Visiting Townsville Town Common safely

Getting there and getting around

• Townsville Town Common map (PDF, 1.3MB)
• Cape Pallarenda trails map (PDF, 345.8KB)

Townsville Town Common Conservation Park is 6km north of the Townsville city centre. Vehicle access is via the main entrance on the turn-off from Cape Pallarenda Road, near the Rowes Bay Golf Club. The entrance gate is open from 6.30am to 6.30pm daily.

From the entrance gate, follow Freshwater Lagoon Road (unsealed) for approximately 5.5km to reach the Freshwater parking area. Access is suitable for a 2WD. Vehicles must remain on Freshwater Lagoon Road (see map). Vehicles are not allowed in any other area.

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.

Before you visit, remember to check:

• Queensland Traffic and City of Townsville to find out about road conditions to the conservation park.
• The Bureau of Meteorology for weather reports and forecasts.
• Queensland Fire Department (QFD) for current bushfire warnings and incidents.
• 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

• Watch 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 conservation park.
• Be alert for mountain bike riders approaching from either direction on the shared trails and show care and consideration for other trail users.
• Take adequate drinking water, wear sturdy footwear, protect yourself from the sun and wear insect to repel mosquitoes and sandflies.
• Plan ahead. Let a responsible person know your itinerary and emergency plan if things go wrong.
• 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).
• Watch out for wildlife. Be alert for animals that can bite, scratch or sting. Snakes are common–wait for them to pass or detour around them.
• Dangerous stinging jellyfish (‘stingers’) may be present in the coastal waters at any time and occur more frequently in the warmer months. For the latest safety and first aid information, see Marine Stingers under Surf Safety on the Surf Life Saving Association website.
• Be Crocwise. Estuarine crocodiles live in the lagoons, waterways and wetlands of Townsville Town Common Conservation Park and the surrounding coastal waters. Learn how to Be Crocwise and keep yourself, your family and friends safe in and around the water.
• 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.
• Read and heed all safety and warning signs.

Ride responsibly

• Wear appropriate safety gear and be realistic about your cycling ability.
• Alert other trail users when approaching, slow down or stop to allow them to pass safely.
• Do not ride in large groups—keep your group size to fewer than 12 people.
• Avoid skidding and sliding around turns—this damages the trail and you may collide with other trail users.
• 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.

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 conservation 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 conservation 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.