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Date ideas in Townsville

40 date ideas around Townsville, from sunset on Castle Hill and a swim in the Strand Rockpool to the Forts Walk on Magnetic Island, a sail at dusk and a snorkel among the underwater art on John Brewer Reef. Swipe through them above, or browse every one below. Each was checked on the place's own website: what it is, when it's on and what it costs. 19 are free.

Every date idea in Townsville, by kind

40
ideas
19
free
6
kinds
Sep 2026
last checked

On the water: 11 date ideas in Townsville

The Strand Rockpool
The Strand Rockpool. Photo: Hector Garcia · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
NORTH WARD

A swim in The Strand Rockpool, then Ocean Siren glowing after dark

Swim in the stinger-resistant seawater rock pool at the northern end of The Strand, then walk the palm-lined foreshore to the jetty after dark, where the 4-metre Ocean Siren sculpture changes colour each night with the day's water temperature on the Great Barrier Reef.
When Any day; Ocean Siren lights up after dark, so stay on from dusk
Cost Free to walk the foreshore and see Ocean Siren; no entry fee is listed for the rock pool
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
The Riverway lagoons
The Riverway lagoons. Photo: Shillings1005 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
KIRWAN

A free swim at the Riverway Lagoons on the Ross River

Two big public lagoons, together bigger than three Olympic pools, under shady trees on the Ross River: swim laps in the upper lagoon or laze on the sandy banks and timber decks of the lower one. Walk the riverside path and look into Pinnacles Gallery afterwards.
When Any day; check the council's Riverway page for lagoon opening hours
Cost Free
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Horseshoe Bay beach
Horseshoe Bay beach. Photo: Joshua Tagicakibau · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
HORSESHOE BAY

A swim, a paddle and a beachfront drink at Horseshoe Bay

Magnetic Island's long northern beach has a swimming enclosure and hire along the shore: take out a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, then take a table at one of the restaurants, cafes and bars facing the water.
When Any day; check the council's lifeguard and stinger-net page before swimming
Cost Free to swim; ferry fare and hire extra
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Nelly Bay from the hill above
Nelly Bay from the hill above. Photo: Manuel · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
NELLY BAY

Follow the snorkel trail off Nelly Bay beach

Walk straight off the beach and swim out about 100 metres to a line of floats marking a self-guided trail over coral and giant clams. Stronger swimmers can try the Geoffrey Bay trail, further out, over the Moltke wreck. Buy a waterproof swim card for your wrist to identify what you see.
When Any day on a calm day; avoid low tide. No lifeguard: always snorkel with a buddy, and wear a stinger suit from November to May
Cost Free with your own gear; swim card $7 at Pleasure Divers
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Horseshoe Bay at sunset
Horseshoe Bay at sunset. Photo: Reflexio · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
HORSESHOE BAY

A sunset paddle in a double kayak at Horseshoe Bay

A guided two-hour paddle in a double sea kayak around the sheltered waters of Horseshoe Bay: out to Horseshoe Bay Point, then drifting back over seagrass and coral where turtles surface to breathe, with a drink in hand as the sun sets behind the anchored yachts. Suits beginners.
When Check in on Horseshoe Bay beach about two hours before sunset; 2 hours; minimum 2, maximum 10 guests
Cost $75 each
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Sunset on the water off Magnetic Island
Sunset on the water off Magnetic Island. Photo: Manuel · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
NELLY BAY

Sip and Sail at sunset aboard the yacht Pilgrim

Sail Cleveland Bay on a 58-foot yacht with no more than 12 guests, with unlimited Australian organic wine or local beer and a local cheese platter with Clare's signature homemade pumpkin chutney, as the sun sets behind Magnetic Island's granite peaks. Once a month the sail lines up with the full moon and comes home by moonrise.
When Evenings around sunset from Magnetic Island Marina, Nelly Bay; 1.5 to 2 hours (full-moon sails run about 30 minutes longer)
Cost $145 each (drinks and cheese platter included)
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Magnetic Island from the water
Magnetic Island from the water. Photo: John Robert McPherson · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
TOWNSVILLE CITY

