10 Best Suburbs in Townsville for Families You’ll Love
Are you searching for the best suburbs in Townsville for families? With years of experience as mortgage brokers helping families settle down in this region, we know just how much Townsville has to offer.
Set on the sun-soaked coast of Queensland, Townsville is a laid-back, friendly city surrounded by natural beauty. Think big skies, warm weather, great schools, leafy parks, and a safe, supportive community, everything families need to put down roots.
In this guide, you’ll discover the 10 best suburbs in Townsville for families, with local insights on schools, lifestyle, and the property market, plus answers to the most common questions families ask when moving here.
Ready to make your move? Our Townsville mortgage brokers can help you secure better rates and fast-track your home loan in Townsville’s best family suburbs. Call
07 4721 4772 or visit
lmedge.com.au.
The 10 Best Townsville Suburbs for Families
1. Bushland Beach
Bushland Beach is Townsville’s only northern beach suburb. It’s a top pick for families who love the outdoors and want that “holiday at home” vibe. You’ll find wide streets, a big local park, and easy beach access for weekend swims and fishing.
The local Bushland Beach Tavern is a favourite with locals, and kids love the skatepark and playground. Property investors and families appreciate the suburb’s relaxed feel and ongoing infrastructure upgrades, which have improved access to the city and the wider North Queensland region.
Shops and schools are a short drive away. The suburb is a bit out of the CBD, but most families find the relaxed coastal lifestyle worth it. House prices are reasonable for a beachside suburb.
- School Quality: Good
- Commute to CBD: 25 mins
- Family Activities: Beach, parks
- Price Range: $450k – $600k
2. Kirwan
Kirwan is one of Townsville’s largest suburbs and is packed with everything families need. Schools are a highlight; there are several good ones in the area, including Kirwan State High.
Willows Shopping Centre is right in the middle, making errands a breeze. The suburb is well known for its excellent shopping and sporting facilities, with parks, playgrounds, and the huge Brothers Leagues Club being big drawcards for active kids.
It’s a practical choice for those who want solid infrastructure access, as well as quick trips to Townsville General Hospital and Townsville International Airport for work or travel. Kirwan’s streets are busy, but most areas are quiet and friendly. Homes here are affordable, and it’s a popular choice for first-home buyers.
- School Quality: Very Good
- Commute to CBD: 20 mins
- Family Activities: Shopping, sports
- Price Range: $380k – $500k
Explore how
Townsville mortgage brokers help secure a competitive rate for your Kirwan family home.
3. Mount Louisa
If you like a leafy, peaceful area with some of the best hill views in Townsville, put Mount Louisa on your list. There’s a mix of new estates and older homes, many with stunning views across the city.
The suburb is known for its safe streets and family-friendly parks, and the Mount Louisa walking tracks are popular with families and runners. Local schools and shops are close by, and the area has a safe, suburban feel.
House prices are mid-range, and there are often family homes with good-sized backyards. As a bonus, you’re only a short drive from North Ward, the Townsville Brewing Co, and The Strand’s iconic foreshore.
- School Quality: Good
- Commute to CBD: 15 mins
- Family Activities: Parks, walks
- Price Range: $400k – $550k
4.
Annandale
Annandale is famous for its top schools, quiet leafy streets, and strong sense of community. Four schools are tucked into the suburb, plus plenty of parks and sports fields.
The Ross River flows alongside, offering green spaces and an active community with bike paths and weekend walks. Most houses are modern brick homes with three or four bedrooms, and the area feels safe day and night.
Annandale is close to James Cook University, making it popular with university staff and families alike. Proximity to Townsville General Hospital is another plus, especially for healthcare professionals. Prices are on the higher side, but the quality of life is hard to beat.
- School Quality: Excellent
- Commute to CBD: 12 mins
- Family Activities: Schools, parks
- Price Range: $500k – $650k
5. Douglas
Douglas is a smart pick for families who want to be close to James Cook University, the Townsville Hospital, and excellent schools. The area is popular with growing families thanks to its proximity to education, green spaces, and modern homes.
Bike paths wind through the suburb, and you can walk along the river. The Goat Track Summit Hill is a popular weekend spot for exercise and panoramic views. Shops, schools, and playgrounds are all nearby, and there’s a relaxed feel with good transport links.
Douglas homes are modern, and there’s a mix of townhouses and larger family houses. It’s a good fit for families who want to be close to everything.
- School Quality: Very Good
- Commute to CBD: 10 mins
- Family Activities: Bike paths, river
- Price Range: $450k – $600k
Need expert advice on finance for the best suburbs in Townsville (for families)? Talk to our Townsville mortgage brokers for guidance, low rates, and local insights. Phone 07 4721 4772 or head to lmedge.com.au
6.
Pallarenda
Pallarenda is perfect if you want a quiet, scenic lifestyle close to the city. This older beach suburb is known for its calm beaches, nature reserves, and access to nature walks, with wide open spaces and easy beach access.
The suburb is a draw for property investors looking for lifestyle and long-term capital growth. There’s a national park at your doorstep, so you can walk or ride along bush tracks any day of the week.
