WHERE TO STAY
Most accommodation in Townsville is within walking distance to attractions. For those that aren’t there’s reliable public transport passing through regularly. Accommodation is also available on Magnetic Island.

WHAT TO DO
There are so many things to see and do in Townsville, it’s easy to lose track of time. Magnetic Island should be the first thing to tick off your list. Don’t feel obliged to join tours on the island if you’d rather go sight seeing or bushwalking. There are lots of different tours to choose from so the only problem is choosing one! 
Water sports are also popular through the year (thanks to those 300 sunny days,) with a choice of snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing or water skiing on offer.  You can also hire a yacht or join a tour to explore the sea, but keep on the lookout for dolphins, turtles, tropical fish and sea eagles that reside in the area.
Visitors can also admire the scenery from horseback along Horseshoe Bay, or by jumping out of a plane for a birds’-eye view.
Bus and taxi services regularly pass by but if you like your transport that little bit louder, jump on the back of a Harley Davidson and find out what the island looks like in top gear.
The fun doesn’t stop after dark with a Full Moon beach party held on the local shores every month.
Back on the mainland, Reef HQ makes for a great day-trip, featuring a living coral reef aquarium. The aquarium has been made to reflect the Great Barrier Reef and the creatures within it. Take a tour of the turtle rehabilitation and see Minty, the blue-eyed white turtle.
To get the blood pumping, you can also do the Fort Walk, which passes local landmarks that were built to protect the town during WWII.
But if relaxation is more your thing, a nice place to sit and watch the kids play is The Strand. There’s a playground loaded with things to do and it’ll give you time to relax as the little ones burn off some energy, before lunching on a picnic.
And If you hold an open water certificate, you’ll already know how important it is to visit the S.S Yongala, one of the worlds’ top shipwreck dives.

WHEN TO TRAVEL
Between April and September are the best months to visit, as they’re jam-packed with entertainment and things to do, having the best weather conditions.

TRANSPORT
Most visitors decide to fly to Townsville because of the 17-hour driving distance.
The airport is 5km from the centre of the city, so you can catch a taxi, bus or hire a car to get there.

For more information about Townsville, visit queenslandholidays.com.au