Townsville’s 14 Best Tours

Townsville offers a surprising variety of tours that cater to different interests and activity levels. Whether you’re eager to see the city from a lookout, zip around Magnetic Island on a jet ski, or relax with a sunset sail, this city has plenty to offer. What makes Townsville stand out is its blend of natural beauty, rich military sites, and lively street art scene—making guided tours not just scenic but also educational. We particularly like the Townsville Guided City Tour with Castle Hill Lookout because it combines fantastic views, local history, and a laid-back lunch on The Strand.

If you’re after an active experience, the Magnetic Island Jet Ski Tour offers the thrill of speeding around the island’s coast, spotting marine life along the way. For a relaxing afternoon, the Townsville Sunset Sail provides a peaceful way to enjoy the stunning coastline while watching the sky turn shades of pink and orange. Whatever your style, these tours highlight the best of Townsville’s scenery, history, and aquatic adventures.

1. Townsville: Guided City Tour with Castle Hill Lookout

Discover Townsville’s vibrant street art and panoramic city views on this engaging guided tour. The 3-hour experience includes a drive through the city, with stops at key sites such as Castle Hill Lookout, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the city and Magnetic Island. The tour also explores Kissing Point Fortification, unveiling Townsville’s military past, and takes you to Pallarenda Beach for some serene coastal scenery. The tour wraps up with a delicious lunch on The Strand, giving you a taste of local flavors.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a quick, rundown of Townsville’s highlights with a small group, limited to 10 people, ensuring personalized attention. The guide, who speaks English, shares insightful commentary and local stories, making history and culture accessible and interesting. The walk is moderate, so comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a camera are recommended.

Bottom Line: A great choice for first-time visitors wanting a balanced mix of city sights, history, and scenic views—plus a tasty local lunch.

2. Magnetic Island Jet Ski Tour

If you’re craving a thrilling water-based adventure, this jet ski tour around Magnetic Island is hard to beat. The 2-hour private ride includes a safety briefing and a guide who helps you feel comfortable even if you’re new to jet skiing. You’ll zip past palm-lined beaches, coral reefs, and granite boulders, with frequent opportunities to see marine animals like turtles, dolphins, and dugongs.

This tour stands out because it offers personalized exploration—you can focus on the areas you most want to see, with the guide adjusting the route based on weather conditions. The small group size (up to two people per jet ski) means more space and flexibility. Many reviewers praise the friendly staff and the chance to do something active and memorable.

Bottom Line: Perfect for thrill-seekers or water lovers who want to combine sightseeing with the fun of riding a jet ski in one of Australia’s top marine parks.

3. Townsville Sunset Sail Cruise Boat Tour Charter Hire Sailing Hire

For a relaxing end to the day, this 1.5-hour sunset sail is a top pick. Launching from Townsville Yacht Club, the boat takes you along the Coral Sea coast, offering scenic views of Magnetic Island and Castle Hill. The small-group setting ensures a personal experience, with bottled water and limited alcoholic drinks included, so you can unwind and soak in the changing sky.

What makes this cruise special is the serene atmosphere and the chance to enjoy a tropical sunset from the water. Reviewers often mention how entertaining and scenic the experience is, with many feeling it’s a perfect way to start an evening in Townsville.

Bottom Line: Ideal for couples or small groups seeking a peaceful, scenic cruise as the day ends.

4. Bay Rock Tour Townsville

This 70-minute tour takes you to a lesser-known spot—Bay Rock—a small island surrounded by coral reefs and inhabited by marine life. It’s a personalized experience, perfect for those who want to explore at their own pace. The tour includes views of Townsville and Magnetic Island, with opportunities to encounter sea turtles and dolphins and explore WWII forts and the historic Bay Rock lighthouse.

What sets this tour apart is its intimacy and focus on marine and military history, making it suitable for a small group or private outing. The price is reasonable for the exclusivity, and the tailored approach makes it perfect for travelers who want a relaxed yet enriching adventure.

Bottom Line: Best for those interested in marine life, history, and quiet coastal scenery with a slower pace.

5. Townsville City Tour

If you want an overview of Townsville’s highlights in just a few hours, this 3-hour city tour is a solid pick. It starts with pick-up from your accommodation, taking you to Castle Hill Lookout for breathtaking views, then to Kissing Point Fortification for a dive into military history. The tour concludes with a relaxed lunch on The Strand.

Rated 5.0/5 with enthusiastic reviews, this tour is well-suited for visitors who prefer a structured, informative experience that combines history, culture, and scenic viewpoints. The moderate walking and driving make it accessible for most.

Bottom Line: Excellent for first-timers wanting a structured, informative introduction to Townsville’s top sights.

6. Magnetic Island Jet Ski Tour

For those who want to see Magnetic Island from the water at their own pace, this 2-hour jet ski ride is a fantastic option. It covers a broader area of the island, offering a chance to view hidden beaches, reefs, and granite boulders that aren’t accessible by land. The self-drive aspect appeals to travelers looking for independence and adventure.

With reviews praising the scenic route and friendly staff, this tour provides a flexible, active experience ideal for thrill-seekers and outdoor explorers. The focus is on exploring, so it’s better suited for confident jet ski riders.

Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with the thrill of self-guided water exploration.

7. Magnetic Island Express Jet Ski Tour

This 70-minute guided jet ski tour offers a quick but memorable trip around Magnetic Island. You’ll see Cleveland Bay and the surrounding areas, with marine wildlife like turtles and dolphins frequently spotted. The route varies based on weather, but the focus remains on providing a fun, scenic water experience.