Homes are a mix of classic Queenslanders and modern builds, often with ocean views. If you like birdwatching, fishing, or just peace and quiet, Pallarenda ticks all the boxes.
- School Quality: Good
- Commute to CBD: 12 mins
- Family Activities: Beach, nature walks
- Price Range: $550k – $700k
7.
Alligator Creek
Alligator Creek is about 25 minutes south of the CBD and offers big blocks, a semi-rural feel, and a strong sense of community. Families here love the spacious homes, local swimming holes, and access to the National Park.
This suburb is well known among property investors who want affordable acreage not far from the key infrastructure upgrades happening in and around Townsville. There’s plenty of space to keep pets or even a few chooks, and the local primary school is well regarded.
The area has a true community feel, with weekend markets and events for locals. Alligator Creek is ideal for families who want a quieter lifestyle but don’t want to give up access to Townsville’s services.
- School Quality: Good
- Commute to CBD: 25 mins
- Family Activities: Nature, space
- Price Range: $550k – $800k
Our home loan brokers on Townsville assist families in navigating complex lending for Douglas and other Townsville suburbs.
8. Burdell
Burdell is one of Townsville’s fastest-growing family suburbs, known for its modern estates, parks, and great family amenities. New homes, parks, and several good schools have popped up in recent years, making it a magnet for young families.
The suburb has been featured in the Hotspotting Price Predictor Index for its steady property market growth. North Shore, the main development in Burdell, has a shopping centre, water park, gyms, and a real community buzz.
The streets are quiet, the houses are modern, and there’s a strong neighbourhood feel. Home prices are still reasonable, and you get a lot of house for your money.
- School Quality: Good
- Commute to CBD: 20 mins
- Family Activities: Parks, water park
- Price Range: $400k – $550k
9. Helensvale
Helensvale in Townsville is a newer, up-and-coming area. It’s affordable, offers good-sized homes, and schools nearby are gaining a solid reputation.
This suburb has easy infrastructure access, connecting you quickly to Townsville International Airport and key employment hubs. Families are moving in for the lower prices, quieter streets, and easy access to everything in northern Townsville.
There are parks, bike paths, and a nice mix of young families and retirees. Helensvale is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable entry into a family-friendly suburb with good schools.
- School Quality: Good
- Commute to CBD: 18 mins
- Family Activities: Parks, schools
- Price Range: $370k – $480k
10. Castle Hill
Castle Hill sits right in the heart of Townsville and is famous for its exclusive lifestyle, stunning city and ocean views, and quality living. Many families love the easy access to Castle Hill Lookout, Goat Track Summit Hill, and The Strand, which offer panoramic views of North Queensland and Far North Queensland.
Property investors and owner-occupiers alike appreciate the long-term value of this suburb, and many homes boast proximity to Townsville Brewing Co. and central business amenities. It’s an exclusive suburb, and homes here are on the pricey side. But if you want a beautiful outlook, privacy, and some of the best walks in the city, it’s worth it.
There aren’t many schools in Castle Hill itself, but you’re close to several in nearby suburbs. Castle Hill is a quiet, safe, and genuinely unique spot in Townsville.
- School Quality: Good (nearby)
- Commute to CBD: 5 mins
- Family Activities: Walks, views
- Price Range: $900k+
Find your perfect family home in Townsville. Let our Townsville mortgage brokers handle the paperwork and approval process so you can focus on your next chapter. Reach us on 07 4721 4772 or online at lmedge.com.au
FAQs About Living in Townsville as a Family
Is Townsville a good place to raise kids?
Yes. Families here enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, with plenty of space and great weather. There are quality schools, parks, and safe suburbs. Weekends can be spent at the beach, river, or at local events. See Queensland Government’s Townsville City page for local information.
How safe are Townsville suburbs?
Like any city, it varies. Most suburbs listed here are known for their friendly communities and safe streets. Check recent data on the Queensland Police crime map for details.
What are the average house prices?
The median house price is about $420,000, but suburbs like Castle Hill and Pallarenda are higher. Newer, up-and-coming areas like Burdell and Helensvale offer value for money. For investors, resources such as the Price Predictor Index or Hotspotting Price Predictor Index can give you insight into future property market trends.
What is the school system like?
Townsville has a mix of public, private, and Catholic schools. Many suburbs have their local schools. Several high schools have strong academic and sporting reputations. The city also has James Cook University and TAFE for older students.
More on Queensland Department of Education
Wrapping Up: Choosing Your Ideal Suburb in Townsville
Townsville has a lot going for it if you’re raising a family. You can pick a suburb for its beach, its schools, or its quiet, leafy streets. There’s something here for every family’s budget and lifestyle.
When you’re ready to explore the best suburbs in Townsville (for families), contact LM Edge Mortgage Brokers on Townsville. Our team helps with every step, from suburb comparisons and loan pre-approval to negotiation and settlement.
Let us help you make your next move simple. Call us today on 07 4721 4772 or visit lmedge.com.au
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