Magnetic Island, Charters Towers & The Whitsundays

Scott and the airport shuttle will transfer you to Sydney Airport for your flight to Townsville. Townsville Mercure (2 nights)

We start our trip with an adventure to Magnetic Island. Nestled within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and only 20mins from the mainland, this island oasis offers more than just magnificent beaches; it’s a place where stories come alive. All aboard our private charter vessel to view the stunning coastline of Magnetic Island. Our informative skipper will show us the sights of the seas with opportunities to encounter marine life and local wildlife along the way.

Majestically perched on the shores of the Coral Sea, Townsville is the laidback capital of North Queensland. We spend our morning discovering fascinating insights into the history, culture, and character of Townsville on a city highlights tour including Castle Hill, Kissing Point Fort, CBD heritage buildings and The Strand Foreshore. This afternoon we make our way to Charters Towers. Cattleman’s Rest Charters Towers (2 nights)

It’s Texas in the Outback this morning with a visit to Leahton Park, home of the Texas Longhorns. The Texas Longhorn Safari is the perfect way to see up close and learn the fascinating history of these historical and spectacular herds, direct descendants of the Texas Longhorns that walked in the
great trail herds from Texas in the late 1800’s. Marvel at some of the longest-horned cattle in the world and discover how the legend of the cowboy was born. With more 100+ inch horned cattle on display than anywhere else in the world, including two world record holders, it’s a sight you’ll never forget. On the outskirts of Charters Towers is the oldest and largest surviving Battery in Queensland – the Venus Gold Battery. Built in 1872, this crushing mill provided gold extraction facilities to miners for over a century. This afternoon we discover how gold was processed during the colourful North Queensland gold rush with an audio-visual experience and guided tour.

Making our way to Airlie Beach today. En route we pass through the towns of Ayr and Bowen. A look around Airlie Beach this afternoon before we check into Mantra Club Croc Airlie Beach for the night. (1 night)

This morning we take a breathtaking scenic flight combining the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef in one unforgettable aerial experience. Glide above Long Island, Hayman Island, Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet before soaring over reef sites including Hardy Reef, Hook Reef and the famous Heart Reef. This afternoon we visit the jewel of the islands – Whitehaven Beach. We board a cruise from Airlie Beach to journey across the Whitsunday Passage and into a picturesque sequence of remote waterways and hidden bays. On the southern shores of Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 Whitsunday Islands, famous Whitehaven Beach is a regular on lists of ‘World’s Best Beaches’. Wander along the sand, walk the 1.2km Solway Circuit for some show-stopping views, or cool off in the gently lapping water. We are dropped off at the beautiful Hamilton Island.

(Reef Island Hotel 2 nights)

A free day on Hamilton Island today. Take the shuttle round the island, enjoy the beaches, play a round of golf, or simply sip a pina colada by the pool. Hamilton Island captures the best of tropical Queensland in one iconic destination. What a spectacular place to relax and unwind.

We say goodbye to Hamilton Island today. A direct flight back to Sydney where Scott will be waiting to welcome you, and ensure a comfortable
journey home.