6 day Townsville and Magnetic Island Experience

6 day Townsville and Magnetic Island E​xperience

​​Highlights

  • Take a scenic rail journey along the Queensland coast aboard the Spirit of Queensland 
  • Enjoy stunning views from the top of Castle Hill in Townsville 
  • Visit The Strand beachfront promenade
  • Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Horseshoe Bay
  • Spot a koala as you hike one of the many walking trails in Magnetic Island National Park 
  • Explore Magnetic Island’s secluded beaches
  • Look for turtles as you walk along Picnic Bay Jetty
  • Relax on a Magnetic Island Sunset cruise

​Inclusions

  • One way overnight travel on the Spirit of Queensland from Brisbane to Townsville – RailBed 
  • 1 night 4.5 star accommodation in Townsville 
  • 3 nights 4 star accommodation on Magnetic Island 
  • Meals as specified ​
  • Sip and Sail Sunset Cruise
  • Magnetic Island Discovery Tour
  • Return ferry transfers to Magnetic Island 

Itinerary

Day 1: Brisbane to Townsville (D)

Join the Spirit of Queensland in Brisbane for a scenic rail journey to Townsville. Relax onboard in your spacious RailBed and enjoy the comforts onboard and the passing scenery. Overnight onboard Spirit of Queensland.

​Day 2: Townsville (B)

Arrive in Townsville in the morning and spend the day at leisure. Head to Castle Hill lookout and take in the spectacular views of Townsville. Stroll along The Strand and cool off in the seawater rock-pool or simply laze on the beach and enjoy the views of Magnetic Island. Overnight at The Ville Resort – Casino, Townsville.

​Day 3: Townsville to Magnetic Island

Spend the morning exploring the city. Take in the iconic sites of Townsville including Palmer Street and the Queens Gardens. Visit the Museum of Tropical Queensland and learn about the history and heritage of North Queensland or head to the Museum of Underwater Art and see the many underwater art installations including the Coral Greenhouse (own expense). In the afternoon, take a trip to beautiful Magnetic Island on board a high-speed catamaran. Stay the next three nights at Grand Mercure Apartments Magnetic Island. 

​Day 4: Magnetic Island

This morning, join a half-day tour to discover the iconic beauty of Magnetic Island. Snorkel fringing reefs, explore secluded beaches, encounter local wildlife, and learn about the Great Barrier Reef and the island’s rich history. The afternoon is yours to explore – perhaps visit the Koala Sanctuary at Horseshoe Bay and meet native wildlife (own expense). Take a tour of the sanctuary and see a koala or a wombat, hold a snake or a lizard, and even feed the lorikeets. 

Day 5: Magnetic Island​

Today is yours to explore Magnetic Island at your own pace. Having a unique natural environment of palm-fringed beaches, large granite boulders, sandy beaches and fringing coral reefs, there are plenty of things to see and do on this island paradise. Relax on one of the beaches or dip your toe in the crystal-clear waters of Nelly Bay. Alternatively, spend the day by the resort’s rooftop pool and take in the magnificent views of the Coral Sea. Late afternoon, board a luxury yacht and sail the waters surrounding Magnetic Island and watch the sun set. 

Day 6: Townsville

Travel by ferry back to the mainland, where your holiday concludes.

(B = breakfast, D = dinner)

​Departs from Brisbane

Monday, Friday, Saturday
17 A​pril 2026 to 27 March 2027. Blockout dates apply.

Price

Adult from $1205* per person twin share

Senior from $1155* per person twin share

Sole use prices also available. Prices from other departure points available, please ask your travel consultant for details.

Pool area of The Ville Resort Casino in Townsville
Aerial view of Magnetc Island jetty
A couple sit enjoying a glass of wine aboard a yacht on a sunset cruise

​​​​​How to book​​

For more information or to book a rail holiday, please contact your local travel agent or call Viva Holidays on 1300 872 835.​​ 

Note: Please note Queensland Rail Travel no longer sells holiday packages. We advise ​our customers to visit their preferred local travel agent to book your next rail holiday.​​

* Conditions apply. Valid for travel between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027, blockout dates apply. From price is a guide only, subject to change and availability. Price is based on the lowest room category for travel in low season. For full terms and conditions contact your local travel agent or contact Viva H​olidays on 1300 872 835.​​​​​


Back to Rail Holidays