TOWNSVILLE

Islands and Reef

Lose yourself for a day, a week, or forever in the islands and reefs surrounding Townsville. From hiking the Thornsborne Track on the national park Hinchinbrook Island to exclusive luxury resorts on Orpheus, Bedarra and Dunk islands to Magnetic Island that is a lovely blend of both experiences…you’ll definitely find an island to suit your tastes. Here’s a little background on each of the islands to help you imagine that azure water lapping on the shores…

You’ll notice that Magnetic Island is like no other island getaway. The contrasting landscape of this World Heritage listed island makes this natural destination truly distinctive. The rocky granite headlands fuse with the 23 bays and beaches studded with magnificent Hoop pine trees, creating a dramatic coastline. Visible from the sea, Mount Cook hovers above the eucalypt woods and green vine forests. The island provides the perfect setting for a unique escape. Over two-thirds of the island is protected National Park providing a haven for the native wildlife, like rock wallabies, possums, and over 100 species of birdlife. Magnetic Island is home to Northern Australia’s largest colony of koalas living in the wild. Tropical fish and marine life live in the surrounding coral reefs and tranquil waters. Explore the land or the waters and discover the island’s unique surrounds.

Hinchinbrook Island – a bushwalker’s paradise – is Australia's largest National Park island. It is uninhabited except for the award-winning, environmentally friendly Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge at Cape Richards. This is the Island to choose if you want peace, beauty and tranquillity.

Bedarra Island - just off the Tropical North Queensland coast, midway between Townsville and Cairns lies Bedarra Island - offers unspoilt rainforests and palm-fringed beaches, where the clear blue waters of the Coral Sea meet pristine white sand. Bedarra is Australia's most exclusive island - boasting a resort designed to blend in with the beauty of the natural surroundings and accommodating a maximum of 32 guests at a time.

Orpheus Island is located just off the coast of Ingham in northern Queensland and is known for its beautiful fringing reef. The island is only 11 kilometres long and approximately one kilometre wide with the majority of the island composed of a national park. Just off the coast of Orpheus, you'll find reefs which offer excellent opportunities for snorkelling and scuba diving. You'll also see several large coral bommies in Little Pioneer Bay, Cattle Bay and around the Yank's Jetty area.

Dunk Island is a stunning island just off the coast of Mission Beach in north Queensland. Most of the island is national park, with unique tracts of rainforests, pristine beaches and abundant species of wildlife. There are plenty of walking trails on the island, so you can fully experience the beauty of the rainforests. While Dunk Island is perfect for daytrips, there are nine campsites in the national park and accommodation at the only resort on the island, Dunk Island Resort, if you'd like to stay for a couple days or more.

Tickle your fancy? Then click on through using the below links to find out more about your island of choice...