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
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