Top Townsville Outdoor Activities

Explore the beaches, bays and National parks of Magnetic Island with round-trip transport by catamaran from Townsville. Your flexible ferry tickets can be used any time within a month, so you can spend as long as you want swimming and snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park; hiking through the parklands; or partying at the island resorts.  

Soar over the city landmarks and natural wonders of Townsville or Cleveland Bay on this exhilarating helicopter tour. Choose a 10-minute flight over the city and take in unrivalled views of Castle Hill, the beaches of the Strand and the lively Townsville Port. Alternatively, upgrade to a 30-minute flight and enjoy magnificent aerial views of Cleveland Bay and Magnetic Island as you swoop over the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Get a more in-depth experience of Magnetic Island than most visitors on this tour, tailored to day trippers arriving on the morning ferry. See the island's top sights as well as some off-the-beaten-path spots, and learn about local wildlife, birds, history, geology, and folklore before heading back to the terminal in time for the ferry.

Looking for a new underwater challenge? Embark on an unforgettable full-day scuba diving adventure in the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, open only to certified divers. Dive amid schools of tropical fish, manta rays and sea snakes; explore the remarkably preserved SS Yongala shipwreck and spot sea turtles and whale sharks. This small-group tour has a maximum of 21 participants and includes two open-water dives, lunch on-board and transport from either Townsville or Magnetic Island.

Experience the magic of a sunset in Australia’s tropical north, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Great Barrier Reef. Set sail from Townsville and watch the color of the sky change to hues of pinks, yellows, and oranges as the sun sets over the azure waters.

There’s no better way to enjoy the natural landscapes of Hinchinbrook Island than during a scenic helicopter ride from Townsville. From above, you’ll absorb spectacular aerial views of the prehistoric paradise, characterized by dense rain forest, mangroves, white-sand beaches, and secluded coves, while listening to commentary from your pilot. Choose between morning or afternoon departure, and relish personalized attention on this small-group tour, limited to four passengers.

Take in views of Magnetic Island, Townsville, and Cleveland Bay that you would otherwise miss on land on a morning sail around Magnetic Island. Unlike many sailing tours, you won't have to battle large crowds as this one operates with a maximum of just six guests, making for a realxing and scenic start to the day.

Skip the crowded sailing tours on this small group lunchtime cruise around Magnetic Island. Sailing with a group of no more than six people means you won't have to battle for space and views. Plus, you can save money by bringing your own food and alcoholic beverages to enjoy onboard.

Make your experience of Townsville truly special by taking a 45-minute scenic helicopter ride over Cape Cleveland. In a group limited to four passengers, you’ll soar over Townsville’s coastline, the Cape Cleveland Lighthouse, and the Bowling Green Bay National Park. Absorb the region’s natural landscapes from above while your polite provides commentary via headsets. Choose between a morning and afternoon departure.  

Experience life on a live-aboard boat during this fun overnight trip. You'll spend a couple of hours sailing around, then put anchor to watch the sunset. Bring your own alcoholic drinks to enjoy. After a serene night at sea, wake in time for a glorious sunrise and recharge with breakfast. An easy way to have a sailing adventure if you don't know how to sail.

If you’re seeking a unique sightseeing experience of Palm Island, look no further than this scenic helicopter ride from Townsville. In a small group limited to four passengers, you’ll glide over Magnetic Island before tracing the trail of Palm Island’s archipelago. Listen to commentary delivered by your pilot via a headset and gain a holistic picture of the iconic Great Barrier Reef National Park.

A mature and highly-regarded local guide will provide friendly, entertaining commentary on hundreds of topics covering birds and wildlife, trees, geology, history and folklore on your tour of the scenic roads and byways of the beautiful Magnetic Island. Departing Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal you'll visit all the major sights, including one or two secret spots some locals don't even know about.

As the first of its kind in the Southern hemisphere, MOUA will act to highlight reef conservation, restoration, and education on a global scale. The site located on John Brewer Reef is rich in history, with a strong connection to our indigenous culture and marine tourism. The Coral Greenhouse – first submerged building design by world-class artist Jason deCaires Taylor is is a bucket list trip no one should miss! The greenhouse, which many people think of as glass walls filled with fruit or flowers instead boasts a beautiful mix of art and science. Trees, life-like sculptures, and coral gardens make this staggering 72m structure a wonderland for divers. With plenty of reef nearby to explore and depths ranging from 1 to 20 metres, it is ideal for snorkelers, beginner and experienced divers. On the reef, schools of bait fish are common as well as an abundance of colourful reef fish. Turtles, Stingrays, White and Black tip reef sharks are often sighted.

Just 5 miles (8 kilometers) off Townsville, Magnetic Island offers pristine beaches, brilliant waters and vivid reef. Experience it in style when you book this helicopter flight and lunch cruise package, with numbers capped at just six travelers for a more intimate experience. Inhale sweeping views of bays and coves as you soar out of Townsville, then eat, drink and make merry aboard the Pilgrim, a 58-foot (18-meter) sailing yacht.