Townsville Travelers Recommend

The coastal Queensland town of Townsville attracts adventurous divers from across the globe thanks its close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. Using the town as your base camp puts memorable diving, snorkeling, and sailing adventures within easy reach. Here's what you need to know about Great Barrier Reef tours from Townsville.

Highlights

• SS Yongala, which sunk in 1911, is one of the Great Barrier Reef’s best dive sites. Colorful tropical fish, giant stingrays, and sea turtles swim through the wreckage.

• Shallower waters make Lodestone Reef, in the Outer Barrier Reef, suitable for novice divers and snorkelers, while also offering adventure to experienced divers.

• Those who prefer to stay on dry land can take a boat trip (by ferry or private yacht) to Magnetic Island, the only self-contained island in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

• You can charter a yacht from Townsville to sail around Magnetic Island for a few hours around sunset.

Things to Know

If you are a certified diver, be sure to bring proof of certification.

Most diving/snorkeling tours are full day—tours typically run between seven and nine hours long.

Lunch, as well as morning and afternoon tea, is included on most full-day tours.

Situated in the Great Barrier Reef, Magnetic Island is a must for active travelers and nature lovers, with more than half of its land designated as national park territory. The island is a breeze to access, as it’s just a short boat ride from Townsville on the mainland. Here’s what you need to know about Magnetic Island tours from Townsville.

Highlights

• Go snorkeling, sailing, Jet Skiing, or sea kayaking in one of the island’s many bays.

• Trek along the island’s network of walking trails, which offer views of turquoise bays, boulder-strewn shores, mangrove forests, and eucalyptus woodland. 

• Swim and soak up the sun at pristine, secluded beaches.

• Look out for native Australian wildlife, such as rock wallabies and koalas.

• Join a snorkel or diving cruise around the surrounding Great Barrier Reef Marine Park for a window onto a colorful underwater world. 

• Book a private cruise and spend the day sailing around the island’s scenic shoreline, swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and spending quality time with friends or family.

Things to Know

Magnetic Island is situated just 5 miles (8 kilometers) from Townsville on the Queensland mainland.

Both passenger and car ferries depart Townsville regularly for the 20- to 40-minute journey to Magnetic Island. 

Ferries leave from the Breakwater Terminal on Sir Leslie Thiess Drive and from the terminal on Ross Street in South Townsville and sail to Nelly Bay Harbour on Magnetic Island.

Purchase ferry tickets only and plan your own Magnetic Island adventure or opt for a guided boat tour with scheduled snorkeling and swimming stops.

Boasting easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, outdoor adventures, and a rich cultural scene, Townsville is an ideal destination for travelers looking to experience the best of Australia. Here’s how to explore the coastal city in 72 hours.

Day 1: See the Town’s Sights

Kick off your time in Townsville on a sightseeing tour that allows you to orient yourself and tick off some top sights at the same time. Tours typically take visitors through the Central Business District to Castle Hill viewpoint and along the beachfront promenade of The Strand. Along the way, guides provide historical and cultural background that you’re unlikely to find in the guidebook. Those with an interest in military history can take a tour focused on the Australian Army’s presence in town—key sites include Kissing Point Fort, Black Hawk Memorial, Lavarack Barracks, the Royal Australian Air Force Museum, and the Army Museum of North Queensland.

Afterward, get a different perspective of Townsville by soaring over the city on a helicopter tour. You’ll get unrivalled views of Castle Hill, the beaches of the Strand, and the lively Townsville Port—longer tours also pass over Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Day 2: Explore the Great Barrier Reef

Townsville is a great jumping off point for visiting the Great Barrier Reef, so make this your day to explore the world’s largest coral reef. Full-day boat tours from Townsville typically take you snorkeling or scuba diving, depending on your experience level, and visit places such as Lodestone Reef—home to stingrays, sea turtles, reef sharks, and tropical fish—and the well-preserved SS Yongala shipwreck, where you’ll hopefully spot sea turtles and whale sharks. Lunch, morning and afternoon tea, and use of all necessary equipment are generally included.

Back on dry land, head for the restaurant strip of Palmer Street for dinner. You’ll find restaurants serving cuisines that range from Australian and Thai to Greek and Italian.

Day 3: Visit Magnetic Island

Spend your final day exploring Magnetic Island; with ferries making the 20-minute journey more than a dozen times every day, it’s easy to get there but be sure to save your spot by booking in advance. If you have your own transport, board the ferry and explore the island at your own pace. If you’re on foot, hop on the local Magnetic Island bus service, which meets every ferry arrival and departure. You can hike almost 15 miles (24 kilometers) of walking trails, check out the bird sanctuaries, and hopefully spot some of the largest population of koalas in Northern Australia. 

Back in town, head to Palmer Street or the Strand for and a drink at one of the many restaurants and bars. If you’re keen for a bigger night out, head for the nightlife area of Flinders Street East.

Coastal Townsville boasts plenty of natural beauty in its tropical waters, but it's also ripe with history, thanks to more than 130 years of supporting Australia’s military defense. Explore the the history of Australia’s war heroes at top historical sights in Townsville. Here’s where to visit. 

Jezzine Barracks at Kissing Point Fort

Meander along coastal boardwalks through this heritage parkland to learn about the Australian military’s role in World War II. Placards and public artworks are situated near observation points at Kissing Point Fort, a historical landmark also significant to the local Aboriginal people.

Army Museum of North Queensland

Townsville is home to the country’s third largest Army brigade and Australia’s largest Army barracks. Located in the center of Jezzine Barracks, the three galleries of this military museum let you discover the role the Army in North Queensland played from the 19th century to contemporary conflicts.

Royal Australian Air Force Museum

Get up close to Australian fighter planes and other aircraft at the Air Force base. An enthusiastic group of volunteers staff the small museum, with interactive and informative displays on the history of the RAAF in Townsville. Ideal for aviator history buffs.

Black Hawk Memorial

Located in the Palmetum Gardens, the Black Hawk Memorial commemorates soldiers from the Special Air Service Regiment who were killed in a 1996 helicopter accident in Queensland. As a result of the nighttime collision, 18 aircrew and personnel were killed.

Lavarack Barracks

Home to Australia's largest defense base and the Army's Third Brigade, the Lavarack Barracks occasionally opens its doors to the public. At the barracks you can meet current members of the Australian Defence Force and learn about military life inside the garrison.

Maritime Museum

Learn about the Battle of the Coral Sea, which took place during WWII. In the Federation Gallery you find model battleships, and the Seafarers' Gallery showcases more maritime history. Visit a lighthouse, boat shed, gun deck, and a memorial to the Royal Australian Navy.