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HMAS Townsville docks for final time
A significant part of Townsville’s military history will be preserved for generations to come with Port of Townsville partnering with Maritime Museum of Townsville to put HMAS Townsville on public display. HMAS Townsville is one of 15 Fremantle Class Patrol Boats built and operated by the Royal Australian Navy and was gifted to her namesake city’s Maritime Museum following her decommissioning. The vessel has been relocated from the Townsville Marine Precinct where she has undergone remediation works, to a new display position at the historical slipway on Ross Street, South Townsville. Maritime Museum of Townsville curator Robert De Jong said the vessel had a historic naval connection with the city. “Named after the city of Townsville, often visiting the port and occasionally crewed by RAN members originating from Townsville, the vessel holds special memorial, spiritual and social significance,” Mr De Jong said. “The vessel was decommissioned in Cairns and gifted to the Maritime Museum of Townsville by the Commonwealth Department of Defence,” he said. “To have the vessel nearby the museum for the first time is an exciting milestone, not only for myself and the museum’s volunteers, but importantly for the sailors who proudly served on board HMAS Townsville and have deep links to her history.” Port of Townsville Chief Executive Officer Ranee Crosby said the HMAS Townsville relocation had involved years of planning between multiple stakeholders to ensure the best outcome to preserve the historic vessel. “I want to thank the Maritime Museum of Townsville for working closely with our Port staff to make this project a reality,” Ms Crosby said. “The move was no small undertaking, with the vessel being towed on water under escort from the Townsville Marine Precinct to the Port of Townsville, then down Ross Creek where she was secured into place on the disused slipway on Ross Street. “The HMAS Townsville relocation is the first step in works being undertaken to beautify and increase connectivity on Port lands on the banks of the Ross Creek from Lighthouse Park on Palmer Street to Quayside Terminal, with upgraded footpaths and the installation of a viewing platform for residents and visitors to see the HMAS Townsville close up.” Assistant Minister for Defence Industry and Veterans, Janelle Poole, said the relocation of HMAS Townsville was a proud moment for the city and its defence community. “This vessel represents the courage and commitment of our Navy personnel, many of whom have strong ties to Townsville. Its new home will allow locals and visitors alike to connect with our rich military heritage,” Assistant Minister Poole said. “Townsville has always stood tall as a garrison city. Preserving HMAS Townsville in this way honours our past, celebrates our present, and inspires future generations.” Members of the public who are interested in viewing the HMAS Townsville can do so from Lighthouse Park on Palmer Street and various other vantage points along both sides of Ross Creek. The HMAS Townsville relocation project is a partnership between the Port of Townsville and the Maritime Museum of Townsville. Please note due to safety, the public is not permitted aboard the vessel.
Townsville set to make waves this cruise season
Townsville is set to make waves this cruise season with a record 26 cruise ships scheduled to dock at Port of Townsville, including seven large-class vessels and two overnight stays. More than 31,000 passengers and 14,000 crew will visit our city throughout the 2025/2026 season, injecting more than $9.5 million into the local economy. The season officially kicks off on Thursday, 3 July with the arrival of Oceania Cruises’ Regatta, carrying more than 1200 passengers and 380 crew. Port of Townsville CEO Ranee Crosby said the Port was ready to welcome more visitors and bigger cruise ships than ever before. “With the practical completion of our $251 million Channel Upgrade project earlier this year, cruise ships longer than 238 metres can now safely access our Port,” Ms Crosby said. “Some of these large-class cruise ships can carry up to 3000 guests, which is triple the number of guests we’ve previously welcomed from a single ship. “It’s a significant boost not just for the Port, but the entire region as well.” This season, Port of Townsville will welcome vessels from July 2025 to April 2026. “Townsville’s cruise season is becoming longer as more cruise lines look to our city and we’re excited to be welcoming passengers over the winter months when our region really shines,” Ms Crosby said. For the first time, Townsville will host two overnight stays including the maiden voyage of The World in December, a luxury residential cruise ship. Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Minister Ros Bates said the Port of Townsville would continue to play a key role in contributing to the local economy. “The completion of the Channel Upgrade Project secures Townsville’s position as a gateway to Asia-Pacific and ensures the Port is well positioned to meet growing demand into the future, whether that’s in trade or tourism,” Minister Bates said. Townsville Enterprise Director of Visitor Economy and Marketing Lisa Woolfe said the return of major cruise lines to Townsville North Queensland marked a significant milestone for the region. “The growth of cruise in Townsville underscores our region’s appeal as a must-visit destination for both domestic and international travellers, delivering significant economic benefits for local businesses and the wider community,” Ms Woolfe said. “This season is particularly exciting as we welcome a number of maiden calls and even overnight stays – a clear sign that our cruise strategy is working and that Townsville is firmly on the map for extended visits and deeper exploration. “Cruise passengers consistently tell us how impressed they are with their experience in Townsville North Queensland – from the warm welcome by our incredible tourism volunteers to unforgettable encounters with wildlife at Billabong Sanctuary, island adventures on Magnetic Island, and rich cultural experiences in Hinchinbrook. “Whether they’re immersing themselves in rainforest escapes at Hidden Valley, stepping back in time in Charters Towers, or simply soaking up the coastal charm of The Strand, visitors are truly exploring beyond the port and discovering the heart of our region.” Ms Crosby said cruise passengers are really taking notice of what makes Townsville special. “With our warm tropical spirit and genuine hospitality, Townsville is leaving a lasting impression,” she said. "As the city continues to pursue a bold tourism vision, we’re thrilled to set stage for more ships to arrive and more visitors to discover the unique magic that makes this city and region an unforgettable destination.” To accommodate the growing number of visitors the Port has also invested $5.9 million to upgrade its dedicated cruise terminal, providing a seamless ship-to-shore experience for guests and include expanded capacity for buses, new taxi ranks, and a dedicated Kiss ‘n’ Ride zone.