road, Townsville City QLD 4810

Millie J & Co

Pop in for breakfast and a sweet treat, Millie J & Co - Townsville
Pop in for breakfast and a sweet treat, Millie J & Co – Townsville

To give you enough energy to get through your walk, we recommend you make your first stop Millie J and Co. About a 15-minute drive from the park, stop in here for some breakfast and coffee before you head off on your hike. This cafe is known for its delicious coffee and light breakfast options; choose to sit inside, or in the alfresco dining area while you decide what to eat off the menu.
The rustic decor will make you feel right at home at this bustling cafe. We recommend you try the eggs benedict or fluffy pancakes off their breakfast menu alongside a smooth coffee. After all, you’ll definitely be working it off! Located in the Stockland North Shore shopping centre, you can stock up on water bottles and sunscreen from the nearby grocery store after filling up on the yummy food at Millie J and Co.
Where: Main Street, Burdell QLD 4818
Fish Inn
Try some tasty seafood by the bay, Fish Inn - Townsville
Try some tasty seafood by the bay, Fish Inn – Townsville

Right near the Townsville Town Common Regional Park is the Fish Inn. If you’re finding it difficult to move after your big hike, drag yourself into Fish Inn for some rejuvenating food. Sit by the water and rest your legs as you choose from an incredible menu of fresh food. We recommend you try one of the fish burgers, or bring a friend and order the Fish Inn plate for two that comes with 2 bug halves, your choice of fish, a prawn screwer, salt and pepper calamari, 4 scallops, 6 red spot prawns and 4 oysters.
If you want to try something different, we recommend you order the Thai fish cakes with dipping sauce, or the special sandcrab lasagne. Follow it up with a healthy juice or a crispy pint of ale, and you’ll be one happy camper.
Where: 54 Howitt Street, Townsville QLD 4810
Castle Hill
If you’ve been to Townsville’s CBD, you would have seen Castle Hill. Rising 286 metres above sea level, Castle Hill is a heritage-listed park and a fantastic place to hike. You can choose from easy 3-kilometre walks, or more difficult tracks up the side of Castle Hill if you’re looking for a challenge. Located close to the centre of town, if you love hiking you can’t miss out on visiting Castle Hill.
Where: Castle Hill, QLD 4810
The Beet Bar
Indulge in a not-so-naughty treat, The Beet Bar - Townsville
Indulge in a not-so-naughty treat, The Beet Bar – Townsville

If you’re looking for a place to grab lunch or breakfast while you’re out adventuring, visit The Beet Bar. This cafe is focused on making incredible, fresh and healthy food so you don’t have to feel bad about undoing all of your hard work. The majority of the food is organic and cooked onsite, so you know that you’ll be fuelling your body with the absolute best food possible.
Pop down before or after your hike and try one of their veggie stacks or salads, or if you still feel like something that tastes naughty, try one of their delicious treats. We recommend the dairy-free custard tart, or the gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free pumpkin pie. These desserts are to die for, and they’re all raw and good for you! Don’t miss out on visiting this one-of-a-kind cafe before you head home this weekend.
Where: 358 Flinders Street, Townsville QLD 4810
After some more fresh food? Check out these sushi restaurants in Townsville!
Do you have a favourite hiking trail in Townsville? Comment and let us know!