magnetic island day trip from townsville

The Perfect Magnetic Island Day Trip Itinerary [2024 GUIDE]

• Last Updated: April 25, 2024

Planning a Magnetic Island day trip? As Maggie locals (yes, we actually live here!) we have all the inside information you’ll need to make the most of this magical place if you have just one day on Magnetic Island!

If you’re travelling up and down the east coast of Queensland, or just happen to be hanging out in Townsville, one of the absolute best things you can do is jump on a ferry and have a Magnetic Island day trip!

Actually, the best thing you can do is stay here for a week. But if you only have one day on Magnetic Island, we have put together the perfect itinerary for you!

Magnetic Island, or ‘Maggie’ as it’s affectionately known, is an amazing tropical getaway in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, just a short boat ride away from Townsville.

With about 2000 friendly locals calling the island home (including us) and a size of 52 square kilometres, there are tonnes of amazing activities and attractions here.

Whether you’re into relaxing underneath a palm tree, swimming at beautiful beaches with pristine turquoise waters, hiking to epic viewpoints, hanging out with incredible wildlife including koalas or snorkelling and diving with turtles, you’ll find plenty to do on Maggie.

We would recommend staying a couple of nights on the island to get the full relaxed tropical vibe. But we know sometimes your time can be limited so a day trip to Magnetic Island is the best option for you.

That’s why we have put together this article. We receive messages every single day from people asking what they should do if they’re just here for one day, and it’s our goal to make sure everyone falls in love with this place as much as we have.

This guide has all the information and advice you need to have an awesome experience and see as much as you can on your Magnetic Island day trip.

Table of Contents

Getting Over to Magnetic Island

How to get around the island, 7am – take the ferry to the island, 8am – the forts walk, 9:30am – horseshoe bay for breakfast, 10am – make your own adventure: kayaking or hiking, 12pm – visit alma bay in arcadia, 12:30pm – feed the rock wallabies at geoffrey bay, 12:45pm – go for a snorkel on the geoffrey bay snorkel trail, 1:30pm – lunch in nelly bay, 3pm – head over to picnic bay, 4:30pm – option 1: head up to hawkings point for 360 degree views, 4:30pm – option 2: sunset boat tour, our local’s guide to a perfect day trip on magnetic island.

There are a few things we need to cover before you just cruise on over to the island.

Should you book a tour? Do you need to rent a car (or bring your own)? Let’s dive into it.

Once you’ve made it to Townsville you’re ready for the next part of your journey on how to get to Magnetic Island – jumping on the ferry!

The island has two ferry companies that go over to Magnetic Island. It is a 20 minute crossing from the town of Townsville and they leave every 30 – 45 minutes.

• SeaLink is the passenger ferry only taking people on foot and bicycles, and it’s the fastest and most convenient option .
• Magnetic Island Ferries is the vehicle ferry take anything from trucks to cars to scooters

Check out our comprehensive guide on how to get to Magnetic Island for more information.

While the island isn’t huge, having your own wheels really does help make your day so much better.

You have three options – Bring your vehicle over on the barge (expensive, not really worth it for one day unless you have a few people in the car to split the cost with), rent a car, scooter or e-bike, or use public transport.

If you are on foot you’re going to be pretty restricted with where you can go. You’ll only see a small amount of the island, and most people who just walk around Nelly Bay end up leaving saying they don’t understand the hype of Maggie.

There are purple Beam scooters available, and these are fantastic if you just want to get to your accommodation in Nelly Bay or Arcadia (they are geo-locked from Base Backpackers to Alma Bay).

But in our opinion the best way to get around the island is to rent an electric motorbike from Magnetic Island Roaming .

These e-bikes have a 120km range, go up to 50km/h and only cost $55 for the entire day.

They are completely zero-emissions (Tim and Pam charge them with solar power) and have no restrictions on where you can take them around the island.

Pick up is from Island Living in Nelly Bay (opposite Scallywags and next door to Granite) between 8-10am, and they need to be back by 5pm.

Trust us – at the very least, take the bus if you’re on a budget, or rent an e-bike.

The buses have now reached the 21st century and you can pay for your ticket with a credit or debit card as well as cash!

You can purchase the ticket directly off the bus driver. If you need help where to get off, just let the driver know. They are very helpful.

Unfortunately there is no ATM at the Nelly Bay Terminal and the nearest one is at Queensland Country Bank near the post office, which is about 700m away.

For more information check out our detailed guide on getting around Magnetic Island .

Magnetic Island Day Trip Itinerary

Now that you know how to get here and how to get around, let’s dive into the actual itinerary!

How should you spend one day on Magnetic Island? By following this schedule!

You’ll tick off all the main attractions, get to some unique spots that most people don’t get to see on a day trip, and we’ll even share our favourite sunset location.

We’re going to write out this itinerary for those who are going to stick to public transport, but if you have your own vehicle your day just got even easier!

Let’s go to paradise…

READ MORE: Feel like extending the day trip to a weekend or more? Check out our guide on where to stay on Magnetic Island !

We highly recommend taking one of the early ferries to make the most of your day here!

Head down to the Sealink Terminal in Townsville and jump on the 7am ferry (pre-purchase your ticket here to save some money), which will get you to the island at about 7:25am.

When you arrive at the Nelly Bay Terminal , purchase an all-day hop-on/hop-off local bus ticket to get you from one side of the island to the other.

BRING CASH FOR THE BUS! Tickets are $7.60 per person for the whole day.

If you have your own wheels drive straight down to Jungle Club and grab a brew from our favourite cafe on the island, Tiny Palm . Otherwise you can pick one up from the coffee cart at the ferry terminal.

Don’t get breakfast just yet though (but do pick up a light snack). Instead jump on the bus and make your way straight to your first activity for the day.

Once you have you bus ticket, catch the bus heading the direction towards Horseshoe Bay.

Let the bus driver know you would like to stop at The Forts. He or she will drop you off right outside the trailhead, where you’ll find a brand new, clean toilet block too.

The reason we have said to come straight to the Forts is because it can get very hot on the island (especially in summer), and you’re about to tick off the number one hike on the island, which is better in the morning.

The Forts Walk is a 4km moderate round trip that goes steadily uphill to some historic World War II fortifications and ruins.

The views along the way are nice, and you’ll get a few glimpses out to the bays below. But don’t just look out – look up!

The Forts is famous for being home to a huge population of the island’s favourite animal, koalas!

These super cute native animals lounge around in trees, often very close the hiking path, and your best chance at seeing them is in the morning before the trail gets too busy.

Keep an eye out as you walk to the summit, and if you do see one, make sure you don’t get too close, and definitely don’t try to touch or feed them.

There are information signs along the way to show you where the hike goes and a bit of history.

The trail is well maintained, but do wear proper walking shoes as there are rock stairs in areas.

The views from the top are stunning, allowing you to see 360 degrees around the entire island.

The whole walk should take you about an hour. When you’re finished walk back down to the carpark and jump on the bus to Horseshoe Bay.

Alternatively, you can cross the road and follow the trail down into town.

When you reach Horseshoe Bay on the bus you will be greeted by a stunningly calm beach – this is the largest bay on the entire island, and it’s gorgeous!

There are a number of cafes and restaurants with water views, so get yourself some breakfast and a coffee. We recommend Cafe Nourish .

After you have filled your tummy, it’s time to make your own adventure over in Horseshoe Bay!

There are quite a few things you can do here, from jetskiing to stand-up paddleboarding, or even just kicking back and taking a rest if you’d like.

Our top recommendations on this Magnetic Island day trip though are to either rent a kayak for an hour, or go for a hike to Balding Bay and Radical Bay.

If you want to go for a paddle (with a high chance of seeing green turtles), pick up a sea kayak from Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks .

You’ll need to book one of their two-hour tours, so make sure you give them a call first to see if they have availability.

Otherwise put your hiking shoes back on and head up over to two of the most beautiful bays on the island – Balding and Radical, which can only be accessed by foot or boat.

These hidden bays are glorious, with huge granite rocks lining the shore, clear turquoise water and soft white sand.

To get there walk over the small pedestrian foot bridge between the general store and souvenir store, then turn left on the residential street. You’ll see signs up ahead with a hiking trail cutting through the forest.

It’s a short but steep hike, so give yourself about 90 minutes to get to the beaches and back.

As another option, if you’re travelling to the island between April and September, go check out the Butterfly Walk, where you’ll be surrounded by thousands of colourful butterflies. This is on Dent Street.

After you have spent some time relaxing on one of the beaches and swimming in the water, head back to Horseshoe Bay to catch the bus to Arcadia.

BONUS ACTIVITY: If you love the idea of spending more time out on the water and visiting secluded bays, then we recommend booking in for a Snorkel Discover Tour of the island.

It’s time for a swim at Magnetic Island’s most picturesque bay!

Get off the bus at Alma Bay and dive straight into glistening water in front of you.

This sensational beach is surrounded by huge granite boulders, perfect for bouldering or rock hopping, and the water in the bay is very protected (unless the easterlies are up).

Alma Bay is a patrolled beach with a nice sitting areas and a few tables and grass patches to relax on between swims. There are beach showers and public toilets here.

Definitely stop off here in your one day trip to Magnetic Island for a swim.

From Alma Bay walk over to the general store to pick up some wallaby food, because you’re about to go meet the island’s second-cutest residents!

Just on the other side of Alma Bay at the edge of Arcadia and Geoffrey Bay is a narrow road that twists its way to the end of an old marina, which is now home to dozens of allied rock wallabies.

These curious, beautiful marsupials like to hop around the rocks, and the wallaby hospital on the island has prepared food for humans to feed them.

There are multiple places on the island that sell little bags of wallaby-safe food pellets for around $2, so be sure to buy the proper food and not feed them your own snacks, as that can make the wallabies sick.

Don’t forget to get a photo of one. They will get really close to you and they are so cute. But like all wild animals, please refrain from touching them.

If you brought your snorkelling gear you can head out to the Geoffrey Bay Snorkel Trail which is located near the rock wallabies.

Just off Magnetic Island is a great fringing coral reef in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. There is no fishing here so there are lots of fish to be seen.

The snorkel trail starts 390m off the beach of Geoffrey Bay at the end of the bay closest to the Arcadia Hotel.

OUR TIP: Walk down towards the old jetty where the rock wallabies are and go down the boat ramp and start from there. It is much easy and will save you time.

If you want you can pick up a snorkel map from multiple stores on the island for $5 or just follow the white buoys out in the water.

Around the buoys, you will see beautiful coral and a number of fish. This is where you will see those Giant Giant Clams, which are amazing to watch!

There is a shipwreck at the end of the trail that can be seen on a clear day. It is the wreckage of the Moltke, which was a German passenger and cargo ship that was deliberately sunk (scuttled) off Magnetic Island in 1911.

If you need to hire some snorkel gear in Acadia, you can get it from the dive shop, Pleasure Divers. To rent a whole snorkel set is about $10 for half a day (8.30-12.30 or 12.30-4.30).

Just be careful in the months of November to April (wet season) as this is Stinger Season here on Magnetic Island. You should only enter the water with a stinger suit, which can be hired at the store also, or don’t jump in at all

Have an extra day and want to go on a snorkelling tour?

After your snorkel you would have built up quite the appetite! So jump on the bus (follow the Gabul Way pedestrian path) to Nelly Bay for lunch.

There are plenty of options to eat lunch in Nelly Bay.

Our two personal recommendations are to head to SOS Seafood for the best fish and chips on the island, or walk on down to Scallywags Cafe for a next-level burger and good vegetarian and vegan options.

Take some time to get your energy back for the rest of your day on Magnetic Island.

After you have enjoyed a great lunch, catch the bus over to Picnic Bay. Just like all the bays on the island, this is truly beautiful, and a real local favourite.

The waters are calm and protected, and the most prominent feature is the large historic jetty.

Picnic Bay was the first settlement on the island, and the jetty in front of you used to be the main point of entry for people coming over from Townsville, before the new terminal was built at the marina in Nelly Bay.

Go for a walk out to the end of the jetty, and jump off the end if you need to cool down.

Alternatively there’s a nice, sheltered and safe area at the end of the beach.

If you feel like a drink stop by the Magnetic Island Brewery, which is the newest place-to-be on the island. If you time your day trip to be a Sunday you’ll also be treated so some local live music here.

This is a great place to relax and unwind after all your early hiking and swimming on your one day on Magnetic Island.

After you have relaxed in the bay, head to Hawkings Point for another epic 360-degree view of the other side of the island.

This is our personal favourite spot for sunset on the entire island, so pick up a bottle of wine from the liquor store in Picnic Bay if you’d like and settle in for the light show.

Head to the end of Picnic Street and start the step climb to the lookout. It’s less than 1km from the trailhead to the top, so no need to rush.

Depending on your pace it should take about 20-30 minutes to reach the summit.

Once you get up the top you will be greeted with stunning panoramic views looking over Magnetic Island National Park and two bays – Picnic and Nelly.

Depending on the time of the year, you should be up here just in time to chill out and catch the last of the sun’s rays before it dips below the horizon.

Watching the sunset from Hawkings Point Lookout is the second best way to end your Magnetic Island day trip! (Check out the final point below to see the best)

Head back down the same trail and catch the bus from Granite Street back to Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal.

If you are having such a great time on Magnetic Island and want to stay for sunset, a boat tour is a great option.

We highly recommend you to go on one of these tours before you head back to Townsville.

All tours leave at 4:30pm and are around 2 hours. All prices below are for adults.

• Aquascene Charters: Sunset and Shipwreck Tour – Bookings
• Pilgrim Sailing: Relaxing Sundowners and Sunset Sailing on Magnetic Island – Bookings
• Big Mama: Sunset Sail Magnetic Island – Bookings

All these sunset cruises above start and finish in Nelly Bay

Going on a sunset tour is a great way to finish your 1 day on Magnetic Island.

