Check In: Townsville’s Dreamiest Airbnbs To Book Right Now

Spend a night at this private Magnetic Island home and you'll see why it's award-winning. Set on an exclusive headland with jaw-dropping Coral Sea views, this four bedder celebrates its natural surroundings (we're obsessed with the massive stacked granite boulders by the pool). Inside, European mid-century style meets Asian art decor to create a space that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

Lounge by the pool, soak in the bathtub with a view, cook up a feast in the fully equipped kitchen, or catch a movie in your own home cinema. Fully automated with iPad-controlled Sonos music, lighting and shades, this is luxury that practically runs itself—all you have to do is relax.

Once a 1920s Baptist church, Church House has now traded sermons for staycations. Expect soaring ceilings, colourful stained-glass windows, and two dreamy bedrooms (one in a loft, and the other with a freestanding tub that’s pure bliss). The open-plan kitchen and living area are perfect for lazy mornings or pre-dinner drinks, and you’re just a short stroll from The Strand, restaurants, bars, and the city centre. Hallelujah indeed. 

Calling all lovers: Maggie Studio is the perfect pint-sized escape for two. Surrounded by mango trees and serenaded by visiting kookaburras, this light-filled studio is a peaceful tropical hideaway. Sip wine on the deck, rinse off in the outdoor shower beneath the mango tree, and soak up the island vibes in a simple, beautifully designed space that’s all about reconnecting with nature (and each other). Small in size, big on charm—this is Magnetic Island magic in miniature.

Tucked inside a restored 1883 printery on Flinders Street, this New York-style loft is Townsville’s answer to a SoHo apartment. Inside, it’s all soaring ceilings, exposed brick and industrial charm, paired with modern comforts like Sonos speakers in every room, a piano, record player and a sleek open-plan kitchen perfect for entertaining.

Downstairs, two themed bedrooms—the Berlin and Hong Kong rooms—offer a king and queen bed respectively, while a cosy lounge nook doubles as extra guest space. Step outside and you’re just minutes from The Strand, the aquarium, art galleries and all the CBD’s best bites and bars.

Just minutes from The Strand and the city, this massive Airbnb has luxury and fun written all over it—a total win for kids and grown-ups alike. For starters, there's an 8-foot-deep pool, sun loungers, and a cabana daybed made for all-day chilling. Say less.

With five bedrooms, multiple living zones, a games room with a pool table and darts, and a fully kitted entertainer’s kitchen, you can play, party or relax in style. Plus, the views? Ocean, Castle Hill, and cityscapes make the best backdrops for every group pic.

If it’s views you’re after, The Balmoral has them in spades. Unwind on the deck's lounge seating (preferably with a glass of rosé in hand) with panoramic Coral Sea views on one side and Castle Hill on the other. It doesn't get much more Townsville than this. 

The three bed Airbnb is a fab spot for sleeping and entertaining too, as there's a king ensuite with a sunroom, two queen bedrooms, a huge kitchen, and a cosy timber dining table. Don't feel like cooking? We don't blame you, and fortunately The Strand, the city centre, cafes, and local eateries are all within walking distance or a short drive. This is the perfect base to live like a local while still feeling completely on holiday.

How about a spot of studio living in Townsville’s only beachfront highrise? Open the bi-fold doors of this couples’ stay and you’ll get some pretty epic sea views, but that’s not the only drawcard. The space, which sits in the same building as the Aquarius on the Beach hotel, is cleverly designed by a local architect and you can tell.

There’s Italian marble throughout, a Denon sound system in the ceiling, a Smeg grill on the balcony, plus a hidden ironing board which is pretty neat. Take a long soak under the rainfall shower, snuggle up on the futon, or perhaps a trip to the large pool at Aquarius is in order? (While you can’t use the services of the hotel’s front desk here, you can use all the facilities, and that’s a real plus.)

Let’s be real, we’re staying here for the magnesium lunge pool. This Horseshoe Bay retreat on Magnetic Island is set across two stylish pavilions, blending indoor-outdoor living with huge private decks and an open-air breezeway separating bedrooms from the entertaining zones (pure genius).

Just a seven-minute stroll to the beach, with fully equipped kitchens and air-con to beat the Townsville heat, it’s perfect for families, groups, or anyone ready to slip into island time. Bonus: your furry friends are welcome too.

The Strand is Townsville’s celebrated 2.2km stretch of beachfront promenade and if you’re looking for a classy stay close by, this is your guy. Coastal Corner Airbnb is a ground-floor property which sits directly opposite Strand Park, the surf club, beach, kids’ playground and basketball court, so there’s no need to even bring a car.

You’ll want to pack those bathers though, because the private pool is something special. It’s fully fenced, surrounded by greenery and sits next to the spacious undercover outdoor patio which has a barbecue you’ll want to get fired up pronto.

A tropical courtyard and complimentary breakfast just ten minutes out of the city. When it comes to choosing where to stay in Townsville, this two-bedroom Airbnb is well worth a deeper look. The hosts of this pad go above and beyond to make your stay a special one, offering flexible check-in times and an early luggage drop off if you need it.

Tuck into your brekky of bacon, eggs, bread, butter, and porridge out on the charming wooden deck. There’s a large gas barbecue out here too, and heaps of space to relax in. If you’re travelling with littlies, you’ll love the fact your accommodation backs on to the botanical Anderson Gardens, with lots of shady paths to explore and ducks to feed by the pond. Plus, there’s two portacots back at base, and child-friendly tableware, games and books.

There’s loads of space to roll around in at this three-bedroom Townsville home, and you’ll get breathtaking views of Cleveland Bay and Magnetic Island from every room too. The layout of this stay is epic, with the kitchenette flowing seamlessly into the lounge space with its enormous sliding glass doors.

Head out to the covered deck with a glass of the good stuff and you’ll find you’ve got a comfy lounge or outdoor table to sit at. We love the outdoor kitchen at this place too—it’s got a barbecue and sink to make entertaining a breeze. Prefer someone else to do the washing up? You’re minutes away from The Strand and all the local eateries.

Coffee and pizza lovers take note. This two-bedroom Airbnb just two blocks away from The Strand has you covered on both fronts. This Townsville location is the real deal. You’re literal moments from the beach, but you’ve got one of the best coffee houses in town across the road, and an excellent pizza place on the other side for good measure. Home cooks don’t worry, your ground-floor pad has a lovely wooden-topped kitchen to play in and a large patio with a barbecue and outdoor seating so you can serve up a feast.

Looking to make your stay extra spesh? The host, Louise, offers a concierge service for those who’d like to arrive to fresh bread and a well-stocked fridge. She can also sort transport, sailing adventures, dream dinners, hampers and more, so hit her up with any questions.

Need a seriously good stay near Townsville for a big group gathering? This Magnetic Island home has room for everyone. It’s a whopper, right on the waterfront, sleeping up to 18, thanks to the six bedrooms and bunk room that accommodates six—and it’s got a large outdoor entertainment area that calls for group chats and cocktails.

You’re walking distance to the ferry terminal here, so getting to Townsville will be a breeze. But back at base there’s more than enough to keep you entertained. Take a dip in the private swimming pool and you might see fish swimming in the marina on the other side. Afterwards, we reckon a stint on the daybed calls, or a cheeky lunchtime barbecue because, well, you’re on holiday.