West End is one of Townsville's oldest suburbs. It sits on the western side of Castle Hill, about two and a half kilometres from the CBD, between the city, Belgian Gardens, Currajong and Hyde Park. It has a strong stock of timber Queenslanders and cottages, many lovingly restored, alongside post-war homes and small unit blocks. That gives it a lived-in, characterful feel that tenants seek out. Location is the other big draw. The CBD, Castletown and the airport are all a few minutes away, RAAF Base Townsville is under four kilometres, and Weststate Private Hospital and the Townsville Showgrounds are inside the suburb. Rents are generally more affordable than in North Ward or Castle Hill. That makes West End popular with young professionals, couples and small families who want an inner-city home without the premium.
Rental snapshot
Median weekly rent for new leases in West End.
- 3-bedroom house December 2025 · down $25 on a year earlier
- $550 per week
- 1-bedroom unit June 2026
- $280 per week
- 2-bedroom unit June 2026 · up $20 on a year earlier
- $420 per week
Source: Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA), median weekly rent for new bonds lodged. Medians move around from quarter to quarter, and a specific home can rent well above or below them.
Get an appraisal for your propertyWho rents in West End
West End attracts tenants who want an inner-city lifestyle at a reasonable price. Young professionals and couples working in the CBD, health workers at Weststate Private Hospital and the nearby Mater hospitals, and students all rent here. Air force members sometimes choose West End for its short trip to RAAF Base Townsville, under 4 km away.
The Queenslanders and cottages suit tenants who value character and space, while the unit blocks attract singles and couples on a budget. Small families use Townsville West State School within the suburb.
Schools, shops and getting around
Townsville West State School covers Prep to Year 6, and the Townsville Flexible Learning Centre offers an alternative secondary program. Belgian Gardens State School is nearby, and secondary options in the inner suburbs include Townsville State High School in Railway Estate and the private schools of North Ward.
For shopping, residents use the CBD and Castletown, both a few minutes away. Ross Creek Park, West End Park and Mick Downey Oval provide green space, and the Townsville Showgrounds host events through the year. Ingham Road runs through the suburb, linking the CBD to the airport and the northern suburbs, and local buses serve the main roads.
Local considerations for landlords
West End’s older homes need a thoughtful maintenance plan. Timber Queenslanders and cottages need regular termite and pest inspections, painting, and checks on stumps, stairs and balustrades. Older electrical systems should be upgraded with safety switches, and roof fixings reviewed against current cyclone expectations.
Parts of West End near Ross Creek and low-lying drainage areas can be affected by heavy rain and flooding. Check the council’s flood maps for the specific address, and make sure landlord insurance covers storm, cyclone, flood and loss of rent. Unit owners should also review the body corporate’s building insurance and maintenance plans.
Managing a rental in West End
We market West End homes on their character and location, and we describe layouts, stairs, parking and air-conditioning accurately, so the tenants who apply are the right fit. Pricing is based on recent leases of comparable properties. A restored Queenslander and an unrenovated cottage in the same street can rent very differently.
Our routine inspections pay particular attention to timber, roofing and anything relevant to the minimum housing standards, and we give you clear, prioritised recommendations. West End is a short drive from our Kirwan office for inspections, viewings and maintenance visits.
West End FAQs
Why do tenants choose West End?
Character homes, a central location and rents that are generally below those of North Ward and Castle Hill. The CBD, Castletown and the airport are all close, and RAAF Base Townsville is under 4 km away.
What should I know about owning an older home in West End?
Timber homes need regular termite inspections, painting, stump and stair checks, and electrical upgrades. Roof fixings should be checked against current cyclone standards. Well-maintained Queenslanders are in steady demand.
Sources: population from the ABS 2021 Census. Distances are straight-line, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data (© OpenStreetMap contributors). School list from the Queensland Government schools directory. Page reviewed September 2026.