A two-hour sunset sail on Big Mama

A small-group sunset sail around Magnetic Island and Townsville with sparkling wine on arrival and an antipasto platter as the sun goes down. You can bring your own drinks in a small cooler bag, and they pick up from either Townsville or the island.
When Departs 4:30pm, returns 6:30pm; pick-up from Townsville or Magnetic Island
Cost $115 each (includes a welcome drink, antipasto platter and reef charge)
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Yachts on Ross Creek, where the Yacht Club is based
Yachts on Ross Creek, where the Yacht Club is based. Photo: Rabs003 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
SOUTH TOWNSVILLE

Crew a yacht in the Wednesday twilight race

Every Wednesday the Townsville Yacht Club runs a social 'Chase the Sunset' race around marks in Cleveland Bay, and would-be crew and learners can register to join a skipper's boat. Turn up at 4:30pm to register; places aren't guaranteed, so if you miss out, try the next week. The fleet reconvenes for the presentation afterwards.
When Wednesdays: register from 4:30pm; race starts 5:30pm
Cost $15 each for a visitor SailPass
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Fringing coral at Arthur Bay, Magnetic Island
Fringing coral at Arthur Bay, Magnetic Island. Photo: Holobionics · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
NELLY BAY

Secluded bays by boat with Aquascene's reef guides

A small-boat morning run by a couple who have lived on Magnetic Island for more than 37 years, with two Master Reef Guides on board: snorkel fringing reefs, land on secluded beaches and have morning tea somewhere special. Snorkel gear and stinger suits (October to April) are supplied.
When Daily, 8:30am to 1:15pm from Magnetic Island Marina, Nelly Bay (take the 7:45am SeaLink ferry from Townsville)
Cost $175 each (morning tea, gear and reef charge included; ferry extra)
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Florence Bay, one of the bays on the lap
Florence Bay, one of the bays on the lap. Photo: Vanbasten 23 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
HORSESHOE BAY

A full lap of Magnetic Island by jet ski

A guided three-hour ride right around the island, taking in all 23 bays, including Radical, Arthur and Florence Bays and beaches few visitors see, with stops to swim in secluded bays and float over coral. Two can share one ski; shorter 90-minute and two-hour tours are also available.
When Open seven days from Pacific Drive, Horseshoe Bay; bring photo ID and a credit card in the same name for each ski
Cost $420 per ski (up to 2 riders); 90-minute tour $230, two-hour tour $300 per ski
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
The Coral Greenhouse at John Brewer Reef
The Coral Greenhouse at John Brewer Reef. Photo: MOUAAustralia · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
TOWNSVILLE CITY

Snorkel the Museum of Underwater Art on John Brewer Reef

A full day on the Great Barrier Reef with Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive, snorkelling among the Ocean Sentinels, underwater sculptures by Jason deCaires Taylor set 3 to 6 metres down on John Brewer Reef, with turtles, rays and reef sharks often sighted. Add a guided introductory dive if you want to go deeper.
When Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays (some Fridays), weather permitting; board at Breakwater Marina, Townsville, or Nelly Bay ferry terminal
Cost $394 each snorkelling (food, gear, full-length suit and reef charges included); with one introductory dive $499; a fuel levy may apply, payable on the day
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026

Food and drink: 9 date ideas in Townsville

The Strand jetty at dusk, beside Strand Park where the markets run
The Strand jetty at dusk, beside Strand Park where the markets run. Photo: Kgbo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
NORTH WARD

First-Friday dinner at the Strand Night Markets

Once a month the Rotary clubs fill Strand Park with local food vans and stalls of gifts, candles, soaps, art and plants, often with local buskers. Pick up dinner from the vans and eat it with the sea across the road.
When First Friday of the month, February to December, 5pm to 9:30pm; between July and October some markets move to Jezzine Barracks, so check the date list on the markets' site
Cost Free entry; pay per stall
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Heritage Flinders Street, where Cotters sets up on Sundays
Heritage Flinders Street, where Cotters sets up on Sundays. Photo: Torbenbrinker · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
TOWNSVILLE CITY

