Townsville, city, northeastern Australia, in Queensland State, on Cleveland Bay, at the mouth of Ross Creek. Townsville is a major seaport and commercial center for northern Queensland. It contains manufacturing industries producing processed food, refined copper, wood items, and building materials. Tourism is also important to the economy. Magnetic Island, facing Townsville in Cleveland Bay, is a popular tourist attraction. Part of Magnetic Island is a national park. James Cook University of North Queensland (1970) and army and air force bases are located in Townsville. The community, established in 1864, developed as a trade center. Population (1999 estimate) 127,200.
