Castle Hill

Castle Hill

Castle Hill
4.5
About
Just metres short of a mountain, Castle Hill is the giant pink granite monolith that stands proud in the centre of Townsville - a perfect place for visitors to orientate themselves. As well as offering vehicle access, Castle Hill provides a number of popular walking tracks, which are frequented by more than 2,500 locals a day! The 360-degree views of Townsville at the top are well worth the journey. Be sure to have a camera on hand, particularly for sunrise or sunset as these are photo opportunities which shouldn't be missed. As well as offering an iconic centre piece for the city and spectacular scenic views, Castle Hill has a significant history. The Hill's vantage was used by visiting American soldiers during World War II. According to local legend, the visitors famously offered to demolish the hill and use the rock to build a bridge to Magnetic Island. A World War II observation bunker sits on one corner of the Hill reminding visitors of Castle Hill's military history. Castle Hill facilities include car parking, public amenities, drink fountains and shaded seating to enjoy while taking in some of the best views of the city and across to Magnetic Island.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • Mark E
    Whitianga, New Zealand803 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sydney to Cairns 2023
    An interesting drive up here in a 7m Campervan to say the least but worth the effort. Caravans and trailers should not be towed up here. Parking is limited. The views from here are fantastic from several viewing points. Some have 360degree Vista's of the sea, city and countryside. Excellent photo opportunities.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 12 April 2024
  • Lorraine L
    Tarwin Lower, Australia3,584 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Usually a beautiful view and always a very pretty rock
    Luckily we had visited here previously because today was not the best day for our visit. Driving up higher it felt like we were driving into a cloud. Normally you can see over to Magnetic Island but today we couldn't see two feet in front of us. Castle Hill is a giant pink monolith which you can see from most places in Townsville. Even though we didn't see much today don't let that put you off.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 26 June 2024
  • Ben King
    London, United Kingdom348 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning
    Perfect way to start or end your day. Drive, hike, or run up this 3k incline to get to the top of castle hill. Stunning views of the city on one side and the ocean on the other, all encompassed by mountains. Plenty of parking at the top too. Worth admiring the 3 viewpoints while you’re up there, takes an hour or so
    Visited October 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 27 October 2024
  • Mark E
    Whitianga, New Zealand803 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Cairns to Perth via Outback Way 2024
    Was here in 2023 on another adventure but brought our friends up for the view as they'd not been here. Superb spot to get good views of the city and surrounding area. Several view points. Many hiking tracks. Good parking but minimal. Toilets 🚻 Worth the drive up but be careful, narrow and winding road.
    Visited September 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 6 November 2024
  • P12345w
    Royal Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom45 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing views from the red rock
    We drove to the lower car park and walked up the path to the top. Well worth the effort. You need to be reasonably fit and sure footed as the path is steep in places. Lots of steps - 1200 I believe. Amazing views across Townsville out to sea or back towards the hinterland.
    Visited January 2025
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 14 January 2025
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NickyP54
Bargara, Australia1,544 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2022
Decided to drive to the summit car park (follow signs from The Strand at Gregory Street lights) rather than attempt the Goat Track walk. Incredibly popular with the locals either dog walking, running or even cycling, so drive carefully up and down the narrow Castle Hill Road as it has no pavements. Parking was OK on a Monday morning but guess space would be limited at busier times.

Surprised by the variety of short trails fanning out around the summit, although the circular one up behind the toilet block was closed for maintenance. Great views in all directions and some military history, plus dog friendly too. The sheer north-eastern face is illuminated at night time and there is a good daytime view of it from the base of the hill near the lighting pole at the end of Gregory Street.
Written 19 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jonique Life
Australia1,864 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Couples
First thing we did once we arrived at Townsville was to climb the iconic Castle Hill for a 360 degree sunset view of Townsville and why wouldn’t you with views like this 🤩

Best lookout, spectacular views! We did The Goat Track which is a good work out with 1300 constant stairs going up. Well worth it.

“Jonique Life” Follow our journey around Australia on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube as we highlight wonderful experiences and magical places you can add to your ever growing bucket list.
Written 21 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tiago
62 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2021 • Solo
Road is narrow, low speed and very steep. Plenty of parking and awesome views.

Would ask the Council to give permission for 1 Cafe to be built at the half way point or up the top which would be an amazing Townsville attraction. Perhaps a Government funded project 😋
Written 5 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

patg0712
Sydney, Australia47 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Business
You cannot come to Townsville without enjoying the view from Castle Hill Lookout. It's the place where those who want to be seen can be seen; walking their manicured dog, wearing their lycra, doing their exercise...
Sorry I'm lazy I drive my car but avoid people walking four abreast or letting their dog on the loose or the bike riders screaming down the hill at 100 miles an hour.
Either way, the view from the top - it's spectacular, especially when everyone else gets there at sunset!!!
Don't miss it and make sure your SD card is empty because there are spectacular views all the way around and don't forget to wear your walking shoes because it's a bit rough in places, however, they are making a way for people in wheelchairs or disabled to get around..
Make it a must see!!
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Silversaint
Melbourne, Australia63 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022 • Friends
Took a drive up to the top of Castle Hill and wasnt disappointed with the views from all around. They were spectacular. There ate several different areas to look out from and each is wonderful giving an overall 360 degree view of the area.
There are toilet facilities at the top and the outside has a lovely aboriginal hunting painting on it.
There are also some benches to sit on.
Written 19 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

louie t
Brisbane, Australia552 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2021
Castle Hill looks more steep than Mt Stuart, but its not. Ton of people walking this daily or bike riding up. or walking the stairs up & walking the road back down. Or u can car up & down. Saw one fit lady pushing a pusher up did the loop & straight back down. Lots to see & down once u arrive up. Impressive must say.
Written 14 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

GreyNomad2014
Jannali, Australia969 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2021 • Solo
The two main paths are the Goat Track and the Cudtheringa Track, both well signposted on your way from town and well developed with stairs and resting benches. I also took a rough track off the Maidenhair Track that was part loose rock and boulder climbing. I'd have got lost easily if someone hadn't painted white arrows occasionally. It eventually connects with the Dianella Track and finished just behind the bus stop at the top.
Written 25 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dianne H
331 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
This might be classed as a Hill & not a Mountain but it sure has spectacular 360% views as you drive up it & from the walking tracks up the top & all the viewing points.Brilliant views out to:" Magnetic Island,The Strand,Cape Pallarenda,Cleveland Bay,the City & surrounds & much more.Well worth going up.
Written 23 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Edwina S
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
Great spot to visit in Townsville. Drive up or walk on the roadway or challenge yourself on the bush track for a fitness splurge. Lovely views over the whole of Townsville, Magnetic Island, out to the west and beyond.
Visitors to the region will love it.
Written 2 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hunnybee
Townsville, Australia517 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019
Every time I have been up the hill, the place is packed. Either with walkers or drivers. There are several walking trails, but walkers insist on walking all over the road which can be annoying. The views and sunset from up there is just spectacular, so make sure you take your camera!
Written 21 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Castle Hill - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2025)

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