Visiting Townsville Town Common safely
Lagoon trail is a scenic ride through coastal woodland with views over Freshwater Lagoon.
Photo credit: Fiona O'Grady © Queensland Government
If you're on a bike, let people know when you're approaching.
Photo credit: Fiona O'Grady © Queensland Government
Catch a stunning sunset across the wetlands from Tegoora Rock, Many Peaks trail.
Photo credit: Linda Thompson © Queensland Government
View from Jacana bird hide.
Photo credit: Queensland Government
Getting there and getting around
Townsville Town Common Conservation Park is 6km north of the Townsville city centre. Vehicle access to the park is via the main entrance on the turn-off from Cape Pallarenda Road, near the Rowes Bay Golf Club. The gate at this entrance is open from 6.30am to 6.30pm daily.
Vehicles must remain on Freshwater Lagoon road (see map). Driving is not allowed in all other areas.
Walkers and mountain bike riders can also enter the park from the eastern end of the Lagoon trail, off Cape Pallarenda Road, and from the Shelly Cove trail in Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park.
Contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads to find out about road conditions and the Bureau of Meteorology for weather reports and forecasts. Check park alerts for the latest information on parks and forests access, closures and conditions.
Wheelchair accessibility
The Freshwater bird hide and access track from Freshwater car park is wheelchair accessible (assistance may be required).
Staying safe
- Be alert for management vehicles approaching from either direction on the Lagoon, Shelly Beach and Freshwater trails— these trails are also used by rangers to look after the park.
- Be alert for mountain bike riders approaching from either direction and show care and consideration for other trail users.
- If riding, alert other trail users when approaching and slow down or stop to allow them to pass safely.
- Avoid riding in large groups—keep groups to fewer than 12.
- Avoid skidding and sliding around turns—this may result in collision with other trail users and damage to the trail surface.
- Take adequate water, wear sturdy footwear and protect yourself from the sun.
- Wear protective clothing and insect repellent to safeguard against stings, scratches and bites. If riding, wear appropriate safety gear.
- Pack a first aid kit and communication equipment. Mobile phone coverage is unreliable in sections of the conservation park. Consider taking a satellite phone or personal locator beacon (PLB).
- Take care on loose and uneven surfaces, as trail conditions are subject to change. Washouts may occur after heavy rain and trails may be covered by long grass.
- Read and heed all safety and warning signs.
- Be alert for snakes—detour around them.
- Estuarine crocodiles live in the waterways of Townsville Town Common Conservation Park. Always Be Crocwise in Croc Country.
- Dangerous stinging jellyfish (‘stingers’) may be present in the coastal waters at any time, and occur more frequently in the warmer months. Visit marine stingers for the latest safety and first aid information.
- Severe weather and cyclones are common along the Queensland tropical coastline. Check weather forecasts before you visit. Never go walking or riding during or after severe weather or a cyclone.
For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
In an emergency
For all emergencies call Triple Zero (000).
We recommend you visit the Triple Zero website before visiting the national park. You can also download the free emergency+ app before you leave home, the GPS functionality can provide critical location details to emergency services. Important: if there is no mobile coverage on any network, you will not be able to reach the Emergency Call Service via a mobile phone.
Before you visit
Essentials to bring
Preparation is the key to a safe and enjoyable visit. Make sure you bring:
- enough drinking water for your visit
- appropriate clothing, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun
- insect repellent to avoid mosquitoes and sandflies
- rubbish bags, as there are no bins
- reliable communication equipment.
Opening hours
Townsville Town Common Conservation Park gates are open 6.30am to 6.30pm daily. The park or sections of the park may be closed at times due to severe weather or management operations. Check park alerts for the latest information on parks and forests access, closures and conditions.
Permits and fees
Various activities in Townsville Town Common Conservation Park require a permit. Activities include commercial tours, social events (for example weddings or birthday parties), organised group visits, school excursions, scientific research, professional photography and the sale of photographs or vision of the conservation park. View permits and fees for further information.
Pets
Dogs and other domestic animals are not permitted in the conservation park.
Climate and weather
The Townsville region has a tropical climate. During the wetter months from December to April there is significant rainfall and the average daily temperature range is 24–32°C with high humidity. The cooler, drier months of May to September are the best time to visit. The weather is pleasantly warm during this time, with reduced humidity and an average daily temperature range of 13–25°C.
Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.
Fuel and supplies
Fuel and supplies are available in Townsville.