Townsville
Welcome GUIDE
Welcome to the RAAF Base Townsville guide.
This is your one-stop resource for everything related to living, working, and settling in Townsville, QLD.
Discover more about RAAF Base Townsville and the surrounding community. This page provides an overview of the local area, including the base’s history, facilities, and key points of interest for newcomers and visitors.
Use this page to find out our comprehensive guides, local services, and contact information to help you get the most out of your time here.
RAAF Base Townsville
In 1939, Townsville City Council transferred the city airport to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). RAAF Base Townsville was formed on 15 October 1940 and has a long and proud association with the people of North Queensland.
Along with RAAF Base Darwin, RAAF Base Townsville is one of Northern Australia's primary Defence installations and this is reinforced by the base badge motto 'Guard the North'.
In 1942, RAAF Base Townsville played a critical role in the Battle of the Coral Sea and at one point was one of the largest US Army Air Force bases outside of the United States.
The base is strategically important as it is often used as a staging or stepping-off point for forces being deployed on military operations, including Australian humanitarian and peacekeeping efforts.
FAMILIES
On and off the base there are plenty of services and groups to help families settle into their new home. In this section, you’ll find information on local services and amenities, such as local councils, public transport, emergency services, hospitals, swimming pools and recreation facilities, libraries and major shopping hubs. There’s also information on finding a home, whether it’s a service residence, private rental or buying a property. Plus, there’s a guide to the health care and support on offer for ADF members and their families, and other Defence support available.
Education
From childcare and early learning to primary and high school, there’s a lot to be considered when you’re moving with children. This section offers tips and advice on choosing the best type of early learning to suit to your needs. It explains how primary and high schools function locally, how to go about finding a new school and offers idea to help support students through the challenges of starting or changing school. There’s also a guide to the childcare and education support on offer through Defence Member and Family Services.
Lifestyles
TIME OUT
Flanked by the Great Barrier Reef, the Burdekin Dry Tropics and World Heritage Wet Tropics, Townsville offers a laid-back tropical lifestyle with city comforts.
Once you’ve settled into life on your new base and local community, it’s time to get out and explore the region. Whether you’re looking for adventure, arts, entertainment, dining out, local history or simply want to get back to nature, this section has plenty to whet your appetite.
For further inspiration, maps, attractions and road trips or weekend getaway ideas, check out the local visitors’ centre links. There is so much to see and do.
TEXAS LONG HORN
To view the magnificent herd of Texas Longhorns, Texas Longhorn Tours features one of the last horse-drawn wagon ride experiences in Australia as well as the original Texas Longhorn Safari. These cattle are, without doubt, the most famous and iconic breed of cattle in history. See some of the longest horned cattle in the world that are direct descendants of the millions of Texas Longhorns that walked in the great trail herds from Texas in the late 1800s!
MARITIME MUSEUM
The Museum was established in 1986, when the then Secretary of the Townsville Harbour Board (position known today as the Chief Executive Officer), R E Kenny, proposed to the Seafarers Association to set up a nautical display on the upper floor of the 55-year old former Pier Master’s office building, which had been newly refurbished. The Seafarers Association had a membership of former and serving Navy and Merchant Navy men and women and was established in 1969.
MAGNETIC ISLAND
Boasting a unique natural environment of palm-fringed beaches, large granite boulders, hoop pines, sandy beaches and fringing coral reefs, Magnetic Island is an island paradise of endless sunshine, koalas, hiking trails, topless cars, snorkelling adventures, and more!
QUEENS GARDENS
Initiated in 1870, Queens Gardens is the oldest Botanic Garden in Townsville and is heritage listed. Now covering 4 hectares, reduced from an original 40 hectares, it is considered a fine example of a tropical colonial garden of that era. Originally established as a trial acclimatisation garden for European settlement, in which potential food and economic plants were trialled during the era of colonisation.