Sunday morning at Cotters Market on Flinders Street

Running every Sunday since 1983 and billed as North Queensland's longest-running weekly market, Cotters fills Flinders Street with local growers, makers, artists and street food, with live entertainment each week. Graze your way down the street for a late breakfast.
When Every Sunday, 8am to 1pm
Cost Pay per stall
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
KIRWAN

Coffee and fresh produce at the Willows Sunday Market

A bustling farmers' and general market run by Townsville's Rotary clubs: local fruit and vegetables, handmade preserves, art, jewellery and food vendors, with the money raised going back into the community. Grab a coffee and fill a bag for a lazy Sunday lunch at home.
When Every Sunday 7:30am to 11:30am (not Anzac Day; Christmas and New Year depend on the day they fall)
Cost Free entry; pay per stall
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
The heritage Burns, Philp & Co. building, home of Flinders Street Wharves
The heritage Burns, Philp & Co. building, home of Flinders Street Wharves. Photo: Heritage branch staff · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
TOWNSVILLE CITY

Rooftop cocktails at Flinders Street Wharves

The 1895 Burns, Philp & Company building, restored as a waterside dining and bar precinct, has a rooftop bar with water views, live music and cocktails. Or come on a Tuesday for tacos and margaritas, with a DJ from 6pm.
When Rooftop Thursday from 4pm, Friday from 3pm, Saturday and Sunday from midday (hours may vary with weather and events); Taco & Marg Tuesday from 5pm
Cost Taco & Marg Tuesday: three tacos $20 or a taco and marg combo $30; otherwise pay per drink
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
The waterfront boardwalk at night, a short walk from Rambutan
The waterfront boardwalk at night, a short walk from Rambutan. Photo: Greditdesu · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
TOWNSVILLE CITY

Sunset drinks on the Rambutan rooftop

A Mediterranean-style rooftop bar and restaurant on the third floor of Rambutan, with cabanas and banquettes around a pool and views over the Ross River and the Flinders Street nightlife strip. Share oysters and a wood-fired pizza as the lights come on.
When Bar Monday to Thursday midday to 10pm, Friday to Sunday midday to midnight; kitchen Monday to Thursday 6pm to 9pm, Friday 6pm to 10pm, Saturday midday to 10pm, Sunday midday to 9pm (public holidays may differ)
Cost Oysters from $6 each; pay per dish and drink. The pool is for hotel guests only
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
The old Post Office clock tower, home of the brewery
The old Post Office clock tower, home of the brewery. Photo: Kgbo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
TOWNSVILLE CITY

A tasting paddle at the Townsville Brewery

Townsville Brewing Co. brews on site in the 1889 General Post Office, clock tower and all. Settle into a booth in the brewpub with a paddle of four house beers, light to bold, and a smoked brisket pizza.
When Brewpub Monday to Thursday 12pm to 9pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm to 10pm; trivia Wednesday nights
Cost Tasting paddle of four beers $22
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Ross Creek, the waterfront beside Metro Quays
Ross Creek, the waterfront beside Metro Quays. Photo: Kgbo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
TOWNSVILLE CITY

Chef-hatted dinner at A Touch of Salt

A waterfront restaurant at Metro Quays that has hosted Townsville's special occasions since 2005, awarded a chef's hat in the Australian Good Food Guide from 2016 to 2023. Start with crocodile toast and pineapple kimchi, or book the five-course chef's tasting menu with a matched wine for each course.
When Dinner every night (Monday to Thursday from 5:30pm, Friday to Sunday from 5pm); lunch Fridays from midday
Cost Crocodile toast $16; mains $36 to $62 on the current dinner menu; tasting menu price on request
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
The Strand beach and the island view from Longboard
The Strand beach and the island view from Longboard. Photo: TheDinosaurMan08 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
NORTH WARD

Wings and tequila with an island view at Longboard

A beach, beer and surf-themed bar and grill on The Strand looking across Cleveland Bay to Magnetic Island, open since 2012. Share its signature Buffalo wings and Baja fish tacos, then explore what it calls one of the best tequila selections in Australia, sourced from artisan distilleries in Jalisco.
When Every day for lunch and dinner
Cost Signature Buffalo wings $23.50; Baja fish tacos (3) $24.50; 15% public holiday surcharge
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Sunset on Horseshoe Bay, in front of the Marlin Bar
Sunset on Horseshoe Bay, in front of the Marlin Bar. Photo: Felix Dance · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
HORSESHOE BAY

