Is Townsville Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Townsville is on the coast and has a lot of sunshine days in a year.

It is an appealing place for tourists and a high start point to get to Magnetic Island, which is only 25-45 minutes by passenger or car ferry.

It offers a quiet cosmopolitan feel with its right choice of restaurants & bars but also has a relaxing siesta style during the hottest parts of the day in high summer.

Townsville takes great pride in being the unofficial capital of North Queensland.

Travelers enjoy visiting here 1300Smiles Stadium, Castle Hill, Reef HQ Aquarium, Museum of Tropical Queensland, Village Boulevard, and many beautiful beaches. Here also many good points for scuba and adrenalin diving.

Warnings & Dangers in Townsville

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Townsville is a reasonably safe city if you are vigilant. Keeping an eye on your belongings and carefully closing your car and housing are a must in this city. Choose a taxi if you return to the hotel late at night. You should also beware of the fauna of the region, especially the poisonous jellyfish and crocodiles.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Taxis and public transportation are convenient and safe. You can make sure that the buses go on a crucible and it’s convenient to travel around the city. However, do not forget to keep track of your belongings, especially in crowded vehicles. Call an only licensed taxi.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

We can say that there are not so many pickpocketers in Townsville. However, cases of minor thefts especially at train stations, major markets, and transport do occur. Watch your things and don't carry a lot of cash with you.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Cyclones, earthquakes, fires, and floods occur here quite often. Before traveling to Townsville, you should carefully study the weather conditions and avoid visiting the city during dangerous times.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

Armed robberies, especially related to drugs, are not uncommon in the city. Tourists are usually not the target of criminals, but you can quickly get into this situation. If you were attacked - give the criminals everything they require to save your own life. Then contact the nearest police station.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Australia did not have significant terrorist attacks, but the country has developed protection measures if any happen. The risk of terrorism in Townsville exists but is not shared. Travelers should be very cautious and avoid demonstrations and protest actions.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

In Townsville, card scams, electronic fraud, and tourist fraud are common. Make sure you buy tours and entrance fees for entertainment in trusted and licensed locations. Avoid street barkers - sometimes they can distract you, and empty your pockets.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women are free to travel to Townsville alone. The only thing worth taking care of is your safety and not being in bars late at night, not walking at night in poorly lit streets. It is also better to take a taxi at night to avoid robberies or attacks on the streets.

So... How Safe Is Townsville Really?

Despite all the beauty and attractiveness for tourists, Townsville has a reputation as not the safest city in Australia.

The crime index here is quite high. And the main problems are related to drug trafficking and use and armed robberies and vandalism.

Walking around the city at night is considered unsafe.

Try not to appear on poorly informed streets, and use a taxi to get around at night.

If you are traveling in your own or rented car, be sure to leave it at well-guarded parking lots and securely close it.

Leaving things in the car is strictly not recommended.

Avoid any contact with drug dealers, illegal drugs in Australia and their use can cost you substantial penalties.

Be vigilant in bars as there have been cases when tourists poured drugs into a glass to drink them and rob them.

Choose a closed bottle instead.

In addition to the criminal danger in Townsville, you should beware of wildlife.

For example, Box jellyfish are particularly dangerous in certain months of the year.

Be sure to pay attention to the warning signs and do not enter the water where the habitat of these jellyfish is marked.

Also, always be careful near any body of water – crocodiles in Townsville are almost everywhere.

How Does Townsville Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Australia has maintained a universal visa regime, meaning that every non-citizen in Australia must have a visa. Australia does not issue visas on arrival. Most visas any traveler can get electronically.

Currency

The Australian dollar is the currency of Australia. It is signed $ and code AUD. Almost always, it abbreviated with the dollar sign ($), with A$ or AU$ sometimes used to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies. It is subdivided into 100 cents.

Weather

The best times to visit Townsville for ideal weather are from May to October. The average temperatures in Townsville vary somewhat. With humidity temperatures feel hot for about half of the year and otherwise nice with a low chance of precipitation most of the year.

Airports

Townsville Airport is a major Australian regional airport that services the city of Townsville, Queensland. The airport is also known as Townsville International Airport, and Garbutt Airport, a reference to its location in the Townsville suburb of Garbutt. Townsville Airport is serviced by major Australian domestic and regional airlines.

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Townsville Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Australia - Safety by City