Our personal favourite and recommendation is Aquascene, mainly because the owner Adam is one of the most passionate and informative tour guides on the planet, but all three are good options.

As you can see there is a lot to do on a Magnetic Island day trip. There is even more than the list above but this is a great start if you only have a day.

READ MORE: If you are heading back to Townsville and are staying there the night, check out our article on Things to do in Townsville.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Hot tip, bring cash, especially if you want a bus ticket! We have just gotten caught at the Nelly Bay terminal with no cash and nowhere to buy a ticket Regretting our decision to be frugal, should have spent the $200 for the car!

Hi Amanda, thank you so much for your comment. We have just added this to our article to help out other travellers. We hope you had a great time on Maggie. 🙂

Really great day at Magnetic Island and fantastic tips. We followed a lot of your suggestions and had an amazing time! Thank you

Hi Joanna, We are so glad you enjoyed you yourself on Magnetic Island. It is such a beautiful island. 🙂

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The Perfect Day Trip To Magnetic Island From Townsville (2024)

Are you planning a day trip to Magnetic Island? 

Now that we call Townsville home, Magnetic Island is technically in our backyard and we think a trip to Maggie should be on everyone’s Townsville Itinerary . So we’ve put together everything you need to know about doing a day trip to Magnetic Island from Townsville.  

Magnetic Island, also known as Maggie Island, sits just 8km off the coast of Townsville in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

There is an abundance of things to do on Magnetic Island , from discovering the secluded bays, spotting koalas on the Forts Walk, snorkelling the clear waters or simply relaxing under a swaying palm tree. While we always recommend spending a few days (or a week) to fully immerse yourself in everything Magnetic Island has to offer, we understand that time can limited and a day trip is your best option.

Don’t stress, we are here to share everything in this guide to make the most of your day trip to Magnetic Island.

Table of Contents

Overview of the Perfect Magnetic Island Day Trip

• 7:30 am Get the ferry to Magnetic Island
• 8:00 am Pick up your hire car
• 8:30 am Do the Forts Walk
• 10:00 am Get breakfast at Scallywags, Nelly Bay
• 11:00 am Swim at Picnic Bay or Alma Bay
• 1:00 pm Visit the Rock Wallabies
• 1:30 pm Have lunch at Horseshoe Bay
• 2:30 pm Do the Three Bays Walk
• 4:00 pm Visit the Maggie Island Brewery
• 5:30 pm Catch Sunset at Hawkings Point or Sails Rock
• 6:30 pm Get the ferry to Townsville

Day Trip to Magnetic Island Itinerary

We believe the best way to explore Magnetic Island is by hiring a car or bringing your own. 

We’ve crafted this itinerary with that in mind, but it can easily be adapted should you choose to use the Magnetic Island bus service instead.

Get the Ferry to Magnetic Island

To kick off your Magnetic Island adventure, we suggest taking an early ferry to give you more time on the island.

There are two ferry companies that can take you to the island: Sealink Passenger Ferry and Magnetic Island Car Ferry.

Tickets are available on arrival, but purchasing online is cheaper. If you’re planning on taking your car, you will need to book this in advance.

Check out the Sealink Ferry Timetable and the Magnetic Island Car Ferry Timetable to plan your departure time.

Pick up your hire car

Once you arrive on the Island, your next move is to pick up your wheels to explore Magnetic Island. 

There are plenty of reputable car hire companies on Magnetic Island, with most being located at Nelly Bay, making it convenient to walk from the Ferry Terminal. 

If you have decided to take the public bus service instead, you can buy a day pass for $4.80 when you hop on the bus. They accept both cash and card for payment.

If you are walking we recommend lacing up your walking shoes and putting on a hat for a day of exploring.

Before we get stuck into the day, if you can’t kick off your day without a good coffee (like us), we have got the spot for you!

Tiny Palms, nestled at the Jungle Club in Nelly Bay, this cute coffee cart is where you will find your perfect caffeine fix!

Do The Forts Walk

Now that you have secured your transport & your coffee, it’s time to start your ultimate Magnetic Island day trip.

Your first stop? One of the best Magnetic Island walks. The Forts Walk!

If you’re catching the bus, you’ll want to get off at the Forts Junction bus stop, this is where the Forts Walk starts. There are also toilets and a water fountain here.

The Forts Walk is Magnetic Island’s most popular walking experience, showcasing a blend of natural beauty, breathtaking views, World War II history and if luck is on your side, you might even spot a Koala or ten as Magnetic Island is known for it’s large koala population.

Upon reaching the end forts, you will understand why it is considered one of the best Magnetic Island walks. The panoramic 360-degree views of the island are simply beautiful.

This grade 3 walking track spans 4 kilometres (round trip), and we recommend allowing 1.5 – 2 hours to complete this walk!

Get Breakfast at Scallywags Cafe

After working up an appetite, it’s time to indulge in a hearty breakfast at one of the best cafes on Magnetic Island. This pirate-themed cafe offers a variety of delicious and healthy meals, all served up with a side of fun and family-friendly vibes. Whether you are in the mood for a classic breakfast dish or craving something adventurous, Scallywags Cafe has you covered!

They also cater to various dietary preferences with a range of Vegetarian, Vegan and gluten-free options, ensuring there is something for everyone!

Scallywags Cafe: 4.7 Stars / 829 Reviews

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Scallywags Cafe 🏴‍☠️ (@scallywags_cafe)

Take a swim at Picnic Bay or Alma Bay

Now, it’s time for a well-deserved swim, the choice of bay we recommend will depend on when you are visiting.

During the summer months (November – May) Picnic Bay is the prime spot, as it is one of only two stinger nets on the island. It’s the perfect spot to take a dip without worries.

On the other hand, Alma Bay stands out as a picturesque gem on the island and is our personal favourite of the two. However, it is worth noting that Alma Bay does not have a stinger net.

If you are keen on swimming during the summer months, we would highly recommend wearing a stinger suit for added safety and peace of mind

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Visit Rock The Wallabies

Now that you’ve cooled down, it’s time for our next adventure, a visit to the rock wallabies at Geoffrey Bay.

You’ll find these adorable wallabies nestled among the rocks at the end of Armand Way Road (Old Arcadia Jetty Road).

While it’s not advised to feed the rock wallabies, we understand the temptation. If you can’t resist, we recommend purchasing wallaby food from the Arcadia newsagency (near Alma Bay) instead of offering them your own snacks, which can sometimes cause them harm.

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Get Lunch at Horseshoe Bay

It’s now time to venture to the other side of the island, where the stunning Horseshoe Bay awaits you!

This expansive, picturesque bay is fringed with palm trees and features a swimming area that’s just perfect for a dip, especially during the stinger season.

Before you think about lunch, take a moment to wander around Horseshoe Bay. Capture some memorable photos or have another refreshing ocean swim.

As lunchtime approaches, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice:

• For a hearty pub feed, Marlin Bar won’t disappoint.
• If Mexican cuisine paired with cocktails sounds tempting, Noodies On The Beach is your go-to spot.
• Or, for a more relaxed vibe, grab some fish and chips from Horseshoe Bay Fish and Chips and unwind under the shade of a swaying palm tree.

Do the Three Bays walk

Having soaked in the beauty of Horseshoe Bay and enjoyed some downtime, it’s time to set off on another of Magnetic Island’s top walks.

This trail will lead you to three breathtaking bays: Arthur Bay, Florence Bay, and Radical Bay. If you’re pressed for time, we highly recommend making Arthur Bay your top priority.

Start at The Forts Junction and head down the road, following the signs. This road is closed to vehicles, so the only ways to access these idyllic beaches are on foot or by boat.

Here are the distances from The Forts Junction :

Arthur Bay – 2 km (30 minutes) return Florence Bay – 3.6 km (1 hour) return Radical Bay – 6 km (2 hours) return

We strongly advise bringing water on this walk, as it can become quite hot and there are no drinking water facilities on the way.

Visit the Maggie Island Brewery

After a day full of excitement and exploration, you’ve certainly earned a refreshing beer at Maggie Island Brewery.

Located in Picnic Bay, this charming nano brewery serves up a variety of options beyond beer—enjoy a selection of fine wines, spirits, and cocktails for a well-deserved treat!

Feeling a bit peckish? You’re in luck! Nearby, you’ll find a range of eateries offering mouthwatering meals.

Whether you’re in the mood for the Italian delights of Mamma Romas , the classic SOS fish and chips , or some exquisite sushi at The Reef Bar Cafe , you’re sure to find the perfect way to cap off your day.

Catch Sunset at Hawkings Point or Sail Rock Lookout

If you still have some energy left, we highly recommend sticking around until sunset to cap off the perfect day trip to Magnetic Island.

Two of the best spots to watch the sunset on Magnetic Island are Hawkings Point and Sails Rock Lookout .

Option 1: Hawkings Point

This is one of the most popular walks on Magnetic Island, offering a moderate yet slightly challenging trek with steep rocks and steps.

The lookout is on top of a giant granite boulder, providing panoramic views of Magnetic Island National Park, Picnic Bay, Nelly Bay, Cleveland Bay, and Townsville.

You can embark on this walk from the end of Picnic Street in Picnic Bay.

Option 2: Sails Rock Lookout

This is one of the lesser-known treks on Magnetic Island!

This walk is 1 km (return) and takes less than 30 minutes, beginning at the end of Yule Street. To your left, you’ll encounter a steep road. Walk around the gates and ascend the road until you reach a water tank, then turn left and follow the track to the summit.

At the top, you’ll be treated to views over Cockle Bay, Picnic Bay, and Townsville. You might even spot the S.S. Adelaide shipwreck (tide permitting). If you have a drone, it’s an excellent spot to capture some footage.

Another fantastic place to watch the sunset is West Point, but, regrettably, most rental cars are not permitted on this road.

Enjoy the sunset before hopping back on the ferry back to Townsville, concluding an unforgettable day trip to Magnetic Island!

Staying in Townsville? Check out our Locals Guide to the best things to do in Townsville

Magnetic island guide

Getting over to magnetic island.

Getting to Magnetic Island from Townsville is a breeze, thanks to the short, convenient ferry rides that make it one of the best day trips from Townsville .

There are two ferry services operating daily, offering you flexible options to suit your travel needs:

Option 1: Sealink Passenger Ferry

This is the quickest way to get to Magnetic Island. This fast ferry gets you to the island in 25 minutes, with numerous services running throughout the day.

The terminal is located at Breakwater Terminal, 2 Sir Leslie Thiess Dr.

Option 2: Magnetic Island Car Ferry

This Ferry offers a slightly longer ride, taking about 45 minutes. It also has frequent services throughout the day. If you’re planning to bring your vehicle, this is your go-to option.

You can board this ferry from Ross St, South Townsville

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Getting around the island

Now that you’ve got the lowdown on how to get to Magnetic Island, let’s delve into the different options on how to get around Magnetic Island.

This is our top pick for experiencing Magnetic Island to the fullest! For a hassle-free decision-making process, check out our dedicated blog post on Magnetic Island Car Hire .

Scooter and Bicycle Rental

If you are looking for a more eco-friendly way to explore Magnetic Island, consider renting a scooter or bicycle.

We highly recommend renting an electric bike—those Magnetic Island hills can be quite the challenge! Magnetic Island Roaming offers a fun and wallet-friendly option, with prices starting from $55.

Also, look out for the purple beam scooters, these are ideal for quick trips between Nelly Bay and Arcadia (note: they are geo-locked from Base Backpackers to Alma Bay in Arcadia).

Public Bus Service

For a budget-friendly option, the Kinetic bus service is your pick, grab a day pass for $4.80 and enjoy the freedom to hop on and off at all the key locations from Picnic Bay to Horseshoe Bay.

Bring your vehicle

While this can be a pricey option for the day, it is worthwhile if you are travelling in a group to split the costs. Plus if your vehicle is suited to camping, it could be a cost-effective alternative to island accommodation as there is a campground.

We highly recommend at the very least using the bus service during your Magnetic Island day trip. While walking is an option, it only allows you to explore a small fraction of the Island, and you will miss out on the true essence of Magnetic Island.

Best Time to Visit Magnetic Island

While Magnetic Island weather produces over 300 sunny days a year, the best time to visit is undoubtedly during the dry season, from May to November.

This period offers the best weather conditions, ensuring an epic day trip to Magnetic Island.

On top of that, the threat of marine stingers is considerably lower during this season (though it’s still possible to encounter them), making it an ideal time to go snorkelling, diving, and swimming without the usual concerns of marine stingers.

Magnetic Island Tours

Exploring Magnetic Island through a tour can be an excellent way to uncover the island’s hidden gems. This is also particularly ideal if you’re pressed for time or prefer a structured adventure.

We have listed the top Magnetic Island tours to consider for your visit to Maggie

Magnetic Island Half-Day Tours

Magnetic Island Tours Comprehensive: This small group tour is led by a local guide. It offers a deep dive into the island’s history, visits to the island’s highlights, and insights into the local flora and fauna.

The tour also includes 1 hour of free time at Horseshoe Bay and a visit to the Aquasearch Aquarium.

Aquascene Magnetic Island Discovery Tour: Another intimate group tour that takes you to secluded beaches and bays for snorkelling and swimming.

Learn about the coral reef and its marine life while enjoying included morning tea. Whale watching is also available from June to September.

Magnetic Island Cruises

Pilgrim Sip and Sail Sunset Cruise: Jump on board a 58-foot yacht, and witness the stunning sunset views surrounding Magnetic Island.

The 90-minute cruise includes unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and a cheese board.

Pilgrim Lunchtime Sailing Cruise: Sail the waters around the island, stopping at secluded bays and beaches for swimming or relaxation.

A gourmet lunch is provided, along with complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks

Wrap-Up: Magnetic Island Day Trip

There are so many amazing things to do on Magnetic Island, and we’ve included some of the best in this one-day itinerary, so you can get the most out of your day trip.

