Welcome to Magnetic Island
Sitting within shouting distance of Townsville, Magnetic Island is a verdant island and one of Queensland's most laid-back residential addresses. The local population, who mostly commute to Townsville or cater for the tourist trade, must pinch themselves as they come home to the stunning coastal walking trails, gum trees full of dozing koalas (you're likely to spot some), and surrounding bright turquoise seas.
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Magnetic Island activities
Townsville City Sightseeing Tour
You must select from one of four pick-up points at time of checkout. Start your 2.5-hour sightseeing tour with a drive through Townsville’s Central Business District. Known as the CBD, it's considered the commercial hub of North Queensland; you'll learn why as your guide points out historical landmarks and explains the revitalization of the town’s main drag on Flinders Street. You'll learn even more about the city's history from an onboard audio presentation on a ride up a narrow, winding road to the top of Castle Hill. At the summit of the uniquely shaped monolith of pink granite, stretch your legs on a walk with your guide to a viewpoint. You'll have some free time to look out at the city and Cleveland Bay from several viewing platforms. Back in town, you’ll pass the oldest of four botanical gardens en route to the historical Jezzine Barracks. Get out for a detailed tour of Fort Kissing Point, a blockhouse built on high ground in the late 1800s that today overlooks The Strand. Back down at The Strand, see why it has won awards in public development. The 1.4-mile (2.2-km) beachfront playground is studded with ice-cream parlors, cafes, beer gardens and parks. Along a walking path that hugs the coastline, you can look out to see Magnetic Island. After a refreshing stroll on the esplanade, take a short ride over to the Port of Townsville for a brief visit. The final leg of your afternoon tour includes the lower end of Flinders Street and the entertainment district of Palmer Street. Your guide points out more popular attractions — the Museum of Tropical Queensland, the Maritime Museum, Perc Tucker Regional Gallery and Reef HQ Aquarium.
Great Barrier Reef Diving from Townsville or Magnetic Island
Depart from Breakwater Marina, just off The Strand in Townsville, or board the MV Adrenalin at Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal on Magnetic Island. Your trip starts with morning tea with your fellow snorkelers and scuba divers. Lodestone Reef, chosen for its diversity of sites, great coral cover and crystal-clear water boasts colorful reef walls and large bommies that attract the likes of reef fish, sea turtles, stingrays, Maori wrasse, and white-tip and black-tip reef sharks. The reef has areas for just about anyone interested in snorkeling or diving, with the depth ranging from 3 to 65 feet (1 to 20 meters) in parts. Each option caters to different skill level; see below for more details. Ice water, tea, coffee and cordials are available throughout the day on board the 45-foot (14-meter) custom-built vessel, which provides fully shaded areas and a sundeck. Enjoy afternoon tea and a tropical buffet style lunch before you’re returned to Townsville or Magnetic Island. Option 1: Snorkel TourThe pristine coral and clear visibility of Lodestone Reef is great for snorkelers. For a closer look, follow the channels between the reef right up into the shallows. Option 2: Certified DiveCertified divers can enjoy two dives at an uncrowded dive site. Explore the reef with a dive buddy, or enhance your underwater adventure with an experienced dive guide. Unless you have 10 logged dives, it is required that you hire the certified dive guide. Explore the fringing reef and canyons around the lagoon, or head for deeper water and explore the coral columns and channels that surround the reef. Option: 3: Introductory DiveThis option includes one introductory dive and provides an opportunity for uncertified divers to explore the reef with an instructor.
Magnetic Island Round-Trip Ferry From Townsville
From the Breakwater Ferry Terminal in Townsville, board your ferry and relax on the 20-minute ride by high-speed catamaran. As you travel to Magnetic Island, enjoy views of Cleveland Bay and the surrounding waters, all part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Spend as much time as you like on the island with the flexibility of a return ticket that is valid for one month. With 23 bays, plus many beaches with fringing reefs, there's plenty to explore in the water. Activities offered include sailing, snorkeling, sea kayaking, fishing and jet-skiing. The island also boasts extensive seagrass meadows, which attract dugongs, an endangered marine mammal. On land, almost 70 percent of the island is protected by national parks. Visitors can walk along nearly 15 miles (24 km) of walking trails in varied terrain. Wildlife thrives here, with critters including koalas, rock wallabies, brush-tail possums and numerous bird species regularly sighted. The only self-contained island in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Magnetic Island has modern conveniences such as shops, spas, hotels and banks within reach of pristine wilderness areas.After taking in Magnetic Island at your own leisure and expense, choose from multiple ferry departure times to return to Townsville.
Townsville and the Australian Army: Walking History Tour with Optional City Sightseeing
Townsville might be best known as the gateway to some of Queensland's best adventure spots including Magnetic Island and the Great Barrier Reef. But did you know that the city has also been an important military location since the late 1800s?Learn all about the city’s considerable contributions to the Australian defenses in WWII, and beyond, during a 4-hour military history tour. For a comprehensive introduction to Townsville, upgrade to include a city sightseeing tour focusing on general history and iconic sites. Both options include entrance fees, morning tea (lunch if Military and Scenic option is chosen), guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off. Please see Itinerary below for more details.
Magnetic Island Round-Trip Car Ferry Ticket from Townsville
Check-in at the ferry terminal located in Ross Street in South Townsville at least 20 minutes prior to the selected departure time. Drive your car on board the ferry and relax on the 40-minute ride while taking in the stunning views as you cruise to Magnetic Island through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.There are also eight ferry times to choose from for your return journey from Magnetic Island to Townsville. This can be booked either on check-in for your Townsville or once you are on Magnetic Island.
Scuba Dive the S.S. Yongala Wreck on the Great Barrier Reef
This phenomenal dive is one no open-water scuba diver should miss! The SS Yongala wreck is situated in the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Legally protected under Australia’s Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976, the site is designed to conserve wreck relics and artifacts. Check in at Breakwater Marina, just off the Strand in Townsville, or board your boat at Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal on Magnetic Island for an early morning departure. Start with morning tea as you greet your small group of open-water divers, and receive tips from professional crew members about protecting the marine environment at the shipwreck site, located approximately 48 nautical miles (89 km) southeast of Townsville. The upper sections of the 361-foot-long (110 meters) ship, which sank during a cyclone, begin 49 feet (15 meters) below the water’s surface. The ship extends to the depth of the sandy sea floor, approximately 100 feet (30 meters) down. The SS Yongala carried 49 passengers and a 73-person crew. On its way from Melbourne to Cairns, it lost all 122 people on board. The wreck was first found in 1958, and due to its remote location and protected landmark status, it has remained mostly untouched. When you reach the established artificial reef, keep an eye out for a diverse range of marine life attracted to this complex habitat. You’re likely to spot turtles, sea snakes, giant trevally, Queensland gropers, eagle rays, manta rays, sharks, thousands of tropical fish. In the cooler months, you might get the awesome sight of humpback whales and whale sharks. Ice water, tea, coffee and cordials are available throughout the day. Enjoy afternoon tea and a tropical buffet style lunch before you’re returned to Townsville or Magnetic Island. Please note: A minimum of six logged dives are required prior to diving this site. Unless you have 15 logged open-water dives, it is required that you pay the fee for a certified dive guide, but anyone can add on a guide to enhance this underwater adventure.