Sunset beers at the Marlin Bar, Horseshoe Bay

A casual beachfront tavern on Magnetic Island's Horseshoe Bay, made for watching the sun go down over the bay with a cocktail or a Townsville Brewery beer. The pizzas and burgers are the thing to order.
When Monday to Friday 10am to late; Saturday and Sunday 8am to late
Cost Pay per dish and drink; ferry fare to Magnetic Island extra
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026

Shows and music: 7 date ideas in Townsville

Flinders Street, above The Underground
Flinders Street, above The Underground. Photo: Chris Olszewski · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
TOWNSVILLE CITY

Wednesday jazz in The Underground speakeasy

A prohibition-style bar tucked beneath Flinders Street, all pressed-tin ceilings and low light. Every Wednesday it hosts a different jazz artist, free, which makes a midweek date feel like a secret.
When Jazz Night every Wednesday; bar open Wednesday and Thursday 5pm to 10pm, Friday and Saturday 4pm to midnight
Cost Free entry; pay per drink
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
SOUTH TOWNSVILLE

A night at the Townsville Civic Theatre

Townsville's premier stage for dance, music, opera, comedy and drama from touring Australian companies and international artists, alongside local performing-arts groups. Check the council's TicketShop for the season and book dinner nearby.
When Show dates on the council's TicketShop
Cost Ticketed; prices vary by show
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Perc Tucker Regional Gallery on Flinders Street
Perc Tucker Regional Gallery on Flinders Street. Photo: Kgbo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
TOWNSVILLE CITY

A free hour at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery

The city's regional gallery fills one of Townsville's finest heritage buildings on the corner of Flinders Mall and Denham Street, with a special focus on North Queensland artists alongside national and international exhibitions. Entry is free.
When Check opening hours on the council's Perc Tucker page before you go
Cost Free
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
TOWNSVILLE CITY

New art at Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts

A Flinders Street gallery that has championed regional contemporary artists for forty years, with changing exhibitions and a shop of ceramics, prints and First Nations art. Free to walk in, and a short stroll from the Flinders Street bars.
When Tuesday to Friday 9am to 5pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am to 1pm; closed Mondays, public holidays and exhibition install weeks
Cost Free
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Queensland Museum Tropics on Flinders Street
Queensland Museum Tropics on Flinders Street. Photo: Rabs003 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
TOWNSVILLE CITY

The Pandora galleries at Queensland Museum Tropics

The museum's North Queensland galleries, including the Pandora gallery and the hands-on Sciencentre, are free to wander, right on Flinders Street. An easy hour before lunch in the city.
When Daily 9am to 4pm (closed Good Friday, Anzac Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day)
Cost Free general admission; some exhibitions ticketed
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
TOWNSVILLE CITY

Dinner and a cheeky cabaret at Lux Noir

A comedy cabaret dinner theatre on Flinders Street: fire and aerial artists, singers and comedy between an alternate-drop main and dessert. It's 18+ only, with adult themes, coarse language and some partial nudity.
When Friday and Saturday nights (special shows on alternate Thursdays); dates on the ticket page
Cost $106 each, dinner and show included; tickets non-refundable
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
The Strand at night, beside Strand Park where the Spiegeltent goes up
The Strand at night, beside Strand Park where the Spiegeltent goes up. Photo: Kgbo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
NORTH WARD

La Ronde in the Spiegeltent at NAFA

The North Australian Festival of Arts puts up the mirrored, velvet-lined Aurora Spiegeltent in Strand Park for 17 days. Its headline show, La Ronde, is an award-winning mix of circus, cabaret and comedy from the makers of Blanc de Blanc and LIMBO, performed up close; it's 18+ with mild nudity.
When Evenings until Sunday 11 October 2026; session times on the festival's ticket page
Cost Prices on the festival's ticket page (Wednesday 'Tightarse' tickets $69 when checked, plus a $4.65 to $7.40 booking fee)
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026