From visiting the adorable rock wallabies to walking the iconic Forts Walk to snorkelling the surrounding vibrant coral reef, there’s something for everyone.

We hope you have an incredible day trip to Magnetic Island. If you have any questions or would like any further information, feel free to leave a comment below. We’ll be more than happy to help out. 

Happy Travelling 😁

Continue Planning Your Travels

• 27 BEST Things To Do In Townsville: Locals Guide
• 10 BEST Day Trips From Townsville: Locals Guide
• The Ultimate 5-Day Townsville Itinerary: Locals Guide
• Wallaman Falls: The Tallest Waterfall In Australia Guide
• The BEST Wallaman Falls Camping Guide
• 40 Best Things To Do On Magnetic Island
• The BEST Magnetic Island Car Hire Guide
• The Perfect Day Trip To Magnetic Island From Townsville

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Magnetic island day trip from townsville: all you need to know.

Tropical weather, beautiful beaches, interesting history, and breathtaking viewpoints all characterize this island that is really not to be missed when travelling down the east coast of Australia. A Magnetic Island day trip from Townsville will be a highlight of your time in Queensland. The island is only half an hour away from the tropical city by boat, but world’s away in atmosphere – it’s a chill kind of place where you can sip coconuts on the beach and ride around in obscenely small pink cars (optional).

And what’s more, the best thing about Magnetic Island is that it can be visited independently in just one day. Read on for the best things to do in a day trip to Magnetic Island…

Getting to Townsville

Townsville is located about halfway between Cairns and Airlie Beach on the east coast traveller trail. If you are driving, it’s a very easy journey up or down the Bruce Highway. Other options are to get to Townsville by Greyhound or Premier Bus. Both stop at the SeaLink Ferry Terminal, making it very easy for you to purchase boat tickets and hop across to Magnetic Island!

If you are travelling by coach, make sure you book to arrive at an early time to make the most of your day on Magnetic Island. If your coach doesn’t get in until later in the morning or the afternoon, you may want to think about spending some time in Townsville (there are plenty of things to do here) and booking a hostel or hotel in Townsville.

Alternatively, you could head over to Magnetic Island early and spend the night there. The choice is yours!

There is a car park, but it fills up very early and costs $7.50 to leave the car for the day. The SeaLink website also does not guarantee that it will be completely secure. If you can synchronize your trip for a Saturday or Sunday, there is lots of free parking on the streets. Alternatively, you could use the secure parking at Metro Quays Car Park in Ogden Street and take a Sunbus to the terminal.

Taking the Ferry from Townsville to Magnetic Island

It is advised that you get to the terminal 20 minutes before departure – here’s a full timetable . Aim to be on the earliest ferry possible to make the most of your day trip to Magnetic Island. I won’t give you a purchasing tickets play by play as it is very self explanatory, but a return ticket will set you back $33. Kinda pricey, I know, but it’s worth it!

You also have the option to purchase a daily bus ticket at the time of buying your boat tickets. It doesn’t work out cheaper, but it makes sense to get them all at once. It costs $7.20 for a day pass.

You can store any possessions in lockers at the Breakwater Terminal from 8am to 6pm which cost $8 for 24 hours storage. However, if you’re visiting Magnetic Island when there is an event on, double check that the lockers are offered.

Arriving in Magnetic Island

Yay! You’ve arrived on the paradise island that sees 320 days of sun every year (take that, Britain!). Walk through the terminal and find the bus stop on the other side. This ploughs the island and will take you to all the popular stops, including Horseshoe Bay and the Forts Walk.

Things to do in Magnetic Island

Snorkelling at nelly bay and geoffery bay.

With all the hikes and amazing viewpoints, it’s easy to forget that Magnetic Island is one of the best places to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. Pick up some waterproof snorkeling cards and snorkel gear from supporting retailers, wrap them around your wrist and take to the water, with the cards guiding you.

Following the surface floats will help you stay on track and they provide resting points. Nelly Bay is great for beginners, and Geoffrey Bay is good for stronger swimmers – the Moltke Wreck and the WWII airoplane propeller is nearby.

If you are snorkeling in the months from November – April, be sure to wear a stinger suit.

The Forts Walk

The Forts Walk is a Magnetic Island must-do, as it merges some of the things that the tropical paradise is most famous for – spectacular lookouts, WWII history, and koala bears. You’re very likely to see one of these creatures while exploring the walk; if you do, admire them from afar and don’t try to touch them. Koalas may look cuddly, but they’re really not the most social of creatures!

The walk will educate you into some fascinating history about the use of Magnetic Island in WWII . Looking at the idyllic surroundings today, it’s hard to believe how significant the Magnetic Battery was in the early 1940s! The route goes around some interesting infrastructure, with plenty of information about the island in the war.

And of course, you’re treated to some epic viewpoints, including panoramic views of the tropical island.

Horseshoe Bay

Bustling Horseshoe Bay may well be your perfect seaside town; home to various shops, bars and restaurants, with a gorgeous beachfront and very friendly locals (I mean, you would be if you lived here, right?), there’s all you need here for a lunch break in paradise.

If you’re needing to cool down from some tropical heat, take a dip in the safe-for-swimming areas of the beach (where there are stinger nets). Horseshoe Bay is very pleasant to play some beach games, or just relax by the sea.

Walk to Balding Bay or Radical Bay

If you’re after some more adrenalin, and if Horseshoe Bay is just that little bit too busy for you, how about taking a hike to Balding Bay or Radical Bay? These secluded beaches are a bit more strenuous to reach, but well worth the hike.

You’ll need to take a 3km hike/ climb to either of these beaches, which takes you over rocks and through woodland. It’s fairly strenuous to get there, but you will be more than rewarded once you do; with blissful, uninterrupted beach scenes that you only thought existed in Peter Pan’s Neverland.

Just so you know – Balding Bay is the island’s unofficial nudist beach. You don’t have to strip off if you go there, but others around you might. Just keeping y’all in the loop.

Picnic Bay to Alma Bay Walk

This 5.9km hike is classed as a ‘bushwalk’ (after 18 months in Australia I’m still not quite sure what is and isn’t a bushwalk) and takes you from beach to beach, through forest, over rocks and across the occasional road. Pack some bug spray for this one and remember to take your two litres + of water!

The Forts to Horseshoe Bay

It’s recommended to do this in the afternoon, as the sun will be less harsh. Taking you from high viewpoints where you can see the entire island to the beautiful coast, this is a great way to take in some of the best landscapes of Magnetic Island – and it’s a fantastic alternative to taking the bus!

Tom Thumb in Picnic Bay

Also known as Sails Rock, Tom Thumb is a great side-trip from Picnic Bay. It’s a steep climb, but you’ll be rewarded with views of the whole island and beautiful ocean, stretching all the way to Townsville and the mainland of Australia.

See Rock Wallabies

On the rocks by Arcadia live a friendly bunch of rock wallabies – they are normally hanging around form 4:30pm until sundown. It’s a great place to see these animals, but please don’t feed them – they are wild animals after all, and aren’t accustomed to your Woolworths picnic! Also be sure not to go too close or perturb them in any way.

Yoga on Magnetic Island

The atmosphere of the Queensland island is a great place to get your zen orn, and there are classes almost every day. Enjoy yoga in a beautiful and airy studio, or take a class right by the beach – up to you! Here’s the complete schedule and exact locations .

A Word on Holding a Koala – Don’t Do It

Just imagine you’re in bed on a Sunday at 7am. You’ve woken up, realized you don’t need to go to work and are just settling down for a lie in. Then giant animals come into the room and pick you up. They don’t look menacing, but they’re passing you from set of arms to set of arms and taking photos. All you want to do is to be back between your toasty sheets.

Koalas feel the same when people hold them – in fact, it’s much worse because they’re actually very antisocial, sleepy creatures who don’t have a lot of energy and are susceptible to stress. Holding them damages them and shortens their lifespan . They don’t like being disturbed by humans, and like being passed from person to person even less. You can read more about koalas here , but don’t contribute to their endangerment for a photo.

Do I need a car for Magnetic Island?

Everything detailed above is easy to get to via bus. The bus network is pretty good and is both budget-friendly and kinder to the environment. But if you’re only spending one day on Magnetic Island or if there’s a group of you, you might find it more convenient and cost effective to rent a car. The most popular are the tropical topless car rentals which make me want to sing along to Aqua’s Barbie Girl everytime I see them (not saying that’s a bad thing…). If that’s not you’re scene have no fear, there’s other options too. Here’s SeaLink’s complete list .

Places to Eat on Magnetic Island  

There’s all sorts of places to eat on Maggie Island – from cheap sandwich bars to 5* restaurants.

If you’re visiting Magnetic Island on a budget, there are BBQs in Picnic Bay, Nelly Bay, Alma Bay and Horseshoe Bay. (If you’re an international tourist in Australia, make the most of these BBQs. It’s one of the things I miss the most from my island home.) There are two Foodworks stores and one IGA on Magnetic Island.

Restaurants on Magnetic Island

Gilligan’s – A themed bar serving everything from breakfast to dinner. It’s fun and themed, and has a varied menu to suit everyone’s tastebuds.

Arcadia Pub – this lively restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere, and great food and drinks

Sandi’s – A beach bar and restaurant located in Horseshoe Bay, Sandi’s serves a mix of German and Australian food with some great local drinks.

Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar – in Peppers Blue on Blue Resort, this swanky restaurant looks over the marina and offers delicious a la carte dinners.

Spending more than a day on Magnetic Island? Here’s some accommodation recommendations

You might be reading this through and thinking ‘woah woah woah, I need to spend at least 3 days on Magnetic Island to take it all in! If you’re thinking of extending your stay to a 2 day trip to Magnetic Island or longer, I’ve got your back. Here’s some of the best places to stay on Magnetic Island… 

Budget Accomodation on Magnetic Island

Backpacker – BASE Hostel is thought by many to be the best hostel in Queensland – and some say in all of Australia. It offers features like a bar, BBQ facilities, a game room and bar activities. You can also hire a bike from here to explore the island. The location is beautiful, looking out onto Nelly Bay – it’s the perfect spot to relax in after a busy day’s island exploring. The legendary Full Moon Parties are also held here; be sure to book in advance if you’re wanting to stay on the island at this time! Check here for rates and to book .

Budget – Perfect for those wishing for a bit of privacy in a chilled atmosphere, but not wanting to break the bank, CStay is just a 3 minute walk from the beach. The rooms are well facilitated – amazing value for the budget price – and the hotel is close to all of the main attractions of Magnetic Island. Click here for rates and to book today .

Great Hotels on Magnetic Island

Mid-Range – Located very close to Nelly Bay beach, Amaroo on Mandalay hotel is perfect for those who love to be in the great outdoors. With two tennis courts and an outdoor pool, as well as lots of wildlife on the premises; you’ll love Amaroo before you even step into the rooms. The garden view bedrooms feature free wifi, individual patios, a kitchenette and a fully equipped bathroom. Click here for more information and to make a reservation .

Luxury – Peppers Blue on Blue is a great luxury pick for those wanting to really indulge during their time on Magnetic Island. With vistas over the marina and the mountain, Peppers is home to a variety of rooms and suites, each with their own balconies. On site is a swimming pool, a bar and restaurant. Breakfast is included. Click here for details and to book today .

There is sadly no free campsites on Magnetic Island – or any campsites for that matter. The YHA in Horseshoe Bay  (I’m a poet) can however accommodate some tents and camper vans.

Check out Airbnb for a variety of accommodations at different budgets. Get $45 travel credit when you sign up using this link .

Accommodation recommendations for your return to Townsville  

Backpacker – Rambutan Townsville is located 350 metres from the city centre and offers free WiFi access. Travelellers love it here; the dorm rooms are luxurious and perfectly clean and the décor is tasteful and chilled. The hostel offers poolside games Tuesdays and Thursdays and $10 dinner specials every day. Click here for rates and book today!

Budget – Offering budget double and twin rooms, Coral Lodge is just 6 minutes walk from the beach – perfect if you didn’t find enough beaches on Maggie to get your fix! The low rate includes great breakfast and some rooms have a private bathroom. Check here for rates and to book .

Mid-Range – Cascade Motel is a little far out, but is great value for the price, which makes it perfect if you’re continuing your trip away from the city after visiting Magnetic Island. Each room has a private bathroom, free wifi, a flat screen TV and tea and coffee making facilities and the hotel enjoys a swimming pool and restaurant. Click here for more information and to book .

Luxury – Located just 5 minutes from the Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal, Classique Bed and Breakfast features rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom. It is a quiet spot that’s great to kick back and relax, and includes breakfast. For rates and to book, click here .

If you are camping down the east coast, there are plenty of free and paid-for campsites in and around Townsville. I slept in my car in a vehicle-only rest stop at a BP garage the first time I was in Townsville and camped around an hour north the second time.

And remember, if you want to use Airbnb in Townsville or anywhere else in Australia (or the world, for that matter!) you can get $45 off when you sign up using this link .

And that’s a wrap! What’s your favourite tropical island? Let me know in the comments or over on Facebook !

If you enjoyed this article, please share it with anyone who might be doing a Magnetic Island day trip in the future.

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Day trip to magnetic island: itinerary and things to do for nature lovers.

• Post published: 21 April 2018
• Post category: Australia / Oceania/South Pacific / Queensland

I first wasn’t sure if Magnetic Island was worth visiting. I heard mixed opinions about it. So when we went to Townsville to dive the SS Yongala Wreck , I only planned a day trip to Magnetic Island. To be honest, I wished we stayed longer. There are many things to do on Magnetic Island. In one day we didn’t have time to go through half of what I selected. So if you can, try to spend one night on the island. But if you can’t, here’s the summary of our Magnetic Island day trip with tips to help you maximise your short stay!

Although I wouldn’t put Magnetic Island on my Australia bucket list , it surely is a destination you don’t want to miss if you’re nearby; it’s one of the best day trips from Townsville !

