Accommodation Options & Cost of Living

When studying in Australia, international students must have approved accommodation arrangements. At The Cathedral School, our primary option is on-campus boarding, which provides a safe, supportive, and inclusive living environment.

  • Townsville is a vibrant coastal city in tropical North Queensland where world-class education, natural beauty, and a relaxed Australian lifestyle, come together.

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Boarding at The Cathedral School

Boarding fees are inclusive of accommodation, meals, laundry, and supervision. This ensures that students can focus on their studies while enjoying a structured and caring community. We recommend that students also budget for personal spending money to cover incidentals, toiletries, clothing, and recreational activities.
View our Fee Schedule

Living with a Parent or Relative

As an alternative, international students may live with a parent or a Department of Home Affairs–approved relative while studying in Townsville. This option must meet the requirements set by the Department of Immigration.

Travelling to Townsville

For many international families, travelling to a regional Australian city can initially seem unfamiliar. However, Townsville is very accessible via major Australian airports, and The Cathedral School provides extensive support to ensure students travel safely and confidently.

International Travel via Brisbane

Most international students travel to Australia via Brisbane, which is the recommended transfer point for flights to Townsville.

The easiest and most comfortable travel option is usually:

  • Depart home country on an overnight international flight
  • Arrive in Brisbane early in the morning
  • Transfer to a domestic flight to Townsville later that morning
  • Arrive in Townsville after midday on Boarders’ Travel Day

This schedule allows students plenty of time to comfortably transfer between terminals and complete domestic check-in procedures before travelling north to Townsville.

Direct flights from Brisbane to Townsville take approximately two hours.

Support During Airport Transit

We understand that travelling internationally can feel overwhelming for students and families, particularly for first-time travellers. Our International Program team works closely with families to ensure every student has a safe and supported travel plan.

Support options include:

  • Coordinating students to travel together on the same domestic flight from Brisbane to Townsville
  • Arranging for experienced student “travel buddies” to assist younger or new students during the airport transfer process
  • Providing detailed step-by-step travel instructions before departure
  • Offering a paid chaperone service for students requiring additional supervision during transit
  • Monitoring student itineraries and arrival times on Boarders’ Travel Days
  • Providing complimentary airport pickup and transfer from Townsville Airport to the School

Students are never expected to manage travel arrangements entirely on their own, and our team remains in communication with families throughout the journey.

Arriving on Boarders’ Travel Day

Boarders’ Travel Day occurs before the commencement of each school term and ensures boarding students arrive together in a safe, organised, and welcoming environment. The School recommends booking flights well in advance and arriving in Townsville during the middle of the day where possible.

Orientation & Travel Guide

Families can learn more about the arrival, orientation, and boarding process on our Orientation page, which includes a step-by-step video guide for new international students and families.

Orientation Information & Video Guide

Townsville, North Queensland

Townsville is a welcoming and affordable regional city in North Queensland, known for its relaxed tropical lifestyle, strong education facilities, and access to the Great Barrier Reef and national parks.

Cost of Living

Compared with other major Australian cities, the cost of living in Townsville is relatively affordable, particularly for housing. While actual expenses will vary depending on lifestyle, students and families should consider:

    • Housing: Median weekly rent for a house is around AUD $520.
    • Groceries & Utilities: A single person typically spends about AUD $1,600 per month on food, utilities, and other essentials (excluding rent).
    • Transport: Costs vary depending on car use or public transport needs.
    • Insurance: Due to North Queensland’s tropical climate, insurance costs may be higher to cover natural weather events such as cyclones.

For more details about life in Townsville, visit:

Townsville City Council – Living in Townsville Study Townsville – Lifestyle

Resources

Short Term Programs

International Students

Study in tropical Australia. Explore programs ranging from one-term, to one-year, for students in Years 7 to 11. 

Summer School Program Study Abroad

Boarding at Cathedral

International Students

Boarding is a unique opportunity to live within and contribute to a strong community—building character, self-discipline, leadership, and initiative, while nurturing life-long friendships.

Boarding
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