Townsville has quietly emerged as one of Queensland’s most underrated food and travel destinations, and staying at The Ardo Townsville makes it immediately clear why. Perfectly positioned on the Coral Sea foreshore, The Ardo combines contemporary luxury with laid-back tropical ease — and when paired with dinner at its acclaimed restaurant Terasu, it delivers one of the best hotel dining experiences in North Queensland.

I have previously only ever visited Townsville passing through on my way to Magnetic Island, however it’s well worth a visit in its own right!This Ardo Townsville review covers the stay, the views, and a standout sunset dinner that cements the hotel as a must-stay for food-focused travellers.

The Ardo Townsville: Ocean View Luxury on the Coral Sea

Checking into The Ardo Townsville, the hotel’s connection to its surroundings is instantly apparent. Clean architectural lines, warm natural finishes and a calm, coastal colour palette set the tone for a stay that feels refined without ever being stiff.

Our ocean-view room immediately welcomed us with breathtaking views across to Magnetic Island — a place where I once partied as a backpacker years ago. Seeing it now from this elevated, polished setting felt like a full-circle travel moment and one of those views you simply don’t tire of, no matter how long you stay.

Inside the room, the lighting design deserves special mention. It’s exceptionally well thought out, shifting effortlessly from practical daylight brightness to soft, ambient evening tones that create a genuinely upmarket feel. It’s a subtle detail, but one that adds significantly to the overall experience.

As a spirits judge, my eye was naturally drawn to the minibar’s small dedicated shelf showcasing The Ardo’s own vodka, rum and gin — a classy, locally minded touch. Temptation was strong, but with a long drive to Cairns planned for the following day, spirit tastings would have to wait for a future visit.

Terasu Townsville: Number One on Tripadvisor and an AGFG Winner

Dinner at Terasu Townsville proved to be the highlight of the stay — and it’s easy to see why the restaurant is rated number one on Tripadvisor and was recognised as an Australian Good Food Guide award winner in 2025.

As the sun began to set, Magnetic Island was perfectly framed from the dining room, turning dinner into a true sunset experience. The atmosphere is polished yet relaxed, making it ideal for both special occasions and relaxed holiday dining.

The Food at Terasu

The evening began with a comforting miso soup, before moving into a series of small dishes designed for sharing, rather than a single heavy main — a style that suits both the menu and the setting beautifully.

Highlights included:

Chicken katsu hand rolls with spicy mayo — crisp, golden and delivering the perfect balance of crunch and heat

Pork gyoza with ponzu, chilli oil, fried shallot and spring onion — rich, savoury and genuinely divine

Wagyu beef tataki with crispy potato and yakiniku sauce — expertly sliced, beautifully balanced and a standout dish

Chicken karaage with Sichuan mayo and yuzu — crisp, juicy and lifted by citrus and spice

Tempura nobashi prawns with jalapeño and tentsuyu — light, delicate and perfectly fried

Every dish was confidently executed, refined without being fussy, and clearly designed to be enjoyed slowly and socially.

The service was spot on — attentive, knowledgeable and perfectly paced — enhancing the experience without ever interrupting it.

We paired the meal with a crisp Pinot Grigio, which worked effortlessly with the food and the warm tropical evening, sipping as the sun finally dipped behind Magnetic Island.

Final Verdict: Is The Ardo Townsville Worth It?

This Ardo Townsville review confirms what many travellers are already discovering: The Ardo is one of the best places to stay in Townsville, particularly for those who value great food, thoughtful design and standout views.

With stylish ocean-view rooms, an excellent location, and Terasu — one of Townsville’s top-rated restaurants — right downstairs, The Ardo offers a complete stay that encourages you to slow down and savour the destination.

For readers of manchesterfoodtourist.com looking to explore the best of Townsville dining, luxury hotels in North Queensland, and sunset restaurants with a view, The Ardo Townsville delivers on every front — and then some.

Be sure to check out the full road trip from Sydney to Cairns here