Tips for getting to Magnetic Island from Townsville for a day trip

You have two options for getting to Magnetic Island from Townsville: the passenger ferry or the car ferry. Whichever you choose, you want to leave as early as possible and come back with the last ferry for the day . That’s the minimum time you need for a Magnetic Island day trip to be worth it! We took the car ferry, leaving Townsville at 7 am and Magnetic Island at 7 pm. So we had 12 hours to explore Magnetic Island.

Magnetic Island isn’t big and driving times are short, which is why a day trip to Magnetic Island is feasible.

It brings a big question: do you need a car for your Magnetic Island day trip ?

The short answer is yes..

But you can also go to Magnetic Island if you don’t have a car.

If you don’t have a car and don’t want to spend time organising your Magnetic Island day trip, you can book a tour online *. It will be less adventurous than a DIY day trip but having a local guide showing you the sites will bring advantages!

There are buses on Magnetic Island .

It is a cheap (and ecological!) way to visit the island. However, buses don’t go everywhere and you’ll also have to wait a bit at the bus stops. So I wouldn’t recommend this option for a Magnetic Island day trip when your time is extremely limited.

You can bring your car over to Magnetic Island .

That’s what we did. It cost around $200 return on the car ferry, with up to five people in the car ( click here to book online *). A return ticket for an adult without a car is only $30 ( click here to book online *), so that’s a big cost difference if you’re travelling as a couple. However, it allowed us to maximise our time on the island: we could drive straight away without wasting time with paperwork and bringing the car back at a certain time.

It was also an easy way to bring all our food and equipment for the day. If you’re renting a car on the mainland, you must double-check with the car hire company that they allow you to take your car rental to Magnetic Island. We did that with Avis and although it wasn’t a problem, we had to put it in writing as the usual rental agreement did not allow us to take cars to any islands.

You can hire a car on Magnetic Island .

They have a few options available and it costs around $80-90 per day, including scooter hire ($50) and 4WD. The topless cars look fun and are very popular. But if we had hired a car on Magnetic Island, I would have chosen a 4WD hire. There are a few unsealed roads on the island that are worth exploring and it was frustrating not to be able to go there. Plus, if you’re visiting in summer, it’s nice to be protected from the sun while you’re in the car.

Budget comparison for a couple : Bringing a car over would cost around $200 (ferry) whereas hiring a car would cost around $140 in total ($30×2 for the ferry + $80 for the car hire).

Bring a picnic and snacks for your Magnetic Island day trip

One day is short to visit Magnetic Island. So to see more of the island, I highly recommend packing your lunch and snacks so you don’t spend time looking for food while on the island.

The best things to do on a day trip to Magnetic Island – our itinerary

Chilling at alma bay.

We stopped at Alma Bay first thing in the morning as it was on our way to Horseshoe Bay. It was good timing to enjoy the beautiful views while it was still peaceful. We went back there later in the day to fill our water bottles before hiking. There were a lot more people so I was happy with our call to go there early.

You can have fun climbing the boulders on the side of the beach to get a superb view of the beach.

Horseriding Horseshoe Bay

The beautiful bay in the north of the island was our first visit. It’s the largest one on the island, a popular destination.

You can simply walk on the beach and have a safe swim. Or you can opt for one of the many available activities to discover the bay from an exciting point of view like kayaking, sailing or riding a jet ski. If you walk close to the boulders at the start or the end of the day, keep an eye out for rock wallabies.

We opted for horse riding : it’s not often that you get the opportunity to ride a horse bareback in the sea! Unfortunately, it seems the ranch is now closed.

Snorkelling and rock wallabies at Geoffrey Bay

Geoffrey Bay is a must-do on Magnetic Island. There’s a snorkelling trail to follow to see corals and fish ( more information here ). And it’s also the best spot on the island to see rock wallabies.

From the end of the afternoon, rock wallabies are used to being fed and show up in Geoffrey Bay, near the pier. They’re very cute and iconic animals. We’re used to seeing wild wallabies in Australia, but rock wallabies are rarer. On one hand, I was very interested in seeing one but on another hand, I didn’t like the idea of them being fed by humans. Feeding wild animals often bring issues in the environment and the ecosystem. You don’t have to wait for sunset to see them. We spotted a few after our snorkelling session (around 4.30 pm). It was nice to be there early as there were no people. It got a lot busier one hour later and we were, unfortunately, the only group not feeding them.

Responsible travel tip : It is tempting but for their safety, it is better not to feed wildlife. It can change their behaviour, make them sick and also unbalance the entire ecosystem. New South Wales Parks even write, “feeding native animals is the worst thing you can do”. Click here to know why .

Beach and snorkelling: Arthur Bay & Florence Bay

I was very disappointed by Arthur Bay and Florence Bay “walks”. It was nothing like a hike: we just went along the road for a couple of kilometres. It’s hilly and not particularly pleasant, especially on a hot day. Some cars didn’t even slow down when passing us. So if you can drive down there or hitchhike , you’ll save time. When we visited, the road was fine with a 2WD up to Arthur Bay. It was kind of a sealed road with a few gigantic potholes so you need to be very careful when driving there.

There are a couple of lookouts on the side of the road between Arthur Bay and Florence Bay providing great views of the bays. We went all the way to the Search Light Tower lookout but found it wasn’t worth it. Indeed, the view was obstructed by trees.

If you want to go all the way to Radical Bay, it may be better to start from the eastern end of Horseshoe Bay beach.

Our plan was to stop at Florence Bay for snorkelling , as it’s reputed to offer one of the best snorkelling on Magnetic Island . It was low tide so we sometimes struggled to find a way with enough water, but we had a great time.

Hiking the Forts: Magnetic Island must-do

The Forts Walk may be Magnetic Island’s best walk. It surely is a must-do on a day trip to Magnetic Island. I didn’t expect to like it that much.

It’s a 4km return walk quite easy at the start and very steep to reach the fortifications. But it’s worth the effort: the 360-degree views are spectacular.

We went straight up to the WWII lookouts and didn’t do the side tracks to check out the other ruins of the fort. Still, it took us a bit over one hour to complete the walk at a decent pace. We stopped a few times to look at the breathtaking panoramic views. And you have to walk with your head up looking at the trees to spot wild koalas, which will slow you down!

Seeing koalas on Magnetic Island

You don’t want to end your Magnetic Island day trip without spotting a koala. There are about 800 koalas on the island and it’s one of the best places in Australia to see wildlife . If you weren’t lucky on Magnetic Island, don’t give up. We’re lucky to regularly see wild koalas on Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island) near Brisbane . Coombabah Reserve on the Gold Coast is home to many koalas too. More south, the Great Ocean Road and Kangaroo Island are also reputed for it.

We spotted a few of them during our day trip on Magnetic Island: two during our horseriding expedition to Horseshoe Bay, and three during the Forts Walk. Koalas aren’t easy to spot because they don’t move. So sometimes you can pass them without noticing they’re here. But because the Forts Walk is popular, the fact that they don’t move will actually increase your chances to spot a wild koala. People will sometimes leave a mark on the ground to let other walkers know they spotted a koala there earlier.

On our second day trip to Magnetic Island, we only spotted one koala. We almost missed it as it was not on the main walk. If you haven’t spotted any koalas on your way up to the fort, you may want to add the short detours to see more ruins on your way back. You will increase your chances of spotting a koala!

I always prefer to see animals in their natural habitat . But if you’ve never seen a koala and want to make sure you see one during your Magnetic Island day trip, you may want to visit the Koala Sanctuary at Bungalow Bay. They also offer the opportunity to take a photo holding a koala, if that’s something you’ve always dreamt of.

Hawkings Point Walk

The Hawkings Point walk leads to the top of a boulder that provides panoramic views up to Townsville. It’s a short 1.2-kilometre return walk, but it’s steep. We did it in 20 minutes but it can be challenging for some people and the recommended time is one hour.

Magnetic Island sunset spots

I’ve listed below the recommendations we gathered from visitors and locals for the best Magnetic Island sunset spots. I wish I could tell you which one is the best, but I could only try one! And it was a big dilemma to choose which sunset spot to pick. It’s rare to have so many choices for sunset on the East Coast of Australia!

Magnetic Island Sunset Cruise

If we didn’t have to catch the ferry back to Townsville, a Magnetic Island sunset cruise would have definitely been my choice.

Click here to view and book a sailing cruise online *.

That’s the recommendation that came first when we asked locals about watching the sunset on Magnetic Island. It makes sense. Unfortunately, you need a 4WD to reach West Point so this one didn’t make it to our list.

If our ferry had been a bit later, or if the sunset had been a bit earlier, I would have done the Forts Walk for sunset. We were there during the full moon so the 360-degree views would have been an excellent opportunity to see the full moon rise at the same time!

But even if we had run back to the car, we would have missed the ferry back to Townsville. If you choose this option, make sure you have a headlamp to find your way back safely.

Horseshoe Bay

I’ve seen photos of the sunset on Horseshoe Bay that were dreamy. The sun doesn’t go down on the ocean horizon, but just behind the headland. It’s close enough to get vibrant colours on the water. Head to the Eastern end for the best views of the sunset.

Hawkings Point

That’s where we ended up going. We didn’t have time earlier in the day to check out that side of the island. But as it was a reputed spot for a Magnetic Island sunset, it sounded like a great choice. And we weren’t disappointed!

The best time to visit Magnetic Island

With 320 days a year of sunshine, it sounds like there is no bad time to visit Magnetic Island. Although it’s in North Queensland , it’s located in an area called the “dry tropics”, the sunniest area on the Queensland Coast.

Still, I recommend travelling there outside the cyclone and wet season of North Queensland. During the first three months of the year, your trip may be harder to organise. Roads can get flooded if there could be a cyclone nearby. Plus, you’ll increase your chances to have better visibility underwater.

The best time to visit Magnetic Island is from May to October. The temperatures are cooler so hiking is nicer than in Summer. And you’ll be outside of the stinger season so you can better enjoy the ocean.

Where to stay?

If you’re visiting Magnetic Island for a day trip, then it’s likely you’ll spend at least one night in Townsville. For those on a budget, I recommend the Civic Guesthouse (click here for more info*) . It’s very simple but it has all you need for a good night at a reasonable price.

If you decide to extend your day trip to Magnetic Island and sleep there, which would be an excellent idea, I loved the location and reasonable prices of the Base Backpacker (click here for more info*) and the YHA in Horseshoe Bay (click here for more info*) . Accommodation is very developed on Magnetic Island. Still, it is recommended to book in advance as it was full when we travelled there. There are many other options available for all ranges of prices and comfort.

Did you visit Magnetic Island? Is there a must-do that we missed on our Magnetic Island day trip? Share your experience in the comments below!

Where is magnetic island.

Magnetic Island is a suburb of the City of Townsville in North Queensland. It is only 8 kilometres away from the mainland.

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This looks beautiful! I’ve never heard of Magnetic Island but I’d love to go! ?

Great post! I’m just planning a North Queensland trip and though I’d heard of Magnetic Island I didn’t really know much about it…adding it to my list!

Horseshoe Bay looks amazing

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Magnetic Island Tours

Maggie Comprehensive

In the heart of Australia’s breathtaking landscapes lies a true gem – Magnetic Island. For centuries, this tropical paradise has beckoned travellers from far and wide, and for good reason. The traditional owners of the island, the Wulgurukaba, call it ‘Yunbenun’, while James Cook named it ‘Magnetical’. But to those who know and love it, this island is simply ‘Maggie’.

Our local guides will take you on a journey through time and nature, uncovering the island’s rich history and abundant wildlife. You’ll discover for yourself the irresistible allure that has drawn people to this place for thousands of years. The tour kicks off in the morning and includes a leisurely hour at Horseshoe Bay for lunch, so you can savour the island’s delights at your own pace. And once the tour is over, you can choose to stay and explore or head back to the Ferry Terminal, knowing that you’ve experienced the magic of Magnetic Island firsthand. Don’t miss out on book your tour now and let Maggie work her enchanting powers on you!

Available Tuesday to Friday

Magnetic Island Behind the Scenes with Izzy’s Dad

Join Izzy’s Dad from the Netflix Show Izzy’s Koala world our exclusive “Magnetic Island – Behind the Scenes” tour and experience the enchanting allure of Magnetic Island.  As you embark on this extraordinary journey, you’ll uncover the island’s well-kept secrets and treasures, forging a deep and meaningful connection with this paradise in the Coral Sea. Embrace a leisurely pace throughout the tour as you soak in the breathtaking scenery and capture memorable moments.

Our “Magnetic Island – Behind the Scenes” tour promises an insight into life on this island paradise. Whether you’re an avid nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking relaxation amidst natural beauty, our tour offers an unforgettable experience. Join us as we unveil the well-kept secrets and treasures of Magnetic Island.

As well as visiting all the main bay, this tour includes a relaxing hour at Horseshoe Bay for lunch, giving you plenty of time to savor the island’s delights at your own pace.

Available Saturday to Monday

Maggie Highlights

A shorter afternoon version of our Maggie Comprehensive tour, perfect for those short on time or just looking for a quick overview of the island.

The tour follows a similar itinerary to Maggie Comprehensive but doesn’t stop at the Magnetic Museum or Aquasearch Aquarium. The later start times mean you will catch the last of the sunset as you head back to Townsville.

Availability: School holidays and peak period- July to Sept .

Private Tours, Bus Hire and Accommodation Transfers

Private Hire / Charters and Tours

Are you looking for a more personalized and exclusive experience? Our private tours and charters offer a flexible and tailored option for individuals or groups seeking a unique adventure. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family reunion, a corporate event, or simply looking to explore a destination on your own terms, our private tours and charters allow you to design your own itinerary and travel at your own pace. Our experienced guides are dedicated to providing you with a seamless and unforgettable experience. Contact us today to learn more about our private tour and charter options.

