Guide to Townsville & Magnetic Island
Townsville is one of the major gateways to the Great Barrier Reef, with the natural wonders of Magnetic Island a short boat ride away.
The coastal hub of Townsville is an ideal base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the southernmost rainforests of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and the Queensland outback. Take the time to explore this vibrant city before joining a Great Barrier Reef tour or taking the 25-minute ferry ride to Magnetic Island, where secluded beaches and abundant wildlife await.
Top things to do in Townsville and Magnetic Island
View underwater art
The Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) inspires efforts to conserve the Great Barrier Reef through thought-provoking sculptures, some of which you’ll need to scuba dive to see. Find out more about this one-of-a-kind art experience.
Enjoy the view from Castle Hill
A massive pink granite rock overlooking Townsville, Castle Hill is a great vantage point from which to look out over the city and Magnetic Island. Take one of the hiking trails for epic views. Learn more.
Get up close to Aussie wildlife
Meet Australian native animals such as dingoes, echidnas, saltwater crocodiles and cassowaries at Billabong Sanctuary. This wildlife park offers interactive experiences like kangaroo feeding and dingo pats. Browse experiences.
Immerse yourself in a rainforest
Paluma Range National Park, about an hour’s drive from Townsville, marks the southern end of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Take a dip below pristine waterfalls and explore rainforest-covered peaks. Find out more.
Dive Australia’s largest intact shipwreck
The passenger ship SS Yongala sunk off Townsville in 1911. Lying 28 metres (91 feet) underwater, it’s now covered in coral and teems with marine life. Experienced certified divers can visit the site with licensed operators like Yongala Dive.
Hike Magnetic Island National Park
More than half of Magnetic Island is preserved as national park, with 24 kilometres (15 miles) of walking tracks. Tackle the popular Forts walk for lovely views to the neighbouring Palm Islands as you trek to World War II-era gunnery bunkers.
Set sail around Magnetic Island
The best way to take in the beauty of this magnificent island is by cruising along the coast. Pilgrim Sailing offers four-hour lunchtime cruises from Nelly Bay on a luxury 17-metre (58-foot) yacht, as well as sunset cruises on Cleveland Bay.
Picnic in a secluded bay
With around two dozen bays to explore on Magnetic Island, there are plenty of remote locations where you can enjoy a romantic lunch. Take a skippered private boat to a pretty beach for a memorable gourmet picnic with Beach Club Magnetic Island.
Paddle through pristine waters
One of the best ways to explore Magnetic Island's beaches and bays is with a paddle in hand. Embark on a kayaking adventure and feel the stress of the world melt away as the sun sets. Find out more about Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks.
Explore the reef with an expert
Learn about Magnetic Island’s fringing coral shoals from a Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority-accredited Master Reef Guide on Aquascene’s Discovery Tour, which includes snorkelling and optional catch-and-release fishing. Learn more.
