Riverside Convention Centre

Riverside Convention Centre is a pet-friendly caravan and camping park in Aitkenvale, run by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, backing onto the Ross River in Townsville's inner north. It is a straightforward, budget-friendly base for travellers with dogs, and the standout is a fenced off-leash area directly behind the property.

Dogs at the centre

Dogs are welcome on the powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites, with fenced sites available if you want a fully secure setup. The pet-friendly side of the park is the camping area rather than the motel rooms and self-contained units, so check directly if you need indoor space. Call ahead to confirm current pet fees and any site restrictions, since the details are not fully published online. The fenced off-leash dog area behind the centre is reached with the same access code as the front gate, and from there council walking and cycling tracks run along the Ross River.

The vibe

Guests mention power sites, clean amenities, caretakers on hand and open space. The park runs toilets, showers, drinking water and 4G reception, with gated pedestrian and vehicle entry on access codes. It suits travellers who want a central, no-fuss base, including anyone in town for the hospital or an event, with Stockland Townsville shopping centre and outdoor dining options close by.

Getting there

The centre sits on Leopold Street, Aitkenvale, minutes from the Woolcock Street corridor that links the city to the northern beaches. The Strand and the city are a short drive east.

Make a day of it

If the on-site off-leash area is busy, Rossiter Park Fenced Dog Park is nearby, as is Townsville Main Dog Park, and Federal Park Dog Park at Annandale is a short drive south.

Another dog-friendly park option in the area is Discovery Parks - Townsville at Wulguru. More beds are in the Queensland stays guide and the suburb page covers the rest of Aitkenvale.