Please call +61 435 580 292 or email  [email protected]  to discuss your requirements.

Accommodation and Island Transfers

Looking for a hassle-free and convenient way to get to your accommodation or explore the island’s top attractions? Look no further than our transfer services. We provide comfortable and reliable transfers between the ferry terminal and your chosen accommodation or any popular tourist destination you want to visit. Let us take care of your transportation needs and ensure you have a stress-free and enjoyable stay on the island. Contact us to learn more about our island transfer and accommodation options.

Subject to availability. Please call +61 435 580 292 or email  [email protected]

Why choose us?

Local experience.

We use friendly local guides with knowledge gained from years of observing island creatures and characters to offer the best value tours on the island. We choose the best spots each day depending on the weather and season.

Uniquely Australian

Where else in the world could you spot wild Koalas and Wallabies in the morning, tuck into world class fresh seafood for lunch and end the day with a snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park?

With over 320 days of sunshine a year you will rarely be disappointed.

Something for everyone

On our tour you’ll get to experience everything the island has to offer. You’ll learn about its history, geography, and folklore (some of it not found in books!).  You’ll meet some of its wildlife and you’ll soon know why so many are attracted to Magnetic Island.

What do our guests say?

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Townsville, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

Guide to Townsville & Magnetic Island

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• Getting to Townsville and Magnetic Island
• When to visit

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.

You can fly directly into Townsville Airport from Brisbane, Sydney, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Melbourne airports. 

• Townsville Airport (TSV) is 5km (3mi) from the city
• To continue on to Magnetic Island, catch a ferry with  SeaLink Queensland or Magnetic Island Ferries (pre-booking is essential)

Getting around Townsville and Magnetic Island is made easy with both destinations providing public transport, car hire services, scooters, bicycles, taxi services and local tours ready to show you around.

Many Aussies flock to Townsville during winter and spring (June to November) to escape the cold, as the city and Magnetic Island have incredible sunny weather all year round. The best time to visit would be autumn (March to May) as there is less rain than the summer but the waterfalls are still teaming with water and wildlife from the rainfall. 

• High season: Winter (June to August)
• Low season: Summer (December to February)

Top things to do in Townsville and Magnetic Island

Magnetic island & townsville travel inspiration.

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Magnetic Island & Townsville experiences

Planning your trip to Australia?

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

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WE WELCOME YOU ABOARD BIG MAMA, RAGAMUFFIN 111 & SAMURAI

PICK UP/DROP OFF FROM TOWNSVILLE OR MAGNETIC ISLAND

A memorable sailing experience- escape, revive & feel alive..

Big Mama is our home, and Ragamuffin 111 as well as Samurai, are all part of the Big Mama Sailing family fleet.

Three beautiful sailing vessels to choose from, all offering a authentic & dependable sailing experience. 

The choice is yours?

We look forward to welcoming you aboard. Explore & discover the hidden gems of Magnetic Island and our stunning surrounding region.

This is how we live.

This is our lifestyle.

We love what we do and love sharing our ocean backyard with others.

With 23 beautiful beaches and bays to choose from on Magnetic Island, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the Palm Islands and Outer Great

Barrier Reef,  you can enjoy sailing in our paradise without the crowds, either on our day trips, overnight charters OR sail away & escape

for two hours into the sunset,  & feel pleasantly relaxed, while admiring the stunning views.

Explore Our Ocean Backyard

There's something pretty unique about having the ocean as your backyard and a home you can

take anywhere in the world with nothing but a slight breeze.

That's the beauty of life on board Big Mama for Lisa & Stu, their son Fletcher and precious boat

Jump aboard and discover what life is like for this sailing family whilst discovering some

of the best kept secrets, most stunning beaches in our region, as well as The Palm Islands and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. 

Meet Big Mama, Ragamuffin 111 & Samurai

Big Mama  is a beautiful (18 m) ketch rigged yacht. Built in Bloomfield, Far North Queensland. Big

Mama is our original vessel of Big Mama Sailing, offering Half Day, Sunset Sails, Full Day and Private Charters.

Big Mama has plenty of deck space to relax in bean bags and a aft area, with plenty of shade and a comfortable upright bench chair. We provide catering

on board Big Mama and bring your beverages is welcome- we do not have a bar on board.

Ragamuffin 111 (14m) is a German Frers sloop design, a racing vessel & our smaller vessel. She is

one of Syd Fisher's famous vessels named Ragamuffin & she was number 3.  

Syd Fisher is described as one of Australia's most successful offshore sailor.

Ragamuffin 111 is a BRING YOUR OWN EVERYTHING option(beverages and nibbles- not catered).

This vessel is not suitable for small children 4 years and under, as well as guests with mobility concerns and poor fitness level or limitations.

Safety is our highest priority. 

Samurai  (18m) is a Sparkman and Stephens design, and a new addition to the Big Mama Sailing. This vessel was built in Perth by Veale Engineering and launched in 1979. We purchased  Samurai October 2023. She was quite neglected & we are proud to have restored this beautiful vessel, giving her a new lease of life on the water. Samurai, boasts of large spacious deckspace and a comfortable open planned interior. Two heads (toilet/showers) and will offer overnight adventures, as well as cater for larger private groups on her private day charters.

  About Our Tours & What Makes our Sailing Experience UNIQUE & you leave us feeling INSPIRED

Unique & authentic  sailing experience, exploring the hidden gems of Magnetic Island

Eco Tourism Certified- We are committed & passionate about our environment, especially the ocean & ensure our impact is reduced. We SAIL, rather than motoring as much as we can

Please visit our Eco Tourism Page for more information

Help us raise money for the Magnetic Island Turtle Hospital. Both our boats have recycle bins on board, dedicated to raising money, while promoting the importance of recycling and we  donate this money to support sick and injured turtles

Award Winning

Owner/ Operators

12 guests MAX on board Big Mama & Private Charter MAX 14 guests

10 guests MAX on board Ragamuffin 111 & Private Charters MAX 12 guests

10 guests MAX on board Samurai Overnight Charter, 12 MAX on a Private Overnight Charter & on private day trips, up to 18 guests and MAX 20

We offer a Half Day Adventure Island Sail, Sunset Sail, Private Charters & Private Full Day Charter as well as an overnight charter

Pick up/drop off from Townsville and Magnetic Island

Children friendly

We are happy to modify any of our sail options to suit the interest of your group

15 Top Day Trips From Townsville: Your Guide To Adventure Beyond The City

This post may contain compensated links. For more information, read our disclaimer here .

Looking for popular day trips from Townsville? You’ll discover hidden gems and popular destinations around Townsville in this post.

Townsville is a small town at the start of North Queensland. Often, it’s overlooked by travellers who head directly to Magnetic Island , but it’s a great place to stop for 1-3 days to explore the vibrant city and its surroundings. The surrounding area is brimming with natural beauty, cultural treasures, and thrilling activities. 

One of the best things about Townsville is its proximity to The Great Barrier Reef – you can explore the reef from a less-crowded area. You’ll also find many attractions such as fishing, diving, waterfalls and beaches a few hours away and accessible by car. 

There’s a lot to do – and, as someone who has lived in Queensland most of her life, I’ll guide you about the best experiences. This guide covers free experiences, one-day journeys, car drives, and paid tours so that you can choose your activities based on your time and budget.

Townsville At A Glance

Table of Contents

Day Trips From Townsville Map

Day Trips Around Townsville

1. the strand.

The strand is a picturesque stretch of coastline inside the quaint town, perfect for day trips around Townsville. Stroll along the palm-lined promenade, picnic on the golden beaches, or swim in the cool water. The Strand Water Park is a great place to go with your family- there are several restaurants and cafes with various eating options.

2. Castle Hill

If you want to exercise, consider hiking up to Castle Hill. We saw plenty of people walking, jogging and biking up the hill. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t reach the top on my first attempt! Hats off to all the people that do.

This iconic rock-red monolith rises 286 meters above sea level and makes for amazing pictures for the gram.

It’s an easy hike because the walking track is well-maintained. However, it is steep in many places. You’ll get a beautiful 360-degree view of the town, the surrounding islands, and the Coral Sea from the top. We think it’s a breathtaking view, especially out to sea.

3. Brunch At Harvey’s Range Heritage Tea Rooms

After working up an appetite at Castle Hill, head to Harvey’s Heritage Tea Rooms, one of the top-rated coffee places in town. Try their famous Kopi Luwak Coffee, or book a Hi-Tea and enjoy their Victorian selection of cakes, savouries, scones and sandwiches.

Reef Trips Townsville

4. magnetic island.

A visit to North Queensland is incomplete without a magnetic island day trip from Townsville. You can get there by SeaLink’s reliable ferry , which operates daily and is affordable at $39 per person return.

Start your tour by renting a car to explore more of the Island. There are 23 incredible bays to discover during your magnetic island day trip from Townsville. The island is a beautiful place to explore for a day or a few days if you want to take your car and van over.

The most popular ones include Alma Bay (for the crystal-clear waters and healthy reef), Geoffrey Bay (more reef and friendly wallabies), and Horseshoe Bay (for kayaking to secluded bays and reefs).

Remember that rental vehicles aren’t allowed to pass further than The Forts car park, so check the rules before renting.

5. The Underwater Museum At The Great Barrier Reef

Townsville offers some of the best reef trips from Townsville to the Great Barrier Reef, including the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA). Jason deCaires Taylor, the world’s leading underwater sculptor, built this stunning underwater museum to bring awareness to reef preservation.

There are several day tours to take you there. Experience Oz has a fantastic 10-hour trip, including snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef (diving 20 meters deep) and also offers pickups from a few locations in Townsville.

6. Yongala Wreck Dive Trip

If you’re an experienced diver and want to explore the Great Barrier Reef from Townsville, you’ll enjoy the SS Yongala dive , which is one of the world’s top 10 dives. Kev’s done this dive and thoroughly enjoyed the day.

The Yongala was a luxury passenger steamship that sank off Cape Bowling Green in 1911 and wasn’t found for decades. It now rests within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Because the area is remote (almost 3 hours away), the wreck is populated with rich, colourful marine life.

Due to the depth, you’ll need an Open Water Diver license or six logged dives to access it. You can choose your pickup spot in Townsville, and the tour company’s team will pick you up in the vessel, brief you and send you with a dive leader to the wreck.

Kev did the Yongala dive a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. He saw the largest number of sea snakes he’s ever seen diving there.

Self-Drive Day Trips From Townsville

7. paluma range national park & crystal creek.

One of the shortest day drives from Townsville, this national park has many tracks to hike. Cloudy Creek Circuit is the most well-known, with its stunning waterfalls and panoramic views.

You also have the pristine Paluma Dam. If you love wildlife, you’ll get to spot rare creatures like the Lumholtz’s tree kangaroo and vibrant bird species!

Crystal Creek is also near – just 30 minutes in, on your way back to Townsville. The creek’s refreshing atmosphere is great for picnicking or simply lounging on the banks.

8. Wallaman Falls

If you have time for a longer journey, check out Wallaman Falls, the tallest single-drop waterfall in Australia. It falls a stunning 268 metres!

The drive is also enjoyable as you’ll pass through eucalyptus and tropical rainforests. Park your car in the parking, from where you’ll walk a little higher to get an excellent view of the falls. To get to the waterfall’s base, climb the Djyinda Track. It’s challenging, but the views are worth it.

9. Charters Towers

Charters Towers offers a step back in time for history and culture enthusiasts. The historic gold-mining town has well-preserved 19th-century architecture and museums.

Stroll along the ancient Gill Street or visit the Venus Gold Battery to soak in the region’s history.

10. Cardwell Spa Pools

Cardwell Spa Pools are a hidden oasis amid lush rainforests. The rushing water of Cardwell Creek forms the natural rock pools. This nature spa has crystal-clear water and is great for a relaxed day.

The water is heated naturally from underground springs! What more does one need?

Day Tours From Townsville (Paid Tours)

 11. helicopter flight.

For a truly unforgettable experience, take to the skies with a helicopter ride from Townsville. Soar above Magnetic Island, Cleveland Bay, Coral Sea and Ross River with the 30-minute Magnetic Island flight .

Choose the 45-minute Cape Cleveland and Bowling Green Bay flight if you have time. You’ll get an incredible aerial view of the region’s historic Cape Cleveland lighthouse and the Bowling Green National Park with its abundant bird life, and the full view of the city.

12. Orpheus Island

One of the best Great Barrier Reef trips from Townsville is Orpheus Island. You can get there by the affordable Sealink ferry we discussed above. The Island has everything, from wellness retreats to diving, hiking and snorkelling amongst the turtles and sharks.

There’s also an all-inclusive luxury resort, ‘Orpheus Island Lodge,’ where you can explore the reef and its surroundings in an exclusive environment. It’s only accessible by helicopter, though. And if you go, it’ll probably be more than a day trip.

Places to Visit Near Townsville

13. bowen beaches.

Bowen Beach is an excellent option for driving day trips from Townsville. It’s worth mentioning for its stunning beaches, including Queens Beach and the stunning Horseshoe Bay with its wonderful caravan park.

It’s not as popular as some other places on this list, but if you’re passing the East Coast, do stop to try the famous Bowen mangoes, take a photo at the Big Mango, and buy some frozen mangoes at the tourist information centre.

[Free Low Cost And Paid]

Day Fishing Trips Townsville

14. hinchinbrook island & channel.

Hinchinbrook Channel is a great place for fishing enthusiasts to go fishing, boating, and exploring mangrove-lined estuaries. Get an early start because you’ll need to drive 140km to the Dungeness Boat Ramp, located near the coastal town of Lucinda. 

You’ll board your pre-booked water taxi or ferry to Hinchinbrook Island from there. Spend the day fishing, relaxing by the channel, or trying the island’s challenging hikes.

There aren’t any hotels or restaurants in this wild paradise, so pack snacks.

