Mount Stuart Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Mount Stuart showing a sunset, landscape views and mountains
Feel like you’re on the top of the world as you stand on Townsville’s highest peak to enjoy the outstanding views of the city, the ocean and Magnetic Island.

Mount Stuart is 1,916 feet (584 meters) high, providing Townsville’s highest lookout point. Townsville residents regularly come here to jog, hike or ride up to the summit. Join them on the winding road to the top and stand on the viewing platform for magnificent vistas.

You can drive up the mountain along Mount Stuart Road, which takes less than 15 minutes. If you decide to go on foot, follow the same road until you reach the telecommunications towers at the top. Allow 3-4 hours for the return trip and remember that this is the tropics, so bring plenty of water and wear protective clothing.

Experienced mountain bikers will enjoy the mountain’s rocky and downhill bike trails, with varying grades to choose from. Avid rock climbers can tackle the climbing routes, which have enticing names and require different skill levels. Get local advice before you go and make the most of the cooler conditions during the shade of the afternoons.

Once you reach the Rotary Lookout, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views across Townsville. Beyond the city’s central Castle Hill you can see Magnetic Island in Cleveland Bay.

The mountain was named after the area’s first district surveyor, Clarendon Stuart, and you can just imagine him standing here, mapping out the land and bays. Take some lunch with you and have a picnic near the lookout. Native brush turkeys may appear, in search of food scraps.

If you are up for a short walk, follow the Loop Trail. This narrow bush track runs all around the summit. On the westside, look down on the blue waters of Ross Dam, Townsville’s flood mitigation and water storage facility.

Mount Stuart lies southwest of Townsville, just off the Flinders Highway. Facilities at the top are limited, so cover yourself against the sun and bring water to prevent dehydration. Be aware that part of the mountain is Army Training Ground, with the Lavarack Barracks set in its foothills, so stay on the marked tracks at all times.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Mount Stuart Hotel Deals

Madison Plaza Townsville
Madison Plaza Townsville
4 out of 5
409 Flinders St., Corner Of Stanley And Flinders St., Townsville, QLD
The price is NZ$108 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
NZ$108
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Its ok all round"

Reviewed on 10 Nov. 2024

Madison Plaza Townsville
Aquarius on the Beach
Aquarius on the Beach
4 out of 5
75 The Strand, North Ward, QLD
The price is NZ$154 per night from 20 Nov to 21 Nov
NZ$154
includes taxes & fees
20 Nov - 21 Nov
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Townsville. Enjoy free parking, a business center, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Great location for entertainment, great balcony with water view. Bathroom area was old and attempt made to freshen with a coat of paint on just about everything. Queen bed is never big enough but was comfortable."

Reviewed on 11 Nov. 2024

Aquarius on the Beach
The Palmer Collective
The Palmer Collective
4 out of 5
12 14 Palmer Street, South Townsville, QLD
The price is NZ$164 per night from 12 Dec to 13 Dec
NZ$164
includes taxes & fees
12 Dec - 13 Dec
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (660 reviews)
"Great rooms"

Reviewed on 10 Oct. 2024

The Palmer Collective
The Ville Resort - Casino
The Ville Resort - Casino
4.5 out of 5
Sir Leslie Thiess Drive, Townsville, QLD
The price is NZ$211 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
NZ$211
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Our stay was fabulous to have a pool to swim in & the splash bar was great. Overall the staff were very friendly & helpful."

Reviewed on 12 Nov. 2024

The Ville Resort - Casino
Grand Hotel and Apartments Townsville
Grand Hotel and Apartments Townsville
4.5 out of 5
8-10 Palmer Street, South Townsville, QLD
The price is NZ$186 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
NZ$186
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Townsville. Enjoy a fitness center, parking (surcharge), and dry cleaning or laundry services. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (991 reviews)
Negatives over ride the positive
"Positives- Hotel is in a great position for walking to restaurants and bars and is close to the stadium. Apartment was spacious and bed was comfortable. Option of a pillow menu if desired. Negatives- We had booked a 1 bedroom with balcony as per the pictures on the booking site and when at check ..."

Reviewed on 12 Nov. 2024

Grand Hotel and Apartments Townsville
The Robert Towns
The Robert Towns
4 out of 5
261 Stanley Street, Townsville, QLD
The price is NZ$150 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
NZ$150
includes taxes & fees
26 Nov - 27 Nov
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.2/10 Good! (737 reviews)
"Overnight stay was all good."

Reviewed on 6 Nov. 2024

The Robert Towns
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Mount Stuart

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Murray

Though Murray may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Cluden Racecourse and Fairfield Central Shopping Centre.

Murray
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Annandale

If you're spending some time in Annandale, Murray Sporting Complex and Townsville Palmetum are top sights worth seeing.

Annandale
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Douglas

When in Douglas, you can plan a visit to Riverway Lagoon and Willows Shopping Centre, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Douglas
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Wulguru

Wulguru is well liked for its restaurants. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Townsville area, you might plan a trip to Cluden Racecourse or Fairfield Central Shopping Centre.

Wulguru
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Aitkenvale

If you're spending time in Aitkenvale, you might enjoy its shopping and restaurants. If you've got time to venture a little farther, you can make a stop by Townsville Palmetum or Murray Sporting Complex.

Aitkenvale
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Rosslea

You'll appreciate the restaurants during your time in Rosslea and you might want to plan a stop by Murray Sporting Complex and Cluden Racecourse while you're in the area.

Rosslea

Mount Stuart Travel Guide

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