Welcome to Townsville, where the sun shines bright and the vibes are as laidback as a koala in a eucalyptus tree! Nestled in the heart of North Queensland, our city is a tropical paradise with all the perks of a bustling metropolis.
Townsville: Where Culture, Coast and Community Meet
Located on the tropical coast of North Queensland in Australia, Townsville is a vibrant regional city known for its natural beauty, strong sense of community and growing creative energy. Framed by the Coral Sea and surrounded by striking landscapes, Townsville offers the perfect backdrop for the North Australian Festival of Arts — a place where creativity thrives, stories are shared and communities come together.
Why Townsville Matters to NAFA
Townsville is more than just a host city — it is an active participant in the festival. Its public spaces, streets, parks and cultural venues become stages for storytelling, performance and connection. The city’s relaxed lifestyle, welcoming locals and strong creative networks help shape NAFA into a festival that feels accessible, inclusive and distinctly northern.
From large-scale outdoor artworks to intimate performances, Townsville’s diverse locations allow NAFA to extend beyond traditional venues and into the heart of the community.
Highlights & Experiences
A 2.2-kilometre beachfront promenade stretching along the city’s coastline, The Strand is a hub of activity featuring cafés, swimming areas, walking and cycling paths and spectacular ocean views. It’s a favourite gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
Image by: Mark Fitz, Tourism and Events Queensland, 2020
Just a short ferry ride from the city, Magnetic Island offers stunning beaches, walking trails and abundant wildlife. The island is an important cultural place for the Wulgurukaba people and a must-see destination for visitors to the region.
Image by: Jesse Lindemann, Tourism and Events Queensland, 2023
Rising above the city, Castle Hill provides panoramic views across Townsville and the coastline. Popular for walking and sightseeing, it offers a powerful sense of place and perspective.
Image by: Jesse and Belinda Lindemann, Tourism and Events Queensland, 2018
Set across 17 hectares, the Townsville Palmetum is a peaceful botanical space showcasing one of Australia’s largest collections of palms, native plants and tropical species.
Image by: Townsville City Council
Culture, Arts & Community
Townsville is home to a growing arts and cultural sector, supported by galleries, museums, theatres and grassroots creative spaces. The city has a strong commitment to community-led arts, First Nations storytelling and cultural expression.
NAFA proudly acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which the festival takes place and recognises the deep cultural history that continues to shape the region today.
Plan Your Visit
Townsville is easily accessible by air, with direct flights from major Australian cities, and offers a range of accommodation options close to festival venues and precincts.
Best time to visit: Spring and early summer offer warm weather and comfortable evenings ideal for outdoor events and festival experiences.
Getting around: Townsville is easy to navigate, with walkable precincts, public transport options and ride-share services available throughout the city.
For more information on travel, accommodation and local attractions, visit Townsville’s official tourism site.
Browse the latest entertainment in the region with What’s On Townsville – the north’s ultimate event guide.
A City That Celebrates
With its mix of coastal lifestyle, creative ambition and community spirit, Townsville is a city that celebrates connection to place, to culture and to each other. It’s this spirit that makes Townsville the perfect home for the North Australian Festival of Arts.
Website Banner Photo Credits
Photo One: Townsville, Townsville Helicopters, 2022
Photo Two: Adrenalin Dive, 2022
Photo Three: The Strand, Megan Mackinnon, 2017