Note: If you plan to camp, you must obtain a camping permit, as access to the island is restricted. Permits can be obtained through the Queensland National Parks website .

15. Ross River

If driving 140km to Lucinda doesn’t appeal to you, don’t worry. You can fish within the city, at Ross River. This river offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and picnicking opportunities. There are also scenic walking and biking trails along the riverbank to take advantage of.

Final Thoughts

That’s all from our side on the best day trips, Townsville. We hope you enjoy the quaint town and its surroundings as much as we did! If you’re planning a lap of Australia, check out our FREE Australian Road Trip Planner . We built it to help caravanners, campers and travellers like you have better adventures.

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11 Sea and SELF DRIVE Day Trips from Townville

After spending a few days exploring Townsville, we suggest making time for at least a few of these sea and self-drive day trips. Choose your own North Queensland adventure with rugged landscapes, tropical rainforests, epic waterfalls, and dreamy islands.

Once you’ve worked your way through our 15 free and fun things to do in Townsville , there’s still plenty to explore with these accessible one-day journeys. If you’re not already on a road trip, then grab a rental car and hit the highway with all drives under 2.5 hours. We’ve also added a few water-based activities, so you can choose how to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef.

Day Trip 1: Magnetic Island

Day trip 2: whale watching tour, day trip 3: great barrier reef and moua trip, day trip 4: ss yongala wreck dive, day trip 5: mount inkerman scenic lookout and bowen, day trip 6: pipers lookout and herveys range heritage tea rooms, day trip 7: charters towers, day trip 8: paluma range national park, day trip 9: ingham and wallaman falls, girringun national park, day trip 10: cardwell and cardwell spa pool, day trip 11: hinchinbrook island.

This post contains affiliate links. Our full disclosure policy  is here.

Day trips from Townsville By Car

Magnetic Island is one of our top picks for Australian island holidays . However, if you only have one day, there are several affordable and easy-to-purchase packages with SeaLink.

• Ferry to Magnetic Island return (from $39.50 per adult)
• Ferry to Magnetic Island, a drink, and all-day car hire (from $111 per 2 adults)
• Ferry to Magnetic Island and Aquascene Snorkel Tour

Check the Sealink QLD website for the full details, including concession rates and family passes.

While visiting Magnetic Island, we used the Sunbus to travel end-to-end from Picnic Bay to Horseshoe Bay. Getting off at The Forts, we walked along the short trail while spotting sleeping koalas in tree branches close to the ground. From The Forts car park, you can continue walking along Radical Bay Road to access Arthur Bay (700 m), Florence Bay (1.8 km) and Radical Bay (3 km) before finishing with a cold beer at Horseshoe Bay.

Local tip: Take plenty of water for your walks. There is a refill point near The Forts walk, but we didn’t find any along Radical Bay Road. The walk from The Forts car park to Horseshoe Bay via Radical Bay Road can take over two hours without stopping.

If choosing a hire car, keep in mind that vehicle access for these rental cars is not allowed beyond The Forts car park to Arthur, Florence and Radical Bays. All the beaches are uniquely beautiful, and this section is especially remote if you are looking to escape the crowds.

Distance from Townsville: Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal on Magnetic Island is 13 km by sea from Breakwater Terminal in Townsville. The SeaLink ferry takes approximately 30 minutes.

If your Townsville holiday coincides with whale season, between mid-July and late August, why not take a whale watching tour? In the peak season, SeaLink has a 99% success rate of spotting these gentle giants. The three-hour boat tour includes morning or afternoon tea, depending on the time of day. 

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s most extensive living coral system stretching 2,300 kilometres along the coastline as far south as Bundaberg. While in Townsville, there are multiple ways to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef, such as a scenic helicopter, snorkelling off Magnetic Island or scuba diving at the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA).

MOUA is Australia’s only underwater museum. It was created by the world’s leading underwater sculptor, Jason deCaires Taylor, to help support reef restoration. There are a number of day trips to MOUA’s largest installation, The Coral Greenhouse. This includes snorkelling or scuba diving up to 20 meters in the coral reef , then scuba diving at the world heritage-listed MOUA. 

Experienced divers will be thrilled to add the SS Yongala wreck dive to their Townsville list. The SS Yongala sank off Cape Bowling Green in 1911 and now rests within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Due to the remoteness of the location and the age and size of the structure, it’s home to an abundance of marine life.

This makes it one of the world’s top 10 dives. SeaLink’s day trip to the SS Yongala is for divers with an Open Water Diver license and a minimum of six logged dives. 

Bowen is an unexpected treat and one of our favourite North Queensland day trips. The regional town has a sleepy feel to it with wide empty streets during the hot days. You’ll find the locals cooling down in the crystal blue waters of Horseshoe Bay Beach in the afternoon or boisterously clinking beer glasses at the Grand View Hotel by night.

Here are a few other recommendations for your day trip to Bowen:

• Stop at Mount Inkerman Scenic Lookout on your way down from Townsville
• Visit the giant mango at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre
• Pick up the tourism guidebook at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre and follow the street art trail
• Walk the Mother Beddock Loop (4.6 km) including Rose Bay, Murray’s Bay, and Gray’s Bay
• See the best views of Horseshoe Bay Beach from Rotary Lookout
• Grab a coffee and cake at Le Sorelle Coffee House

Local tip: Watch the sunset from Watertank Lookout Point. This is not in the guidebook, but provides incredible 360-degree views of both the coast and farmlands.

Distance from Townsville: Bowen is 200 km from Townsville, with Mount Inkerman Scenic Lookout on the way. The entire drive takes approximately 2.5 hours.

For a shorter day trip with a relaxing drive through the mountains, check out Herverys Range Heritage Tea Rooms . The building was established in 1865 as the Eureka Hotel and has changed many hands before being restored and reopened as Herveys Range Heritage Tea Rooms in 2005. 

They have an all-day breakfast menu, but the real draw card is the scones! We shared one plane scone with plum jam and cream, finding the portion size satisfying for two people. You can also order flavoured scones with a variety of sweet and savoury. Wash it down with a pot of tea or a hot cup of coffee.

Local tip: Herveys Range Heritage Tea Rooms is often fully booked, especially on weeks and during peak season. Call ahead to make a reservation to avoid missing out.

After a delicious morning tea, take a stroll along the grassy walkway throughout the property. This gentle 1.5 km trail is well signed, sharing plenty of historical tidbits and taking you via a pond. 

Distance from Townsville:  The entire drive takes approximately 45 minutes. Herveys Range Heritage Tea Rooms is 45 km from Townsville, with Pipers Lookout on the way.

Take a day trip to the Australian outback and former gold rush town of Charters Towers. This historic town is best explored on foot with over sixty heritage-style buildings on or around Mosman and Gill Streets. On Mossman Street, you’ll also find the Charters Towers Visitor Information Centre, which is the starting point for the Ghosts of Gold Heritage Trail . 

The Towers Hill Lookout is a five-minute drive south of the town center, providing the best views, engaging storyboards, WWII bunkers, and picnic tables to enjoy a packed lunch.

Distance from Townsville: Charters Towers is 137 km from Townsville and takes approximately 1.5 hours by car.

Once you start heading North of Townsville along the Bruce Highway, you’re on The Great Green Way . This patch of highway from Townsville to Cairns has been dubbed nature’s playground due to the high concentration of natural attractions, tropical islands, and national parks.

One of the first national parks you’ll encounter is Paluma Range National Park in the southern part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area . Being in the dry end of the tropics, you may notice that the forests are different with hoop pines compared to kauri pines in the northern Wet Tropics.

Paluma Range National Park has enough waterfalls, walking tracks, and viewpoints to keep you occupied for days. However, if you are short on time, we’d recommend Little Crystal Creek, Big Crystal Creek, and Jourama Falls as they are closer to the road and require less driving time.

• Little Crystal Creek: A freshwater creek framed by a stone arch bridge built in the 1930s. Take a refreshing dip in the swimming holes below the waterfalls
• McClellands Lookout: From the car park, it’s just a 300 m walk to McClellands Lookout with views of Halifax Bay and the Palm Islands
• Cloudy Creek Falls: This 4 km track begins close to McClellands and leads to a small series of waterfalls.
• Birthday Creek Falls: A short 1 km walk to Birthday Creek Falls where you can swim at the base of the waterfall.
• Big Crystal Creek: There are two main attractions at Big Crystal Creek. The Rockslides walking track is 400 m return to swimming holes with smooth rocks that act as natural slides. Then Paradise Water Hole is a wider pool of water where you can snorkel to see fish and turtles
• Jourama Falls : After turning off the Bruce Highway, there is a short 6 km drive to the day area which includes 3 km of gravel road and a small water crossing. We visited in a 2WD in September without issues but it may be more difficult in the wet season. There is a 3 km track to Jourama Falls lookout. Visitors also walk through riverbeds to swim upstream in the rock pools.

Distance from Townsville: Jourama Falls is the further point north from Townsville at 93 km and is about a one hour and fifteen-minute drive.

Next on The Great Green Way is the town of Ingham – not related to Ingham’s Chickens. This is a proud cane growing region with a strong history of Italian immigration. A visit to Mercer Lane Mosaics is a fun way to learn about Ingham. While you’re here, visit TYTO Wetlands and Parklands for spotting birds and agile wallabies.

Driving west from Ingham, it’s another hour to reach Wallaman Falls. This is the highest permanent, single-drop waterfall in Australia. After parking in the day-use area for the Wallaman Falls lookout, we recommend taking the Djyinda walk, which ends at the base of the falls. It’s a steep 3.2km return track but well worth it for the heart-thumping view at the bottom. For a gentler walk, there’s the 800m return Banggurru track close to the camping area.

Distance from Townsville: Ingham is 112 km, with Wallaman another 51 km from Townsville. The entire drive takes approximately two hours and fifteen minutes one way.

Another 53 km north of Ingham is the coastal town of Cardwell. Walk the Cardwell Jetty and foreshore, enjoying the views of Rockingham Bay and Hinchinbrook Island. Along the path, there are memorials and sculptures, including three large Bagu, which were inspired by the fire-making of the Traditional Owners of North Queensland. 

Cardwell is a great place to stop for lunch, with many local restaurants and takeaways. We recommend Jesse’s Cardwell Pies. He parks his van closer to the southern end of the foreshore and usually sells out of his delicious pastries by 1 pm. 

Local tip: During the dry season, the Cardwell Spa Pool can look more like a brown puddle so check recent reviews on Google Maps before going.

The Cardwell Forest Drive is 26 km if you complete the entire loop with stops at Cardwell Lookout, Attie Creek Falls, Dead Horse Creek, and Cardwell Spa Pool. As we were short of time and cautious of the gravel road with a 2WD, we only visited Cardwell Spa Pool from Ellerbeck Road. This swimming hole is mainly well known because of its striking blue colour when full. 

Distance from Townsville: Cardwell Spa Pool is the further point north of Townsville at 175 km and is about a two-hour drive. 

Australia has so many wild and wonderful islands; it’s hard to know which ones are deserving of a full day of your holiday itinerary. What makes Hinchinbrook unique is the Jurassic-like landscape and cloud-covered mountains. There are no resorts or restaurants in this completely undeveloped paradise. Only remote camping areas with a maximum of 40 people are allowed at one time.

In the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, Hinchinbrook is most well-known for the 32km Thorsborne Trail. This is one of the best multi-day hikes in the world and top 10 in Australia . The Thorsborne trail is usually completed over four days, starting at Ramsay Bay in the north and ending at George Point at the island’s south end.

Day-trippers can also visit Hinchinbrook is with a fishing charter company.

Distance from Townsville: A day trip from Townsville to Hinchinbrook Island will require an especially early start. You’ll need to drive 140km to the Dungeness boat ramp to board your vessel, which takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes. All Westofish trips to Hinchinbrook Island depart at 7 am unless a private tour is booked. 

About the Author:  Chantell Collins is a Pinterest Advertising Consultant, eco enthusiast, and occasional Travel Writer. Her work has been featured in Skyscanner, Yahoo, MSN, and many more. After living abroad for almost ten years, she’s renewing her affection for Australia through slow travel . 

Got a question? Head over to our Australia Travel Tips Facebook Group and ask a local.

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Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Townsville or Magnetic Island

TICKET PRICES STARTING FROM

Taxes and fees will be calculated at checkout

Join a professional crew aboard a custom-built vessel for snorkeling, an introductory diving with an experienced instructor, or two certified dives in the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This day trip takes you from Townsville or Magnetic Island to the Central Section of the Great Barrier Reef, where you get the chance to see reef fish, sea turtles, stingrays, reef sharks and more up close. Snorkel equipment is included.

Ticket Options

2 Options Available

Certified Dive Townsville: $404

Check-in at Breakwater Marina at 7am for approx. 7:30am departure. Includes two certified dives with all diving equipment

Snorkel Townsville: $304

Check-in at Breakwater Marina at 7am for approx. 7:30am departure. Includes snorkeling equipment

Ticket Information

• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking

What's Included

• Demonstrations and instructions on snorkeling techniques
• Use of Snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel, fins and full-length suit)
• Reef Ecology talks to enhance your experience
• Use of Floating Devices for Novice (pool noodles, life rings, vests with air)
• Iced water, cordial, tea and coffee throughout the day
• Transport to the Central Section of the Great Barrier Reef

What's not Included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Snorkel Guide
• Dive Guide - compulsory for divers with less than 10 logged dives

Cancellation Policy

• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Additional Info

• Wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Minimum age is 6 years for Snorkelling and 12 for Discover Scuba Diving
• Certified divers must present proof of certification to crew on board on the day
• Introductory divers MUST fill out a basic medical form prior to their dive. Some existing medical conditions may not allow you to dive
• Please wear your swimwear and bring a towel, hat, sunscreen and camera
• Heights, weights and shoe sizes MUST be advised at time of booking

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15 Best Day Trips From Townsville With Hidden Gems

If you’re going on an East Coast of Australia road trip, let us introduce the best day trips from Townsville. Make plans for your North Queensland trip to stop off at some of these awesome hidden gems, and it could easily be the highlight of your entire trip! Whilst many people skip Townsville and head over to Magnetic Island, stop by for a few nights as your base, so you can take advantage of the best day trips from Townsville.

