Townsville is your front door to Magnetic Island and the Great Barrier Reef, and getting the kids out on the water here does not need to be complicated or expensive. Whether you have got a spare afternoon or a full day up your sleeve, there is a boat heading out to koalas, coral or both. Here is what is actually running out of Townsville, and which one suits your crew.
Townsville to Magnetic Island Return Ferry
The Townsville to Magnetic Island Return Ferry is the easiest and cheapest way to get the family out on the water, a quick 20 minute high speed catamaran ride with up to 17 services running daily. Once on the island the kids can hunt for wild koalas on the Forts Walk, hand feed rock wallabies at Geoffrey Bay or just kick back on a golden beach. Child fares apply from ages 5 to 14, with under 5s travelling free. Allow 20 minutes each way.
Museum of Underwater Art and Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Day Trip
The Museum of Underwater Art and Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Day Trip gets the whole family into the water above the Coral Greenhouse, the first submerged sculpture museum of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, surrounded by turtles, stingrays and colourful reef fish. All snorkelling gear and full instruction is included, so nobody needs experience to join in, and departures run from both Townsville and Magnetic Island. Minimum age is 6. Allow a full day.
All Inclusive Lunchtime Sailing Cruise
The All Inclusive Lunchtime Sailing Cruise sails a 58 foot yacht out to Magnetic Island's secluded bays, anchoring for a swim at a private beach while keeping an eye out for turtles, sea eagles and, in season, humpback whales. Kids will get a kick out of having a go at steering, while the grown ups enjoy the seafood and antipasto platter with a local wine or beer. Groups run 6 to 12 guests. Allow 4 hours.
Museum of Underwater Art and Great Barrier Reef Diving Day Trip
The Museum of Underwater Art and Great Barrier Reef Diving Day Trip is one for families with a certified junior diver on board, two dives included around the Coral Greenhouse and nearby reef, with depths from 1 to 20 metres suiting beginners through to experienced divers. You will need to bring proof of certification, and the minimum age is 10. Allow a full day.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest reef and island trip for families with young kids?
The Townsville to Magnetic Island Return Ferry is the simplest option, just a 20 minute ride each way with koalas, wallabies and beaches waiting on the other side.
Do kids need snorkelling experience for the Great Barrier Reef trip?
No, full instruction and all equipment is included, so first timers aged 6 and up can jump straight in alongside more experienced snorkellers.
Is the sailing cruise suitable for kids?
Yes, kids can join in on the wildlife spotting and even have a go at steering the yacht, while the seafood platter and drinks are geared more towards the adults on board.
Can teenagers join the diving day trip?
Yes, as long as they hold a diving certification and are at least 10 years old, though proof of certification is required before boarding.
Can we do the Magnetic Island ferry and reef trip in the same visit?
Absolutely, both the snorkelling and diving day trips depart from Magnetic Island as well as Townsville, so it is easy to combine a ferry day with a reef trip on a different day.
Local tip: book reef trips for early in your Townsville stay, they only run on set days each week and get booked out fast in school holidays, so lock it in before you plan the rest of the trip around it.
Book your Townsville reef or island cruise above and get the whole family out onto the water. Easy.