Townsville Campus

QUICK FACTS

  • Home to around 10,500 students — including more than 1,500 international students — JCU Townsville offers a dynamic and diverse university experience.
  • Students can choose from a variety of on-campus accommodation options, all designed for convenience, community, and student support.
  • The campus is equipped with world-class facilities, including the newly opened Engineering and Innovation Place, supporting cutting-edge research and hands-on learning.
  • Located in Douglas, the campus is known as Bebegu Yumba, meaning "place of learning" in the local Birri-Gubba language — a name that honours the land’s traditional custodians and reflects JCU’s deep connection to Country.

The region

Set in the heart of North Queensland, Townsville is a tropical city where the reef meets the outback. It’s the ultimate student city – here, your hard work is rewarded with bushwalks, esplanade sunsets and 300 days of sunshine a year. Townsville is an easy place to live, with low costs, great communities, and plenty of opportunities to grow.

The weather

Enjoy a tropical climate with hot, humid summers (December–February) averaging 24°–32°C, and mild, dry winters (June–August) ranging from 13°–26°C. Ideal for outdoor activities year-round!

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Townsville map

The campus

At JCU Townsville, your study life is set on 386-hectares of natural bush and parklands. Just 13 kilometres out of the city in the suburb of Douglas, it’s a space designed for connection – to ideas, community and culture.

Featured JCU Townsville facilities

At JCU, your study is our priority — so we’ve designed our campuses and research centres with quality facilities, modern learning spaces, and all the support you need to thrive.

Townsville campus

JCU Townsville is also home to the renowned Orpheus Island Research Station. Perched on the Great Barrier Reef, the study facility gives students hands-on experience in one of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems. Just a short trip from campus, it provides unparalleled opportunities for fieldwork, research and real-world learning.

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Researchers work in the wet labDiving at Orpheus IslandOrpheus Island

Set on over 2000 hectares, the Fletcherview Research Station is an extension of JCU Townsville. Just a short drive from Charters Towers, this operational cattle station gives students real-world experience in livestock production, animal health and agricultural research.

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Fletcherview Research Station Fletcherview Research Station

A central hub for study, research, and connection, honouring the legacy of Indigenous land rights pioneer Eddie Mabo.

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Image of the Eddie Koiki Mabo LibraryStudent resources and services

A vibrant teaching and learning space designed to support future educators and collaborative learning.

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A modern science precinct fostering hands-on discovery and world-class research across disciplines.

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A cutting-edge facility where students tackle real-world challenges through engineering and design.

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Take a video tour of JCU Townsville

Get a first look at our vibrant campus, stunning natural surrounds, and student life in action.

This video tour gives you a glimpse into our lecture theatres, labs, libraries, student spaces, and the unique tropical environment that surrounds our campus.

Exploring the area

JCU’s Townsville campus is about 13 kilometres from the city centre. It’s easily accessible by bus, car, or bike via scenic cycling paths. The campus sits at the base of Mount Stuart and is just a short drive from beaches like The Strand. Townsville’s warm weather makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors all year round.

Local attractions

Townsville has something for everyone just minutes from campus! Experience the thrill of a North Queensland Cowboys game at Townsville’s beloved stadium, or explore nearby Magnetic Island with its beautiful beaches and wildlife. Hike Castle Hill for stunning 360-degree views of the city and coast, and dive into local history and culture at the Museum of Tropical Queensland. Plus, relax or stroll along The Strand’s lively beachfront promenade packed with cafes, parks, and water views.

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Townsville campus

Social Life

At JCU Townsville, the social scene is lively, inclusive, and shaped by a strong sense of community. Our campus is a hub of student life, with on-site cafes, bars, sporting facilities, and a packed calendar of events, clubs, and social gatherings. Whether you’re into live music, fitness, volunteering, or study groups, there’s always something happening to help you connect, unwind, and make the most of your uni experience.

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Townsville campus

See JCU Townsville in person – Join a campus tour

Thinking about studying at JCU? Discover what campus life is like with a free guided tour of JCU Townsville. Explore our facilities, get a feel for the student experience, and have your questions answered by our knowledgeable team. Tours are free, but bookings are essential.

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Explore our campus in pictures