Hostel · Townsville & Magnetic Island
Civic Guest House
9.5
162 reviewsMulti-award-winning hostel, free WiFi, free transport to ferry and bus terminals.
- Dorm bed
- A$22–35
- Wi-Fi
Townsville & Magnetic Island
Queensland · Australia
Uncommon stamp · 25 km circle
Stamp Townsville & Magnetic Island
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- A day
- ~A$66
- Best
- Apr–Nov
- Dorms from
- A$22
Backpacker favourite
Why Townsville & Magnetic Island
- Magnetic Island is a relaxed tropical island just 20 minutes by ferry — feels remote but is easy to reach
- Wild koalas are commonly spotted along the Forts Walk (one of the best places in Australia to see them in the wild)
- 23 bays and beaches with clear water, coral reefs, and minimal crowds
Townsville is North Queensland's largest city and the jumping-off point for Magnetic Island — a laid-back tropical island that is one of the east coast's best-kept secrets. While Townsville itself is a functional city with a good food scene and The Strand waterfront, Magnetic Island (Maggie) is where backpackers head: a 20-minute ferry ride delivers you to 23 bays and beaches, wild koalas, bushwalking trails, and a famously chilled island pace. It is one of the more affordable stops on the coast.
A day in Townsville & Magnetic Island
- Hostel dorm
- A$26
- Food
- A$17
- Transport
- A$10
- Activities
- A$10
- About a day
- A$66
Where to stay in Townsville & Magnetic Island
Tap a hostel for the details, or + Plan to save it for the planner.
- Civic Guest House
9.5 · A$22–35 dorm · multi-award-winning hostel, free WiFi, free transport to ferry and bus terminals
- The Rambutan
9.2 · A$22–35 dorm · boutique hostel/hotel hybrid with rooftop pool and restaurant, central location
- Arcadia Beach Guest House
9.0 · A$22–35 dorm · small, relaxed, family-run option at Arcadia Bay
- Bungalow Bay YHA (Horseshoe Bay)
8.8 · A$22–35 dorm · quieter option set in bushland with wildlife in the gardens, dorms, private rooms, and campsite
- Base Backpackers
8.6 · A$22–35 dorm · beachfront at Nelly Bay with pool, bar, dive shop, nightly entertainment, and monthly full moon parties
- Reef Lodge
8.1 · A$22–35 dorm · 500m from the CBD, clean and well-run
Hostel · Townsville & Magnetic Island
The Rambutan
9.2
313 reviewsBoutique hostel/hotel hybrid with rooftop pool and restaurant, central location.
- Dorm bed
- A$22–35
- Wi-Fi
- Pool
Hostel · Townsville & Magnetic Island
Arcadia Beach Guest House
9.0
270 reviewsSmall, relaxed, family-run option at Arcadia Bay.
- Dorm bed
- A$22–35
- Wi-Fi
Hostel · Townsville & Magnetic Island
Bungalow Bay YHA (Horseshoe Bay)
8.8
71 reviewsQuieter option set in bushland with wildlife in the gardens, dorms, private rooms, and campsite.
- Dorm bed
- A$22–35
- Wi-Fi
Hostel · Townsville & Magnetic Island
Base Backpackers
8.6
412 reviewsBeachfront at Nelly Bay with pool, bar, dive shop, nightly entertainment, and monthly full moon parties.
- Dorm bed
- A$22–35
- Wi-Fi
- Bar
- Pool
Hostel · Townsville & Magnetic Island
Reef Lodge
8.1
60 reviews500m from the CBD, clean and well-run.
- Dorm bed
- A$22–35
- Wi-Fi
Things to do in Townsville & Magnetic Island
Tap one to see it, or + Plan to add it to your trip.
Water
Swim at Alma Bay
Culture · Townsville & Magnetic Island
Join the full moon party at Base Backpackers
Join the full moon party at Base Backpackers (June-October)
Water · Townsville & Magnetic Island
Rent a Moke and drive around the island, stopping at beaches
Rent a Moke (open-top jeep) and drive around the island, stopping at beaches
Water · Townsville & Magnetic Island
Sea kayak around Magnetic Island
Sea kayak around Magnetic Island ($69 AUD half day)
- Price
- A$69
Water · Townsville & Magnetic Island
Snorkel at Geoffrey Bay, Arthur Bay, or Florence Bay on Magnetic Island
Snorkel at Geoffrey Bay, Arthur Bay, or Florence Bay on Magnetic Island (bring your own gear or hire on the island)
Tours · Townsville & Magnetic Island
Visit Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville
Visit Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville — the world's largest living coral reef aquarium ($32 AUD)
- Price
- A$32
Nature · Townsville & Magnetic Island
Walk the Forts Walk on Magnetic Island
Walk the Forts Walk on Magnetic Island (2.8 km return, free) — WWII fortifications and the best wild koala spotting on the east coast
Getting to Townsville & Magnetic Island
- Ferry from Airlie Beach & Whitsundays25 minUS$24
- Bus from Airlie Beach & Whitsundays3 h 30 minUS$28Greyhound
Coming soon · The Townsville & Magnetic Island wall
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