Cheap Brisbane to Townsville flights (BNE to TSV)

Arriving at Townsville Airport

Once you’ve landed at Townsville Airport (also known as Garbutt Airport) it’s a short 5 kilometres to the coastal city heart of Townsville, and 8 kilometres to Breakwater terminal for the Magnetic Island ferry. 

For a great-value commute to the Townsville City or Breakwater terminal, catch Townsville Shuttle Services. 

Transfer times and cost guide (to Townsville CBD and Breakwater terminal) 

• Taxi and rideshare: $16 – 10-15 mins 
• Townsville Shuttle Services: $10 (or $15 for 2 people)  

Read more in our Townsville Airport Guide.

Departing from Brisbane Airport

Located 12km from Brisbane City, Brisbane Airport is best accessed by Airtrain, which runs every 15-30 minutes, and an easy 30-minute journey from Central Station. Either tap on with your Translink go card or pre-book your Airtrain ticket online prior. 

Alternatively other Brisbane Airport commute options are taxi, rideshare, and shuttle bus – or the option to self-drive and utilise the short-term or long-term airport parking. 

In non-peak time the drive is approximately 20-minutes from Brisbane CBD, however it’s recommended to allow additional time in peak periods, for travel to Brisbane airport. 

Virgin Australia operates from Brisbane Domestic Airport for the flight from Brisbane to Townsville.  

What time do I need to arrive at Brisbane Airport?

If you’re planning to check in luggage we recommend that you plan to arrive at the airport 60 minutes prior to your flight time, as check-in is 45 minutes prior departure. This should allow you enough time to grab a coffee before making your way to the departure gate for your flight to Townsville. 

Read more in our Brisbane Airport Guide.

Townsville Itinerary – What to do in a day?

Only have 24 hours in Townsville? Here’s a handy guide so you can squeeze in lots of essential attractions and things to do, without feeling like you’re a contender on The Amazing Race.  

8.30am – Breakfast at Hoi Polloi 

After a restful sleep at your hotel (we love centrally based Oaks Gateway Suites and the relaxing retreat, Mercure Townsville you’re ready to explore Townsville. For breakfast, you’re off to Hoi Polloi, a hidden gem off Flinders Street, down graffiti-walled Denham Lane, known as the coolest place for coffee and a buzzing jazz venue on Saturday nights. 

10.00am – Reef HQ Aquarium 

Townsville is the ideal launching pad for the Great Barrier Reef, home to one of the very best dive sites – the Yongala Wreck - approximately 90 minutes from Townsville. A quicker way to discover this World Heritage listed phenomenon is to visit nearby Reef HQ Aquarium, the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium, and also the national education centre for the Great Marine Park Authority. Centrally located on Flinders Street, it’s an easy walk after breakfast. An astonishing 2.5 million litre tank, housing an underwater world with 150 species of fish and 120 species of corals, all exclusive to the Great Barrier Reef.  

11.00am – Soak up the sun on Magnetic Island 

No visit to Townsville is complete without a visit to nearby Magnetic Island, known as Yunbenan to its traditional owners. From Reef HQ Aquarium you’re a close 5-minute uber ride to Magnetic Island Ferries, where you’ll catch the 11am ferry over to ‘Maggie’ (as it’s affectionately known to locals), an easy 20 minutes away. A stunning adventure island where it’s up to you what you’d like to do – hit the hiking trails, explore the beaches, or go kayaking, diving or jet skiing.  

12.30pm – Lunch at Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar, Magnetic Island 

All these adventures have left you famished, for lunch you’re booked into Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar located in Peppers Blue on Blue Resort Magnetic Island. A stunning alfresco experience, overlooking Nelly Bay - the toughest part will be deciding on your meal – we frankly can’t go past their pickled octopus and Moreton Bay bugs. 

2.30pm – Return to Townsville & walk along The Strand 

Hop on the return ferry at 2pm, arriving back to Townsville, take the time to walk along Townsville’s man-made esplanade, The Strand. End your stroll with a coffee (or wine) at Watermark Restaurant. 

4.00pm – visit to Museum of Tropical Queensland 

Next up you’re off to the Museum of Tropical Queensland, an easy 5-minute uber ride away. Discover the story and artefacts from the 1791 wreck of the Pandora, permanent exhibitions such as enchanted rainforest and Sciencentre, and a range of events such as World Science Festival Queensland. 

5.00pm – Time at the Resort 

After a busy day take some time to relax back at your resort, before freshening up for dinner. 

7.00pm – Pre-drinks and tropical dining at Rambutan 

Tonight you’re in for a treat at Townsville’s funky boutique hotel Rambutan, the night starting with oysters and sparkling by the pool in the Mediterranean style rooftop bar featuring reclaimed wood structures and contemporary furniture, followed by dinner at the adjoining Restaurant.  

9.00pm – A nightcap at Otherwise Bar 

Time for a nightcap or boogy, you’re off to Otherwise Bar Townsville’s gem on Flinders Street, featuring a range of DJ events and bands touring, that have included Brisbane band Jungle Giants. 

Where to stay in Townsville?

Townsville offers a diverse range of accommodation to suit all budgets and styles – from Townsville city, to neighbouring paradise, Magnetic Island. 

Townsville CBD

Townsville City Centre offers a range of accommodation, from their first ‘glampacker’ Rambutan on Flinders Street, to serviced apartments, right through to 5-star hotels such as Aquarius on the Beach. 

Magnetic Island

If you like a beach-vibe on your holiday in Townsville, opt for a night or two on Magnetic Island, where you’ll find an incredible range of accommodation from holiday houses, Bali-style villas, backpacker resorts and luxury hotels such as . 

Explore More with Our Townsville Travel Guide

When to visit Townsville?

With an average of 300 sun-filled days a year, Townsville is the ultimate year-round destination however the ultimate time to visit Townsville is the ‘dry’ season which runs between May and October. During the dry season you’ll discover sunny days, yet more comfortable cooler evenings. 

During the summer months (December to February) daytime temperatures can climb up to 31 degrees, it’s hot and humid, but no too dissimilar to what you experience at home in Brisbane. A great time to pop over to Magnetic Island and explore the beaches. 

During the winter months (June to August) temperatures are a very comfortable 25 degrees during the day and drop to a mild 13–18 degrees in the evening. It’s an ideal time to visit Townsville, with some great festivals on the calendar such as Northern Fringe Festival and Pop Up North Queensland. 

Early September is another popular time to visit, with Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week being held. 

What to pack for your trip to Townsville?

With warm sunny weather year-round and a super casual atmosphere, the essentials to pack are t-shirts, singlets, shorts, havaianas, and swimwear. Bring some outfits for going out to restaurants or bars, however smart casual clothing is all you’ll need in relaxed Townsville. 

If you’re planning to do some hikes in Girringun National Park and Magnetic Island bring walking shoes with you, and if visiting in winter pack a light jacket for the evenings. 

Don’t forget a hat, an eco-friendly water bottle for day excursions, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen. 

Must packs

• Summer: lightweight clothes, sunscreen, comfortable dresses for women, short- sleeved shirts for the men 
• Autumn: similar to summer 
• Winter: long pants, short-long sleeve tops, light weight jacket 
• Spring: similar to summer