Views and climbs: 6 date ideas in Townsville

Sunset from the Castle Hill lookout
Sunset from the Castle Hill lookout. Photo: Kgbo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
CASTLE HILL

Sunset from the top of Castle Hill

Climb the pink granite monolith in the middle of town on the steep Goat Track (about 1,300 steps) or drive up, then take in 360-degree views over the city, the sea and Magnetic Island. Look for the World War II observation bunker on one corner of the summit.
When Any day; best at sunrise or sunset. Check the council page for any track closures
Cost Free
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
A wild koala on the Forts Walk
A wild koala on the Forts Walk. Photo: Rabin Tuladhar · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
HORSESHOE BAY

Wild koalas and WWII forts on the Forts Walk

Magnetic Island's most popular walk climbs through eucalypt woodland where wild koalas doze in the low trees, up to the best-preserved World War II coastal fortifications in Queensland. From the top the view runs from Bowling Green Bay to the Palm Islands and Hinchinbrook.
When Any day; go early, when it is cooler, parking is easier and koalas are more active. 4 km return, about 2 hours, from the Forts Junction
Cost Free; ferry fare to Magnetic Island extra
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Alma Bay in Arcadia, for the swim at the end
Alma Bay in Arcadia, for the swim at the end. Photo: Les Olson · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
NELLY BAY

Hike from Nelly Bay to Arcadia via the Sphinx Lookout

A harder bush track over the hills between two of Magnetic Island's bays, climbing to the Sphinx Lookout for a panorama across the island's eastern bays. Finish in Arcadia with a swim or a cold drink.
When Any day; a Grade 4 track, so wear good shoes and carry water
Cost Free; ferry fare to Magnetic Island extra
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Nelly Bay from Hawkings Point
Nelly Bay from Hawkings Point. Photo: Twistie.man · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
PICNIC BAY

Short, steep Hawkings Point Track above Picnic Bay

A short, sharp climb on Magnetic Island to sweeping views over Picnic Bay, Nelly Bay and Geoffrey Bay, done in under an hour. Go up for sunrise, or late in the afternoon when the island starts to glow.
When Any day; under an hour; sunrise or late afternoon are best
Cost Free; ferry fare to Magnetic Island extra
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
Sunrise from Kissing Point
Sunrise from Kissing Point. Photo: Brenda Murphy · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons ↗
NORTH WARD

Kissing Point Fort and the coastal boardwalk at Jezzine Barracks

At the far end of The Strand, a 15-hectare heritage headland with observation decks up at Kissing Point Fort looking across to Magnetic Island, 32 commissioned artworks telling its military and Wulgurukaba history, and a coastal boardwalk around to Rowes Bay. There are barbecues along the way for a picnic.
When Any day
Cost Free
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
The WWII gun emplacement at Cape Pallarenda
The WWII gun emplacement at Cape Pallarenda. Photo: Peter Bell · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
PALLARENDA

WWII gun emplacements and coastal views at Cape Pallarenda

Walk the Cape Pallarenda trails through open woodland to the headland, where 1943 concrete fortifications built to guard Townsville's harbour look out over the coast. Start at the historic 1915 quarantine station's display centre and finish with a picnic on the foreshore.
When Any day
Cost Free
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026

For couples: 4 date ideas in Townsville

Koalas at Billabong Sanctuary
Koalas at Billabong Sanctuary. Photo: U.S. Marine Corps · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons ↗
NOME

Koalas, kangaroos and a croc feed at Billabong Sanctuary

A native wildlife park 20 minutes out of Townsville where ranger talks and feeds run all day: hand-feed kangaroos, feed a cassowary a piece of fruit, hold a baby crocodile or a python, and watch the crocodile feeding. For an extra you can stand beside a koala on a branch for a photo.
When Every day 9am to 4pm (closed Christmas Day); check the show times before you go
Cost $54 each; koala photo $25 extra
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
PALLARENDA

