Townsville and North Queensland

Townsville is a vibrant region that encompasses beautiful coastal towns, rainforests, rugged Outback and country terrain.

But the appeal of this lovely region expands further from the city of Townsville…head in any direction and you’ll be rewarded.

The Great Barrier Reef sprawls to the east, the Outback......[More]

Townsville and North Queensland

Townsville is a vibrant region that encompasses beautiful coastal towns, rainforests, rugged Outback and country terrain.

But the appeal of this lovely region expands further from the city of Townsville…head in any direction and you’ll be rewarded.

The Great Barrier Reef sprawls to the east, the Outback beckons to the west, islands and rainforest entice to the north while sugar cane and mango farming communities tempt in the south. The opportunities for exploration invite you.

Lose yourself for a day, a week, or forever on Magnetic Island. You will notice that it’s like no other island getaway.

The contrasting landscape of this World Heritage listed island makes this natural destination truly distinctive. The rocky granite headlands fuse with the 23 bays and beaches studded with magnificent Hoop pine trees, creating a dramatic coastline.
Visible from the sea, Mount Cook hovers above the eucalypt woods and green vine forests. The island provides the perfect setting for a unique escape. Wake up each morning in the pristine ambience of Magnetic Island.

Over two-thirds of the island is protected National Park providing a haven for the native wildlife, like rock wallabies, possums, and over 100 species of birdlife. Magnetic Island is home to Northern Australia’s largest colony of koalas living in the wild.

Tropical fish and marine life live in the surrounding coral reefs and tranquil waters. Explore the land or the waters and discover the island’s unique surrounds.

Escaping to Magnetic Island is easy. Fly, drive or enjoy a rail experience to the Tropics. Then it’s just a leisurely 25-minute cruise across the bay from Townsville to the island.
When Captain Cook discovered the island in 1770 he believed that the island had a magnetic force that caused interference with his compass. Tests later on proved Captain Cook wrong, but the name Magnetic Island remains with visitors still abandoning their compass and losing themselves to this captivating island. [Less]