Bushland Beach Review

If you happen to be in or around Townsville, make a point of visiting beautiful Bushland Beach.

Forming part of the northern beaches of Townsville, this stunning residential beach is known for its outstanding natural beauty and tranquil nature.

Bushland Beach is an ideal spot for fishing, walking (with dogs) and water activities. It is especially popular among families, locals, nature lovers, and anyone keen on a quiet seaside break away from the tourist or city crowds.

 

 

Where is Bushland Beach?

Bushland Beach is one of several beaches near Townsville you can go to.

It is situated in Far North Queensland, approximately a 25 minute drive north of the CBD, within a charming coastal suburb that lies along Halifax Bay.

The beach offers lovely ocean views towards Magnetic Island and Palm Island, and is surrounded by a landscape that lives up to the suburb’s name – boasting beautiful sand and a verdant setting.

 

Day Trip or Holiday?

Thanks to its closeness to Townsville, Bushland Beach is an excellent place to visit for a day-trip. You could easily spend a few hours here relaxing on the sand, going for a long walk, enjoying a barbecue, or exploring the nature trails.

That said, Bushland Beach is also a good place to base an extended stay around because there are several short time holiday rentals and accommodation options in the suburb.

If you stay at any of them, you will be able to spend a few leisurely days here and even enjoy a sunrise, explore local markets, or even hop across to nearby Magnetic Island.

 

 

Best time to visit Bushland Beach

As the climate in Townsville is tropical, you can visit Bushland Beach all year round.

Due to its geographical location, it enjoys warm weather but does not get as much rainfall as other parts of the tropics. However, it is still prone to heavy downpours, particularly during the months of December to February, which represent the summer.

At this time, temperatures can hit well into the 30+°C, with high humidity and a strong UV index. So, if you intend to visit the beach then, you are recommended to wear a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and not spend too long on the sand without proper shade cover.

Whenever you decide to visit Bushland Beach, you should be aware that you are in crocodile country. Therefore it is not advisable to visit the beach before sunrise or after sunset when they tend to be most active.

 

How to get to Bushland Beach?

If you are driving, you should find getting to Bushland Beach fairly straightforward. Probably the best way to do this is to take the Mount Low Parkway turn off from the Bruce Highway which will lead you up to the Esplanade.

For those coming up from the Townsville CBD, the turn off is just after the sign for the Big 4 Ingenia Holidays Resort. Should you be heading down from Cairns, it will be just before it.

If you do not have access to a car, you can catch the 233 bus from the Townsville Shopping Centre, at Elizabeth Street in Aitkenvale, or other stops along the way including those in Cranbrook, Garbutt, Mt Louisa, Burdell and Deeragun.

You can see the timetable here.

 

 

Things to do at Bushland Beach

During your time at Bushland Beach you should find plenty of activities to keep yourself occupied.

Probably the best thing to do is walk along its 1.5 km stretch of pristine shoreline (many locals do this with their dogs), as this will no doubt clear your mind and invigorate your soul. However, if you would prefer to simply relax under a cabana you should find plenty of space to be able to do this.

As the beach is not patrolled by surf lifesavers and there are no stinger nets, you are not recommended to swim – and this certainly should not be done if no one else is around, due to the potential presence of crocodiles.

That said, when the tide is low, you should be able to see a shipwreck and the views of Magnetic and Palm Islands are stunning.

The beach is a noted spot for fishing and there is a boat ramp that can launch you off into the deeper waters of Halifax Bay.

If luck is on your side you should be able to hook some barramundi, grunter, mangrove jack and salmon, though you should be careful if you cast a line near any of the mangroves that bookend both sides of the beach.

Just off the beach are picnic tables, barbecue facilities, toilets and a park with a children’s playground.

 

 

Other Townsville Beaches

Aside from Bushland Beach, there are several other beaches you can visit in and around the Townsville area.

The two closest ones to it are Saunders and Pallarenda, which are situated either side of it, while Toolakea, Toomulla and Balgal Beach are further north. Heading towards Townsville are Rowes Bay and The Strand.

 

Tours and Excursions

Once you have had your fill of Townsville’s beaches you might want to consider booking a tour or excursion to explore the local area in more detail.

There are plenty of tours you can take to Magnetic Island from Townsville, which is renowned for its beautiful beaches, scenic hikes, and fantastic wildlife – you can see koalas and wallabies in the wild there!

Alternatively, you might want to visit the Great Barrier Reef to snorkel among the colourful corals and thriving marine life.

Both Viator and Get Your Guide offer a range of tours to both these destinations and more around Townsville.

Below is a selection of some of the most popular ones you can book.