Birdwatching from the hides at the Town Common

A conservation park on the edge of the city where coastal woodland meets seasonal wetlands. From the bird hides look for jacanas, whistling ducks, magpie geese and brolgas, then walk out to secluded Shelly Beach or across the Many Peaks Range. Birds gather most as the wetlands dry out after the summer rains.
When Any day
Cost Free
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
A Magnetic Island rock wallaby on the granite
A Magnetic Island rock wallaby on the granite. Photo: Joshua Tagicakibau · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons ↗
ARCADIA

Rock wallabies at sunset on Geoffrey Bay

As the sun goes down, Magnetic Island's wild rock wallabies come out onto the granite boulders at Geoffrey Bay to feed. Sit on the rocks, watch the light go and give them space: they are friendly but still wild.
When Any evening, around sunset
Cost Free; ferry fare to Magnetic Island extra
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
WEST POINT

A sunset picnic at West Point on Magnetic Island

Pack a picnic and drive out to West Point, where the sun drops behind the mainland and the sky turns pink, orange and gold. It's a bumpy drive, and one of the island's best sunsets.
When Any evening; arrive before sunset
Cost Free; ferry fare and car hire extra
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026

Make something: 3 date ideas in Townsville

TOWNSVILLE CITY

Paint a tropical pot over a glass of wine with Chlo & Co

A relaxed two-hour paint-and-sip at The Wine Bar on Denham Street: you each paint a terracotta pot with a beach scene of Maggie Island water, sand and palms, then plant a succulent in it. No experience needed, and a glass of wine is included.
When Saturday 7 November 2026, 3pm to 5pm
Cost $89 each, including materials, pot, succulent (subject to availability) and a glass of wine; tickets non-refundable
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
TOWNSVILLE CITY

Make a sterling silver bangle at Umbrella

A day with professional jeweller Eschelle Walters in Umbrella's downstairs studio, learning to measure, form, twist, solder and polish your own sterling silver bangle. It's beginner-friendly, with only six places, so book both spots early.
When Saturday 31 October 2026, 10am to 3pm (bookings close 4pm the Friday before)
Cost $310 each ($290 for Umbrella members); 18+
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026
THURINGOWA CENTRAL

Singalong paint and sip with Paint Juicy

Less hushed workshop, more party: a host guides every brushstroke on the mic while a live singer leads 80s and 90s (or 70s and 80s) hits, and you each go home with a canvas. No experience needed; the pub has a bar.
When Friday 12 and Saturday 13 March 2027, painting starts 6pm (about 3 hours), Twin City Hotel
Cost $59 each; no BYO, drinks from the hotel bar
Checked on the official website, 30 Sep 2026

Can't decide? Let the deck pick your Townsville date

Stuck for date night ideas, or for things to do together at the weekend? Instead of scrolling lists, let the deck deal you one date idea at a time. Swipe right on the ones you like, left on the ones you don't, and within a few minutes you have a shortlist to choose from, or just take the first one you both said yes to.

How it works

Swipe to decide. Each card is one date: what to do, where it is, when it's on and what it costs. Swipe right (or tap Save) to keep it, left (or Skip) to see the next.
Share it with your date. Share sends a link that opens the deck on the same card, so the other person can say yes too.
Keep the ones you like. Saved ideas stay under the deck and on the map. Sign in and they're kept in My Places on every device.
Filter by the kind of date. Food and drink, shows and music, on the water, views and climbs, making something together, or ideas for couples.

Where the date ideas come from

Every idea of ours names a real place and was checked on its official website: what it is, when it's on and what it costs, with a link to that website and the date it was checked. Ideas with an end date leave the deck once they finish. Photos come from Wikimedia Commons and are credited on each card. Mixed in are bookable tours and experiences, clearly marked, with today's prices.

Questions

Can it pick a date for us?
Yes. Swipe until one appeals, or save a few and choose between them. For a single answer, the date wheel picks one at random.
Is it free?
Yes. Many of the ideas are free too: walks, lookouts, galleries, markets and swims.
Do we need an account?
No. Saves stay in your browser; sign in only if you want them on other devices.
Spin the date wheel instead →
Every idea links to the place’s own website and was checked there on the date shown; times and prices change, so check before you go. Photos from Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.