Museum of Tropical Queensland

November 13, 2023
Andrew Noe
Uncategorized

About the Museum of Tropical Queensland

Located in the heart of Townsville, the Museum of Tropical Queensland, which is part of the Queensland Museum Network, offers visitors a glimpse into the wonders of North Queensland. Through its galleries, the museum presents the fascinating stories of the region’s World Heritage-listed rainforests, reefs, and the ill-fated voyage of HMS Pandora, the ship dispatched to capture the mutineers of the Bounty. From ancient times to the present day, the museum also delves into exploring life in the tropics. With a wide range of exhibitions and displays, the museum aims to captivate people of all ages, focusing on various aspects such as natural and cultural history, biodiversity, and human science.

The Museum of Tropical Queensland, originally known as “Queensland Museum, North Queensland Branch,” was opened in 1987 in Townsville’s CBD along Ross Creek. However, it wasn’t until 1990 that the museum officially changed its name to reflect its dedication to researching and interpreting tropical Queensland’s cultural and natural heritage. The strong interest in the HMS Pandora expeditions, one of Australia’s most significant shipwrecks, and the support from the Pandora Foundation, the government, and the Townsville community resulted in successful fundraising efforts. These efforts led to the development of a new purpose-built museum on the original site, designed to house and exhibit the artefacts recovered from the Pandora wreck site.

What to do at the Museum of Tropical Queensland

During your visit to the Museum of Tropical Queensland, you can take a break and replenish yourself by enjoying a coffee, snack, or light lunch at The Galley Cafe, located by the waterfront. The cafe is open daily from 10 am to 2 pm. Additionally, the Museum Shop offers a unique selection of merchandise, contemporary homewares, jewellery, educational games and toys, and various souvenirs to enhance your visit and create lasting memories. If you are a resident of Townsville or the surrounding region, you will receive a discounted admission to the museum. The admission fee includes access to all exhibitions. You can become an Annual Pass holder to enjoy unlimited entry to the museum for a whole year. If you drive to the museum, you can find paid street parking right outside the museum. Alternatively, there is free parking on The Strand, approximately 200 meters from the museum, although time limits may apply.

Located in the city centre, the Museum offers the opportunity to explore a shipwreck, dive on the Great Barrier Reef, and visit a rainforest all in one day. With a range of exhibitions and displays, the Museum showcases life in the tropics, from dinosaurs to the modern day. It is a family-friendly destination with daily free activities and tours, including the chance to help fire a ship’s cannon (at 11 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. daily, covered shoes required). Additionally, our Cafe, open from 10 am to 3 pm daily, serves a variety of delicious options, including great coffee, milkshakes, fresh sandwiches, wraps, and slices. There are also gluten-free choices available. Furthermore, we provide FREE WiFi for our visitors.