An urgent public appeal has been launched to track down a teenage girl from North Queensland who has been missing for five days.

The 16-year-old, from the Townsville suburb of Douglas, last contacted her family on Thursday, July 9.

She has not been seen or heard from by her family since, and was reported missing to police on Monday. 

Her family and the police have concerns for her welfare due to her age.

The teenager is described as having a fair complexion, standing about 150cm tall, with brown hair, blue eyes and a nose piercing. 

Police have urged the girl, or anyone with information about her whereabouts, to contact Policelink on 131 444.