This post is brought to you by Townsville local, Abbie Gatherum. She lives in her van called Atlas and has been exploring many of the best places to visit in Australia. Make sure you check out her blog One World Wanderer and her Instagram @oneworldwanderer .

Table of Contents

Finding Things To Do In Townsville

Townsville is a destination which is glazed over by most who visit North Queensland. It’s a place that often serves as a fuel stop and a break between the long drive from Airlie Beach to Cairns. But, while most people would just pass through, Townsville is a spot that should be on everybody’s radar!

You’ll find so many things to do in Townsville. Think of islands on par with the tropical islands of the Caribbean and misty rainforest towns with secluded and tranquil waterfall gems even the locals aren’t aware of. Discover country towns that embody the true meaning of country living only a heartbeat away, and not to mention the largest World Heritage Site in the world, the Great Barrier Reef is just off the shore!

With so many incredible day trips from Townsville to discover, as a local, I’m going to share some of the best with you in this article.

1. Visit Magnetic Island

20minute ferry ride from Townsville

When it comes to day trips from Townsville, Magnetic Island, or ‘Maggie’ as the locals say, is an absolute must visit. It’s a popular destination for backpackers in Australia, but it also packs a punch for holidays for Aussies too. With it being just a 20 minute ferry ride away from the Townsville Terminal via Sealink Queensland, it’s an easy place to getaway from it all.

I recommend starting your day at Alma Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in North Queensland. There are lifeguards on duty year-round, crystal clear water, giant boulders to climb, and a healthy fringing reef that follows the rocks on either side of the bay. Adjacent to Alma Bay is Geoffrey Bay, home to more reef, and an abundance of stingrays and rock wallabies. We recommend taking a stroll around here to feed the rock wallabies and watch the stingrays float gracefully by the shore, however if possible, dusk is the best time to do so.

Horseshoe bay is the next stop on the list. Here you can swim, hire jet skis and kayaks, and take a hike to one of the more secluded bays. If you are someone who loves the water, hiring a one-hour kayak is a great way to explore some of the more hidden Coral bays nearby. There is also the option for hiking to even more secluded bays from Horseshoe.

Strap on your hiking shoes and venture into the gumtrees to explore Balding Bay (a nude beach) and Radical bay (the most stunning crystal waters). Access to this 4-km trail can be found on the far right side of the bay. After a delicious pub meal at the Marlin Bar Tavern in Horseshoe Bay, we recommend tackling the 4km Forts Walk- a fascinating historic WWII complex that was used between 1943 and the end of the Pacific War in 1945. The 360-degree rainforest and reef views here are stunning. Just don’t forget to look up; the path is home to one of the largest numbers of koalas in Australia!

If you are planning on visiting Magnetic Island for a longer period of time, additional spots to visit would include Picnic Bay and Bungalow Bay Koala Sanctuary where you can have breakfast with the Koalas. And don’t forget to the famous cane toad races on Wednesday nights, held at The Arcadia Hotel.

Read Our Magnetic Island Guides 30 Best Things To Do On Magnetic Island 2021 Why You Need To Experience Cane Toad Racing In Magnetic Island

2. Indulge In The Luxury Orpheus Island

Discover the luxury Great Barrier Reef Island called Orpheus Island, located just 80km north of Townsville. Although you might be thinking it’s going to cost a fortune to visit, you can actually take an Orpheus Island day trip with Sealink Queensland. Orpheus Island is the kind of place that should be on your Australia bucket list. They hold wellness retreats here as it’s got the kind of vibe to get away from it all in paradise.

You’ll have access to morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea, scientific presentations on the biology of the reef, as well as plenty of snorkelling and hiking. The tour allows you several hours of pure paradise exploring. Swim and snorkel amongst the turtles and sharks of the coral reef. Hike the tropical rainforest around the island with a guide, or relax under the shade of the palm trees.

The Orpheus Island day tour runs during the winter months during humpback whale season. If you happen to stumble upon migrating whales during your tour, most guides will meander around them so you can take photos!

If you choose to stay at the resort, you can only get there via helicopter, which is an opportunity to see the Great Barrier Reef in all its glory! The resort is all-inclusive and limited to 28 people at a time as a way of preserving the natural environment and keeping it exclusive and secluded.

3. Dive At Two Insane Great Barrier Reef Diving Spots

1h20m drive South // 100km

Discover two of the best place to dive in Great Barrier Reef, just off Townsville! With the first Museum Of Underwater Art in Australia (known as MOUA), and the best dive wreck in Australia at Yongala Dive, you’re literally spoilt for choice at these incredible sites to choose between.

The Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) is the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and acts as a platform to encourage discussion around reef conservation and restoration, as well as the indigenous history and their connection to the reef. The MOUA is located approximately 80k off Townsville on the John Brewer Reef and is essentially an underwater greenhouse with a beautiful mix of art and science. The structure is a staggering 72m and fringed by coral reef- able to be snorkelled and dived while on your tour.

The second-and equally unique- attraction along the Great Barrier Reef is the Yongala Dive site. This famous Great Barrier Reef dive site is 89km South-East of Townsville and is a world-famous shipwreck of what was once a luxury passenger steamship that sank during a cyclone.

In the early 1900s, the shipwreck disappeared with no survivors and wasn’t found for decades. It has since earned itself a reputation for being home to some of the best diving in Australia as it is mostly intact and now has a flourishing eco-system of underwater wildlife. While the site is a popular destination for many tourists, it is only accessible by those that have a dive certificate.

Check availability for Yongala Dive here on Get Your Guide.

4. Explore Paluma Range National Park Waterfalls & Walks

1h20m drive North // 85km

The Paluma village and rainforest is a very special place that is certainly worth visiting on a day trip from Townsville. Nestled in the misty rainforest the village is embedded in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and surrounded by National Parks.

The good news is, the weather is significantly cooler than the heat Townsville faces, so if you’re looking to cool down in the Summer months, it’s a good idea to head here. In many months of the year when the mountain is covered in mist, you can smell the smoke from wood stoves and backyard fires throughout the village.

While there aren’t tours that do day trip to Paluma, it is well worth hiring a car for a day and checking it out. If you choose to visit Paluma, the McClelland’s Lookout is one of the best spots to take it all in. The lookout is surrounded by picnic tables, toilets, and plenty of grassy areas for a picnic, so it is a great location to stop for a little while and take in the views. From McClelland’s Lookout, you can continue along the surrounding rainforest paths in several directions, but we recommend taking the Witt’s Lookout path which has both an upper and lower lookout worth visiting.

The tracks through the Paluma rainforest are abundant with rainforest life, including bush turkeys, and hundreds of species of birds. Be sure to take your time to appreciate the sounds and smells the place provides. Take the opportunity to discover some of the best Paluma National Park waterfalls including the stunning Cloudy Creek Falls, the Ethel Creek Falls, and the beautiful 20-metre cascading Birthday Creek Falls. I recommend making a day of it and packing plenty of food and water to get you through the adventuring!

5. Swim At Little and Big Crystal Creek

1h drive North // 75km

Did you know Little and Big Crystal Creek are two of the most popular day trips from Townsville? While you can pair these with your trip to the Paluma Rainforest, it is worthwhile doing them separately so you can fully appreciate both. These two are some of the best rainforest waterfalls in Townsville to swim in on hot days.

Big Crystal Creek is located 1 hour (approximately 70km) north of Townsville and is a large swimming hole and creek with crystal clear freshwater, rockslides, and a camping day-use area with picnic tables, toilets, and showers.

Little Crystal Creek, despite its name, is actually much bigger than its brother, Big Crystal Creek. The Little Crystal Creek area is further north, along the road to Paluma, and features a stunning waterfall, more rockslides, and an arched bridge that makes photo opportunities incredible.

As some of the best waterfalls in Queensland to swim in, with waterholes scattered along the river next to plenty of picnic seating, the best spots are the ones you find by meandering up the river a little bit. You can spend hours admiring the rainforest, watching the fish swim circles around you, and basking in the sunshine with refreshing water at your fingertips.

Make sure you pack plenty of snacks and water to combat the year-round North Queensland sun and ensure that the car is filled with enough fuel, as servo stations are limited along the Bruce Highway

6. Wander Up Jourama Falls

1h15m drive North // 95km

Jourama Falls is probably one of the most famous day trips from Townsville. Despite being a little over an hour from Townsville, it is well worth the trip, with many people often including this on their day trip to the two Crystal Creeks. However, a trip to Jourama falls should be one on its own. The falls are 99m tall and abundant in their secluded swimming holes.

When arriving at Jourama Falls in Townsville, you’ll find yourself next to campgrounds with normal camp amenities like a toilet. You wander through the rainforest on a 2km track over magical boardwalks and creeks that feel as though you’re stepping into another world. This track takes you up to the surrounding rocks nearby the falls. The track continues up to the falls lookout, or you can wander upstream to find a spot for a refreshing dip.

The Townsville day trip consists of relaxation, picnic foods, and swimming, and I recommend packing accordingly for all three. Finally, don’t forget to take a quick stop at Frosty Mango on the way home, just a few km up the road. The mango smoothies are to die for, with fresh, homegrown Bowen mangoes and the most delicious fruit ice cream of tropical flavours you’ll ever try. Don’t forget to take a snap in front of the giant mango either!

7. Marvel At The Incredible Wallaman Falls

2h drive North // 155km

Wallaman Falls in Queensland is one of the best places to visit on your East Coast of Australia road trip. It is Australia’s largest single drop waterfall and is located just around 2 hours from Townsville, outside of Ingham. The falls are magnificent and make for a once-in-a-lifetime day trip.

Located within the Girringin National Park, Wallaman Falls is in the mountains of the UNESCO World Heritage Wet Tropics, and although the drive may seem long, it is well worth it. Upon arriving at the falls, there is a lookout at the top where you get incredible views over the 268-metre tall single plugging waterfall. Due to the significant height and the volume of water North Queensland Tropics receives in the wet season, the mist often rises to coat the surrounding rainforest in clouds, but when it clears, it is a sight to behold.

Depending on your hiking ability, there is a 3.2km trail right down to the base of the falls. While the track is steep in sections and means climbing over slippery rocks, it winds through the rainforest and offers sneaky glances up at the waterfall above as you get closer and closer to it. And, when you reach the base, it makes every slippery step worth it. The views are absolutely incredible!

If you choose to do the hike, allow several hours to do it safely and still have some time at the bottom. Just make sure you travel prepared with enough food and water for the day, as well as swimmers and some sturdy hiking shoes.

8. Swim at Abergowrie State forest

1h50m drive North // 145km

The Abergowrie State Forest, located in the scenic Herbert River Valley is a beautiful day trip from Townsville which can be paired with your visit to Wallaman Falls. The forest is 2-hours from Townsville and is rarely visited by locals so is often a secluded and tranquil day spent solely amongst nature.

The state forest consists of an open eucalyptus forest, an exotic pine plantation, the winding Broadwater Creek and rest area. It is in the heart of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, near the Hinchinbrook channel. The day rest and camping area is a great spot to relax, swim, and have a picnic.

If you choose to visit Broadwater, you can cool off with a swim in the pools along Broadwater Creek, birdwatch in the rainforest, or take the 1.6km return walk through the rainforest to admire the magnificent Broadwater fig tree. Whatever you choose to do, be sure to take the time to listen to the sounds of the forest come alive around you.

9. Brunch At Hervey’s Range Heritage Tea Rooms

45min drive West // 50km

The Hervey’s Range Heritage Tea Rooms is one of the oldest buildings in Queensland and is one of the best day trips from Townsville. The tea rooms are located 30 minutes from Townsville along the Hervey’s Ranges and were a structure that was built in 1865 just one year after Townsville was settled.

Back in the days of the Goldrush, the tea rooms were a pivotal stopping point between Townsville and the Goldfields but now stands as a mountain-top café with an extensive garden. If you visit the tea rooms on a day trip from Townsville, make sure to stop at Piper’s Lookout on your way to the tea rooms for panoramic views over the town. There are a large variety of teas available, as well as a full brunch menu. If you choose to visit, make sure to try the scones. They are absolutely delicious.

10. Explore Country Town, Charters Towers

1h30m drive South West // 136km

When it comes to day trips from Townsville, nothing is better than adventuring into the heart of country Australia. Charters Towers, a small country town just one hour away from Townsville, is exactly that- and there is so much to do here. Charters Towers was an old gold mining town back in the gold rush days and was once one of the biggest and most thriving towns in all of Queensland.

To truly appreciate Charters Towers, dedicate at least two days for exploring. While the town itself has heritage-listed buildings and beautiful views, one of the highlights of Charters Towers is visiting the Texas Longhorns that are just 10km from the town at Leighton Park.

Leighton Park is home to Australia’s largest herd of purebred Longhorns and is a family-owned business that loves teaching locals about them. They offer a horse-drawn wagon ride that transports you back to the wild west. You can enjoy a traditional Australian meal of cooked damper and billy tea. Or, you can dress up in full cowboy gear and pretend you’re a true cowboy living in the country while admiring the magnificent animals.

One of the best things to do in Charters Towers which cannot be missed is the Tors Drive-In Cinema, the oldest drive-in theatre in Australia! It’s been open continuously since 1966! The drive-in theatre is also family-owned and aims to recapture the nostalgia of the drive-in era. They have a snack-bar with traditional drive-in foods, as well as two blockbuster movies each night to choose from. If you stay overnight, there is plenty of accommodation available, as well as free camping spots along the Burdekin River such as the popular Macrossan Bridge.

