Airlie Beach to Cairns road trip: Distance, drive time & best stops
Airlie Beach to Cairns road trip: Townsville or Magnetic Island?
Townsville is the biggest city in North Queensland. Good Townsville attractions include the Museum of Tropical Queensland, the Maritime Museum of Townsville and Townsville History Walking Tours. However, most visitors will choose to hop on a ferry to Magnetic Island. Once there, things to do on Magnetic Island include watersports and koala-spotting on the Forts Walk.
6 Townsville experiences to book in advance
- Magnetic Island ferry tickets – head over to one of the most beautiful islands in Australia.
- SS Yongala wreck dive – sea how coral and marine life have made the shipwreck home.
- Great Barrier Reef and Museum of Underwater Art cruise – witness the extraordinary underwater art project up close.
- Helicopter ride along the coast – get amazing views from above.
- Sunset sailing cruise – watch the colours over the water, with alcoholic drinks included.
- Jetski tour to Cape Pallarenda – whizz past beaches and giant boulders.
Townsville accommodation recommendations
The best bets for Townsville accommodation are…
- For beachside location: Water’s Edge The Strand.
- For a good value, well located motel: Yongala Lodge By The Strand.
- For a sassy, chic resort: Rambutan Resort.
- For families: Discovery Parks Townsville.
- For business-friendly apartments: Quest Townsville on Eyre.
Next up: Ingham and Cardwell.