House of travel Queensland Brochure 2017 | Page 49

Townsville & Magnetic Island Townsville is a vibrant region with beautiful coastal towns, rainforest and country terrain. The outback beckons to the west and the Great Barrier Reef sprawls to the east. Take time to see this relatively undiscovered region and the unique World Heritage-listed Magnetic Island. With an average of 330 annual sunny days, it’s a perfect region to explore at your leisure. Arthur Bay, Magnetic Island © Tourism & Events Queensland Horseshoe Bay Cairns Magnetic Island National Park Bungalow Bay Koala Village Arthur Bay Magnetic Island Mission Beach West Point Nelly Bay Picnic Bay 7 days/6 nights Suggested Self-Drive Day 1: Cairns – Townsville (347km) Drive the Great Green Way Tropical from Cairns to Townsville. Along your journey, see the high country, amazing waterfalls, spectacular rainforests and quaint towns. Stop at Mission Beach, just over 1.5 hours’ drive south of Cairns. Mission Beach is an unspoilt tropical paradise of World Heritage rainforest fronting 14 kilometres of golden, sandy beach. Reef HQ Aquarium is the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium, this is a must-see on your visit to Townsville. Be amazed by the coral reef exhibit featuring over 120 fish species and 130 coral species! Visit the predator tank and join a daily tour to learn about the reef and endangered marine animals who call this aquarium home. Day 2: Townsville Begin your exploration in the thriving city of Townsville, the biggest tropical city in Australia. Visit exhibits in the Military and Maritime Museums and Forts of international importance. Head to Bushland Beach, located 25 minutes’ drive from Townsville. This is a stunning stretch of beach to explore, because at low tide an old wooden shipwreck is uncovered. Magnetic Island Day 3-6: Magnetic Island Today head to Magnetic Island (Maggie to the locals) just a 20 minute ferry ride away. Hike the Fort Walks and discover the history of Magnetic Island during WWII. Then onto Bungalow Koala Village, where a guided tour is a must. You can wrap yourself in a python, hold a lizard, small saltwater crocodile and get to know the icon of Magnetic Island – the koala. End the day with packing a little cheese and wine picnic and head to West Point to watch the sunset over Townsville. Bushland Beach Townsville Day 7: Magnetic Island – Townsville In the morning before you depart, board a tour departing from Nelly Bay. Your local guide will take you on an unforgettable island nature experience and show you sights that are only accessible by boat. Enjoy the tropical waters of North Queensland on a snorkel and fishing trip of Magnetic Island. Rental car: Hertz (Group C) from $75 per day Our favourite places to stay: • Oaks Gateway on Palmer, Townsville • Peppers Blue on Blue, Magnetic Island © Tourism Australia The price guide shown is per car hire based on 7 day hire rate. Specials and surcharges may apply depending on travel date 45