11. Visit Hinchinbrook Island

1h40m drive North (to the Hinchinbrook Lookout) // 128km

If there’s one place you should make the effort to visit when looking for day trips from Townsville, it’s Hinchinbrook Island. This incredible Queensland island looks like something from the dinosaur era. Although it’s famed for being home to the Thorsborne Trail, a four day hike…

…the 32km Great Walk is known as being one of the top ten walks in the world!

It’s not for the faint hearted though. You’ll need to carry everything for this difficult hike, including water and camping gear.

But, did you know you can do a Hinchinbrook Island day trip? You’ll need to book the Hinchinbrook Island day trip with Absolute North Charters. They offer an afforable day trip to Hinchinbrook Island, which will drop you off at the famous Zoe Bay. Climb up the steep 500 metres and you’ll be able to experience the best infinity pool in the world (in my eyes!).

12. Cardwell Spa Pools

2hr drive North // 175km

Cardwell Spa Pools became a bit of an Instagram institution! The turquoise waters are a sight to be seen! You’ll drive through the Cardwell Forest, before coming to the famous swimming hole in Queensland. Be careful if visiting during wet season as you might not make it to the pools if there is flooding along the river.

13. Enjoy The Beaches In Bowen

2h30m Drive South // 200km

Although Bowen is a 2h30m drive from Townsville, it’s worth mentioning because it’s home to some stunning beaches. Although the town is a little forgotten about, there’s a fantastic caravan park at the beautiful Horseshoe Bay. It’s becoming increasingly popular spot to stop off at on an East Coast road trip and has seen popularity on Instagram a lot recently.

Make sure you take a photo at The Big Mango when you come into town, and buy some frozen mango inside the tourist information centre there, it’s delicious!

Further Away

We’re adding in a couple of nearby places to include on your road trip in Queensland, which could also easily tag onto day trips from Townsville too.

14. Airlie Beach

3h30m drive from Townsville // 272km

Although Airlie Beach and Whitsundays are a good 3h30m drive from Townsville, it’s worth mentioning. If you’re looking for places to visit in Queensland, or places to visit on East Coast of Australia, you’ll more than likely stop off in Airlie Beach on your travels to visit Whitsundays.

With plenty of things to do in Airlie Beach and Whitsundays, you could easily spend a good five days here. Check out some of our guides below for inspiration:

Check Out Our Airlie Beach And Whitsundays Guides 37 Best Things To Do In Airlie Beach & Whitsundays 21 Best Whitsundays Tours In 2021 (The Ultimate Guide) Is Ocean Rafting Whitsundays Day Trip Worth It?

15. Mission Beach

2h50m drive North // 235km

Whilst many people drive straight from Townsville to Cairns, definitely stop off in Mission Beach. This little gem of a place is home to the famous cassowary animal. You’ll see loads of signs in and around town asking you to be careful whilst driving around as they often pop out of the trees and onto the road with their babies. This is one of the only places in Australia you might be lucky enough to spot them.

There’s loads of beaches in Mission Beach to choose from, hikes and so much more!

Big thanks to Abbie for sharing her favourite places to visit near Townsville. If you would like to share your hidden gems, or favourite experiences in Australia, simply fill out our Write For Us form here.

15 Best Day Trips From Townsville

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Australian Geographic Adventure

Gone troppo: Hike and bike Townsville and Magnetic Island

“The best thing about a holiday is having nothing to do and all day to do it in!” Well, so reads the motivational poster at the Island Leisure Resort on beautiful Magnetic Island. But as I walked past this quote for the third time that day, I couldn’t help thinking that I totally disagree with its sentiment. Having just spent seven days in the dry tropics of Townsville and Magnetic Island with Australian Cycle Tours , I reckon I’ve found the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, finding plenty to do and having all day to do it!

Exploring the Ross River

Flying into Townsville, I was immediately struck by the mountainous surrounds to the city. In addition to the domineering figure of Castle Hill in the centre of the city, your eye is drawn to the distant Paluma Ranges and across the ocean to the hills of Magnetic Island . 

The hills, however, would have to wait for another day as our first morning began early, at 7.00am, as we met our guide, Julia. The cycle tour runs during the dry season, from May to October, and as we were getting a pre-season preview of the tour our days would be starting earlier than usual to beat the worst of the lingering summer heat. After a short walk through Queens Park, we arrived at tour headquarters to collect our metal steeds in the form of electric bicycles, equipped with pannier bags for carrying our gear. 

After a quick lesson in e-bike use, we mounted up and traversed across town to the impressive new Queensland Country Bank Stadium and the start of our Ross River ride. From here on out the ride was 90% bike path, which made for a very pleasant and quiet time. The electric assistance also allowed our small group to comfortably ride and chat throughout the morning, taking the pressure off ‘keeping up’ with each other. The Ross River meanders south-west from the city, bringing the views of Mount Stuart ever closer. We saw plenty of wildlife along the riverside, with curlews, rainbow bee-eaters, egrets, wallabies and river turtles being the most frequent.

By mid-morning, we were ready for breakfast (second breakfast for some) so we stopped at the Palmetum, which holds the largest collection of palms in the southern hemisphere. Walking through the cooling shades of the palms was a welcome break from the morning heat and we followed our stroll with food and coffee at the historic Tumbetin Lodge Cafe. Refuelled, we continued along the river, before crossing over and returning to the city on the other side. 

Today had been a relatively cruisy pedal up and down the river, but it was a great way to introduce us to our group, to the bikes, and to the week ahead. We arrived back to our waterfront hotel around lunchtime with a free afternoon ahead of us. 

High on the misty mountain

Another early heat-beating start saw us loading up the tour truck with our bikes and driving about 90 minutes out of Townsville and into Paluma Range National Park . Called ‘Munan Gumburu’ by the indigenous Nywaigi people, which means misty mountain, it’s immediately apparent how the area got its name as we ascend the ranges into the cool and cloudy embrace.

Seventeen kilometres of winding mountain road brings us to the top, where we unload our bikes at the small settlement of Paluma Village. Today’s ride is vastly different to yesterday, as we navigate quiet roads through the forest. The route is also considerably more undulating and I’m not ashamed to say that I kicked my bike into high gear to help with some of the sections – the power’s there to be used, right! 

We stopped to enjoy the sweeping views across Star Valley before continuing on to check out a huge example of a strangler fig ( banyan ) in action. According to our guide, there are many walking trails around Paluma, but they aren’t particularly well signposted, to say the least, so we were relying on his local knowledge as we locked our bikes to a tree and entered a narrow footpad into the trees. We were following a trail to Ethel Creek Falls, and while hiking the misty mountain air turned to proper rain, the weather was clearly keen to show us that we’d entered the cusp of the wet tropics.

Despite being advertised as a cycle tour, I was relishing the opportunity for the hike as it got us off the road and into the forest. As we reached Ethel Creek, we were met with a bit of rock hopping and a rope assisted descent down the side of a waterfall to the base of the falls. This was a beautiful spot, despite the drizzling rain and felt like a proper tropical oasis in the forest. Never one to pass up a wild swim, a couple of us took the opportunity for a refreshing dip, while our guide unpacked an excellent morning tea of scones, cream, jam and hot coffee! 

Refreshed, we ascended back up the side of the waterfall, collected our bikes and returned to base. Another free afternoon was spent exploring The Strand (Townsville’s waterfront), swimming in the rock pool and checking out the local night market.

Townsville’s Town Common

All too soon we’d reached our final morning in Townsville, but don’t feel sorry for us as we were heading out for a morning ride before catching the ferry across to Magnetic Island for the next part of our tour. With our bags packed and collected by one of our guides, we cycled away from our hotel and up The Strand heading for an area known as the Town Common, aka, the Pallarenda wetlands. 

As we made our way along the coastline, we got to see another aspect of Townsville as we passed many sandy beaches, although being the end of ‘stinger season’ the beaches weren’t as busy as they will be once the ocean is reopened for swimming. Nearing the wetlands, I couldn’t help but think back to my taxi ride after landing in Townsville. The taxi driver was a born and bred Townsvillian and she had confidently assured me that there are always crocodiles in the wetland area! Although I think she enjoys giving out these warnings to holiday makers as one of the other tour members had been treated to this crocodile story and many more.

Regardless, it was with some trepidation that I found myself pedalling into the Town Common as it certainly had a croccy feel to it; marshy wetlands that looked like prime stomping grounds for a croc or two. As we pedalled, I was acutely aware that my eyes were constantly scanning the undergrowth, while also watching for bumps on the dirt trail and again looking in the trees for wildlife. Not the easiest of rides.

After calming down a little, I began to enjoy the area, which apparently was a lot more overgrown than usual, with many more reeds and greenery in the usually open wetlands. We stopped for another morning tea of homemade snacks and coffee, before exiting the wetlands and cycled to Cape Palleranda Conservation Park. Here we visited an old World War II command and observation post, with sweeping views back towards Townsville city, Castle Hill and across to Magnetic Island.

We cycled back to the city, with time for lunch and another swim in the rock pool, before collecting our luggage and catching the ferry the short distance across to Magnetic Island. 

Maggie Island and West Point

Switching location mid-tour helped make our time on Magnetic Island feel like a holiday within a holiday and I found myself getting swept up in the holiday spirit of the island. Waterfront restaurants, backpackers and open-topped ‘Barbie’ cars certainly added to the tropical island feel to the place.

Magnetic Island is 75 per cent national park and home to around 1000 koalas. So as we began our cycle tour to West Point my eyes were no longer worriedly searching the undergrowth for crocodiles, but scanning the tree tops for a glimpse of grey fur. After a short pedal along the road from the harbour, we quickly passed by three of Magnetic Islands 23 beaches, Nelly Bay, Picnic Bay, and Rocky Bay, before detouring to Cockle Bay. Here you can look back towards Townsville, watch the large birds of prey circling and look across to the S.S City of Adelaide – a famous shipwreck lying in the bay. Best enjoyed on a boat or kayak tour, is was still cool to catch a glimpse of the shipwreck from the beach.

The road from Cockle Bay to West Point was a quiet stretch of dirt road, that tourists aren’t allowed to bring hire cars down, so we mostly had the track to ourselves. The road wound along the coastline, with plenty of shade on offer by the lush forest. We didn’t see any koalas, but there were several creek crossings to navigate, adding an extra splash of fun to the ride. After a brief stop, we returned to Picnic Bay to explore the jetty and the beach; it was a little windy otherwise we’d also have enjoyed a swim within the stinger net. Meanwhile our guide was preparing our final morning tea as this was the last bike ride for the week. 

Coffee fuelled and e-bikes turned on to full power, we sped back to the harbour to wave goodbye to our guide, already making plans for our next day and a half of ‘leisure’ on Magnetic Island.

The Forts Walk

With a free afternoon ahead of me, I decided to head out to tackle the Forts Walk, having heard from several friends that it was an absolute must-do on the Island. There’s only one major road on Maggie Island and the receptionist at Island Leisure Resort had advised us against cycling to the Forts Walk as you’re competing for space on the roads with the local bus and tourists. Instead, I further embraced the holiday spirit and for about $50 hired a scooter to get me around the island. 

With a big smile on my face, I set out towards the Forts Walk, detouring to Geoffrey Bay along the way to see the local rock wallabies that congregate on the headland. After spotting a couple of wallabies, which wasn’t difficult as there were plenty of tourists enticing them out of the rocks with carrots in hand – people are advised against feeding the wallabies, but carrots are among the food recommended for those that can’t resist the ‘need to feed’.

Seeing the wallabies was fun, but it was the koalas I was truly excited about, so I hopped back on the scooter and motored to the top of the hill and the start of the Forts Walk. The trail is a 4km round trip that trends upwards to a high point of the mountain where there are remains of World War II forts, constructed as early warning from the threat of Japanese bombers. After slowly scanning every tree I passed on the first section of the track, I then asked a friendly fellow tourist on their way down whether they’d spotted any koalas. Happily, they had, and they directed me another kilometre up the trail where they assured me I’d see an arrow marker made of sticks on the path, directing me to their koala sighting. 

Despite the helpful arrow to narrow down my search, it still took me a while of tree gazing to spot the koala, a sleepy adult and baby up the tree were the reward for my endeavours. Koala spotting satisfied, I continued the walk up the hill, enjoying wide reaching views across the island and down to the many bays visible from the summit. This was probably one of the high points, quite literally, of the entire trip and I was glad to have had the opportunity to check it out. 

Too windy to snorkel, so sailing it is

The next day, our final one of the tour, we were scheduled to spend the day with Aquascene on a snorkelling tour of the island. As Maggie sits within the Great Barrier Reef, this was due to be a magical experience, but unfortunately the winds were too high to make snorkeling an enjoyable and viable experience. However, Australian Cycle Tours were able to arrange an evening sailing trip instead, so I whiled away the day finally relaxing as the resort sign suggested and reading my book by the pool.

By evening, the winds had died down a little and we were collected from Horseshoe Bay by Pilgrim Sailing . They took us aboard their impressive sailing boat for a very memorable evening. We began with drinks in the bay before the captain dropped the sail and took us out towards the open water. As soon as we cleared the headland we were met by strong winds and the boat was soon zipping along, splashing water up the sides and giving us all a wild ride. With the sun setting behind the clouds, my hike along the Forts Walk was being heavily challenged for its title as most memorable part of the trip.

Nothing to do and all day to do it

As we caught the ferry back to Townsville the next day, ready to fly home, I reflected once more on the week gone by. I’d come to Townsville to enjoy a cycling holiday in a part of Australia that I hadn’t visited before, but it turned out to be so much more than a cycling holiday. If anything, it was a multi-sport adventure, coupled with a relaxing resort holiday all wrapped up in a beautiful tropical location. And I will be coming back.

The writer was a guest of Australian Cycle Tours . For more info on this tropical adventure, click here .

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