Where Tropical Paradise Meets Great Barrier Reef Adventure
Discover the perfect blend of coastal city charm and island paradise in Townsville and Magnetic Island. Just 8 kilometers offshore, Magnetic Island is a nature lover's dream with secluded beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine coral reefs. Meanwhile, Townsville offers world-class attractions including Reef HQ Aquarium, The Strand's golden beaches, and year-round sunshine averaging 320 days annually.
Whether you're seeking adventure on the Great Barrier Reef, hoping to spot wild koalas in their natural habitat, or simply want to unwind on uncrowded beaches, this tropical destination delivers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler.
Magnetic Island hosts over 800 permanent residents and welcomes more than 300,000 visitors annually. Nearly two-thirds of the island is protected national park, home to wild koalas, wallabies, and over 150 bird species!
Planning your Queensland adventure? Explore our complete tour collection or contact our travel experts for personalized recommendations.
Experience the best of Queensland's tropical coast with these incredible highlights
Explore 23 beaches and secluded bays around Magnetic Island. From family-friendly Horseshoe Bay to the serene Radical Bay and snorkeling haven of Geoffrey Bay, each beach offers its own unique charm and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and relaxation.
Embark on unforgettable day trips to the outer Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel or dive among vibrant coral gardens, spot sea turtles, reef sharks, and thousands of tropical fish species in one of the world's most biodiverse marine ecosystems.
Magnetic Island is one of the best places in Australia to see wild koalas. Walk the Forts Walk trail or explore national park areas where these adorable marsupials lounge in eucalyptus trees, completely undisturbed in their natural habitat.
Traverse coastal walking tracks with panoramic ocean views. The famous Forts Walk combines WWII history with stunning lookouts, while numerous other trails showcase the island's diverse landscapes from rainforest gullies to rocky headlands.
Explore Reef HQ Aquarium, Australia's largest living coral reef aquarium, stroll along the 2.2km Strand beachfront with its wave pools and parks, or visit Castle Hill for 360-degree views of the city and surrounding islands.
Try kayaking through calm bays, stand-up paddleboarding at sunset, jet skiing, or sailing adventures. The warm tropical waters and consistent weather make Townsville perfect for water-based activities year-round.
Choose from our most popular Townsville and Magnetic Island adventures
Experience the best of Magnetic Island in one unforgettable day. Snorkel pristine reefs, spot koalas and wallabies, relax on secluded beaches, and explore scenic walking trails with breathtaking coastal views.
Journey to the outer Great Barrier Reef for world-class snorkeling and diving. Discover vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life, from colorful reef fish to majestic sea turtles and graceful manta rays.
Get up close with Australia's unique native wildlife. Visit Magnetic Island's renowned wildlife sanctuary, spot wild koalas in eucalyptus trees, and learn about conservation efforts protecting these special animals.
We take care of everything so you can focus on making memories
Continue your tropical adventure with these nearby destinations
Magnetic Island is just 20 minutes by ferry from Townsville. Our tours include return ferry transfers, or you can catch the public ferry from the Townsville Breakwater Terminal. Ferries run frequently throughout the day, with both passenger and vehicle ferries available.
Absolutely! Magnetic Island offers diverse accommodation options from budget-friendly hostels and camping grounds to luxury resorts and private holiday rentals. Staying overnight allows you to experience stunning sunsets, quieter beaches, and more wildlife spotting opportunities.
Yes, our reef tours cater to all experience levels. We provide full snorkeling equipment, safety briefings, and have experienced guides in the water at all times. Life jackets and floatation devices are available for those who need extra confidence in the water.
Townsville enjoys year-round warm weather with an average of 320 days of sunshine annually. The dry season (April-November) offers perfect conditions with less humidity and minimal rainfall. Water temperatures remain comfortable for swimming and snorkeling throughout the year, ranging from 23-29°C.
Magnetic Island has one of Australia's largest wild koala populations. While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, your chances are excellent, especially on guided walks along the Forts Walk trail. Our experienced guides know the best spotting locations and times of day.
We recommend bringing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, water bottle (refillable), and a camera. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket for boat trips. We provide all snorkeling equipment and safety gear.
Yes! Our tours welcome families with children of all ages. Magnetic Island's calm beaches are perfect for young swimmers, and kids love spotting koalas and wallabies. We offer child-sized snorkeling equipment and can tailor activities to suit different age groups.
We recommend booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially during peak season (June-September) and school holidays. However, we often have last-minute availability, so don't hesitate to check with us even if your trip is coming up soon.
Book your Townsville and Magnetic Island adventure today and create memories that will last a lifetime
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