Australia Β· Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Townsville scores 72/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index β verdict: yes β generally safe. Yes β Townsville is generally safe for travelers, with a few specific precautions advised. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Australia Β· Assessed 29 July 2026
72
/ 100
Safer than ~75% of countries
What drives this score
01 Β· Official Guidance
No advisory against travel
βGlobal travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East.β
Updated 2026-04-22T10:55:13Z
Full advisory βExercise normal security precautions
βCanada's official risk level for Australia: exercise normal security precautions.β
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory β02 Β· Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
ModerateWorry about being mugged or robbed is moderately high according to local sentiment, with violent crime seen as a local problem.
Pickpocketing
ModerateProperty crime is perceived as a significant local problem, suggesting a moderate risk of theft and pickpocketing, especially in busy areas.
03 Β· Environment
04 Β· Institutions
05 Β· Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed to Negative
59/100
Locals report feeling unsafe walking alone at night (27/100) and express moderate worry about mugging and robbery (54/100), though feeling safer during daylight hours (54/100).
Yes β Townsville is generally safe for travelers, with a few specific precautions advised.
Townsville ranks well on official safety metrics, with low homicide rates and strong governance indicators. However, local sentiment suggests higher concerns regarding property crime and personal safety after dark, necessitating vigilance.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Townsville, Australia, presents a generally safe environment for travelers, supported by strong national governance and low crime statistics on a global scale. Official advisories from Canada and the UK indicate that normal security precautions are sufficient. The city's composite safety index is high, and its homicide rate is significantly lower than the world average.
However, local sentiment, as captured by crowd-sourced data, reveals a more cautious perspective. Residents report a notable lack of confidence in personal safety when walking alone at night, with a moderate level of concern regarding mugging and robbery. Property crime is also perceived as a significant local issue, suggesting that visitors should remain vigilant against theft and pickpocketing, particularly in busy areas.
Recent local news from July 2026 highlights ongoing police activity, including a 'night of action' that resulted in nine arrests, and a judge's warning to a teenager involved in a crime wave. These reports suggest that while overall safety is good, opportunistic crime can occur. Road safety is also a consideration, with a fatal bus crash in May 2026 prompting commentary on potential risks.
To ensure a safe trip, travelers are advised to be aware of their surroundings, especially after dark. While specific scams targeting tourists are not detailed, general vigilance against petty crime is recommended. It is also prudent to stay informed about local news for any developing situations and to follow health advisories from organizations like the CDC, particularly concerning Polio, Dengue, and Measles.
06 Β· Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 6 Townsville districts for visitors: 3 safer, 3 needing caution. See them plotted on the Townsville safety map.
City CentercautionHigher risk of petty crime and occasional public disorder, especially at night.
South TownsvillecautionSome areas may experience higher crime rates; exercise increased vigilance.
AitkenvalecautionMixed commercial and residential; be aware of surroundings, especially after dark.
The StrandsaferPopular beachfront area, generally safe during daylight hours.
North WardsaferResidential area with a lower crime rate, considered safe.
KirwansaferSuburban area, generally safe for residents and visitors.
07 Β· After Dark
Worry about being mugged or robbed is moderately high according to local sentiment, with violent crime seen as a local problem.
After dark, be most careful around City Center, South Townsville, Aitkenvale. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 Β· Trip Profiles
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Townsville's category data for common trip types β same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 Β· Questions
Yes β Townsville is generally safe for travelers, with a few specific precautions advised. Townsville ranks well on official safety metrics, with low homicide rates and strong governance indicators. However, local sentiment suggests higher concerns regarding property crime and personal safety after dark, necessitating vigilance. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Areas with known higher crime rates, particularly after dark (specific neighborhoods not detailed in dossier).. See the district-by-district safety map.
Townsville ranks #9 of 9 Australia destinations we've assessed, scoring 72/100. See the Australia safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 13+ public data sources β government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts β with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the Australia safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: townsville.json (CC BY 4.0).
