The recently rebuilt Townsville Yacht Club Marina is located on Ross Creek in downtown Townsville. The Townsville Cruising Yacht Club was established in 1967, which has been operating from the Townsville Motor Boat Club on Ross Creek since the early 80's. In 1999 the two merged to become known as the Townsville Motor Boat and Yacht Club (TMBC). As recently as July 2009, however, another name change took place, with the club now known as the Townsville Yacht Club. The modern floating pontoons at the Townsville Yacht Club Marina make this one of the newest marinas in north Queensland, and it's right in the middle of the bustling City of Townsville. The marina is also within a very short day sail of glorious Magnetic Island, with the unspoilt islands of the Palm Group and Hinchinbrook Island beyond, just a day hop away.  All of which makes Townsville an ideal stopover on a cruise to and from northern Queensland.

Befitting a major regional centre, with a population of 165,000 people, Townsville hosts a major shipping port, a thriving commercial fishing industry as well as all the commercial and retail infrastructure to service the wider community. The popular Palmer Street precinct is adjacent to the marina, providing plenty of cafe, dining and entertainment options, with the CBD and Flinders Street just beyond. The Townsville Yacht Club fills an important need for the local population, creating a friendly club atmosphere with an active social and boating calendar. The Townsville to Port Hinchinbrook Blue Water Classic, held annually over Easter, is the major regatta for boat owners in the region, but there is plenty happening throughout the year.

Visitors to the club are always welcome to join in the fun on the alfresco deck overlooking the Ross Creek. Lunch and dinner is served seven days a week, plus breakfast is available on the weekends. Choose from Bistro style or a la carte dining. Sunday afternoons are a lively time to enjoy the balmy Queensland dusk, while on Wednesdays, join in the weekly sailing events followed by jazz on the deck. Club members have created a convivial atmosphere that encourages lively socialising amongst members and visitors alike. In fact there is a real sense of community around the club. It's the kind of traditional boating club that hosts the local scuba diving club's meetings, as well as providing a venue for the Townsville Game Fishing Club to hold their weigh-ins. There's no yacht club elitism here. It's a warm welcoming club that embraces the camaraderie amongst like-minded souls.

The new floating marina is not bad either. Dedicated berths have been set aside to encourage casual visitors. Cruising boaties will love the brand new bathroom ensuite-type amenities. Enormous and well fitted out, the bathrooms are a huge bonus and worth calling into Townsville alone. Why not schedule a visit on your next foray into north Queensland?