Ideal for those short on time but eager to enjoy the water, the tour delivers personalized guiding and a safe, relaxed environment. The reviews highlight the excitement and helpfulness of the guides.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a speedy, fun jet ski adventure with marine wildlife sightings.

8. Townsville Departure Maggie Discovery Tour including Guide

A full 6-hour eco-tour of Magnetic Island, this trip offers spectacular snorkelling, marine interactions, and storytelling about the island’s cultural history. Led by Adam & Steph Hinks, who have called the island home for over 37 years, the tour emphasizes wildlife encounters and environmental education.

The tour includes snorkelling gear and water activities suitable for all ages, making it ideal for families or those eager to explore the reef and marine life intimately. Reviewers appreciate the passionate, knowledgeable guides and the quality snorkelling equipment.

Bottom Line: Excellent for families or water lovers seeking an in-depth, multi-activity experience on Magnetic Island.

9. Great Barrier Reef and MOUA Snorkeling Day Tour from Townsville

This full-day tour takes you to the iconic Great Barrier Reef, with a focus on snorkeling at John Brewer Reef and visiting the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA). The boat cruise is comfortable and includes lunch, snacks, and snorkeling gear.

Rated 4.0/5, this tour is perfect for those who want to experience the reef’s vibrant marine life and coral without the hassle of planning logistics. The live onboard commentary enhances the experience, and it’s suitable for intermediate swimmers.

Bottom Line: Great value for those wanting a comprehensive reef day trip combined with unique underwater art installations.

10. Magnetic Island Snorkel Jet Ski Tour

Offering an unmatched combination of snorkeling and jet skiing, this 2-hour tour is tailored for those wanting active water fun in Magnetic Island’s protected waters. Starting from Townsville, you’ll cruise to Magnetic Island, then snorkel at a scenic site with colorful reef and marine life.

Reviews praise the fun guide and the quality of the snorkeling, even if the water visibility was low during one trip. It’s ideal for guests seeking a quick, engaging adventure with plenty of water sports.

Bottom Line: Best for adventure-minded travelers eager to combine fast-paced jet skiing with snorkeling.

11. Townsville Private Hire Morning Sailing Cruise Boat Tour Charter

This exclusive 2-hour morning sailing offers a peaceful way to view Magnetic Island, Townsville, and Cleveland Bay. With a maximum of six guests, the small-group setting provides a personalized, quiet experience.

Perfect for those who want an intimate, scenic cruise without crowds, the tour includes insights from an experienced skipper. It’s an excellent option for a relaxed start to the day in style and comfort.

Bottom Line: Ideal for couples or small groups seeking a private, scenic morning sail.

12. Townsville: Great Barrier Reef and MOUA Snorkeling Day Tour

A similar option to the previous reef tour, this 8-hour full-day trip offers snorkeling at John Brewer Reef and the opportunity to see the Museum of Underwater Art. The modern catamaran provides comfort and panoramic views, making it suitable for longer trips.

It’s a good pick for travelers who want a day-long immersion in reef environments combined with unique artistic installations. The tour is well-rated and offers plenty of time for relaxing, swimming, and exploring.

Bottom Line: For serious reef enthusiasts wanting an in-depth, all-day experience with added cultural interest.

13. Cape Cleveland Jet Ski Tour

This 2.5-hour jet ski tour takes you along the Cape Cleveland coastline, offering breathtaking views of the mangrove systems and coastal panoramas. The route includes a visit to Cape Cleveland Lighthouse and the opportunity to see marine life such as sea turtles.

It’s an excellent choice for travelers wanting a more in-depth water journey that combines scenery with a touch of history. The route varies with weather conditions, ensuring a tailored adventure.

Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a longer, scenic jet ski experience that mixes marine life encounters with coastal exploration.

14. Magnetic Island Express Jet Ski Tour

This shorter 70-minute guided jet ski tour around Magnetic Island is perfect for a quick, fun exploration. You’ll see the island’s beaches and reefs, with opportunities to spot wildlife such as turtles and dolphins.

It’s ideal for travelers with limited time but eager for a personalized, active water adventure. The reviews note the friendly guides and the thrill of exploring Magnetic Island’s coastline.

Bottom Line: A quick, exciting option for anyone wanting a taste of Magnetic Island’s water scenery.

How to Choose the Best Tour in Townsville

When deciding between these options, consider your budget, activity level, and interests. For a comprehensive city overview with historical insights, the Townsville City Tour is a great starting point. Want a thrilling water adventure? The Magnetic Island Jet Ski Tour or Magnetic Island Snorkel Jet Ski are perfect. For a relaxing sunset, the Sunset Sail offers a peaceful end to your day.

If your goal is to explore Magnetic Island in-depth, the Magnetic Island Discovery Tour provides snorkelling and marine encounters, while the Full Reef Day Tour is ideal for reef lovers.

Always check the weather and season, as some tours are more dependent on calm waters. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular activities like jet skiing and reef trips.

To sum it up, Townsville offers a delightful mix of urban exploration, marine adventures, and scenic cruises. For those seeking an active thrill, the jet ski tours deliver excitement and marine sightings. If you prefer a laid-back, scenic experience, a sunset sail or city tour will suit you perfectly. Whether you’re a family, a couple, or a solo traveler, these tours give a real taste of what makes Townsville special. Don’t forget to book early and choose the experience that best matches your interests and fitness level—these adventures fill up fast!