Castle Hill

Castle Hill is a granite summit in Townsville featuring three distinct peaks that rise from the surrounding landscape. Multiple walking paths wind across its pink granite surface, offering different routes through the natural rock formations.

The hill formed through granite erosion over millions of years and became a landmark of Townsville during European settlement in the 1800s. During World War II, military forces established observation posts here to monitor the Queensland coast.

The Aboriginal people named this monolith Cootharinga, and its presence has shaped the identity of Townsville since European settlement in 1864.

The summit is accessible by road from the northeast side, with paths leading to a lookout platform overlooking the city and surrounding areas. Wear suitable shoes as granite surfaces can become slippery when wet or in certain weather conditions.

The granite hill supports hundreds of native plant species found nowhere else in the region, including rare orchids adapted to rocky surfaces. This botanical diversity becomes apparent to those who look closely at the different plants among the rocks.