Rainforest and Magnetic Island Cycle

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Arrive Townsville

   The North Queensland coastal metropolis of Townsville is in an enviable position. In the heart of the tropics, its access to bountiful seafood on one side and the rich farmland further inland, makes it a great place to explore a thriving regional cuisine. If your trip coincides with a Sunday, make your way to the weekly Cotters Market or take a walk down the Strand, a 2.2km (1.3mi) long waterfront parkway where many of Townsville's cafes are located and Palmer Street, considered the eating strip with international flavours represented and a local favourite for a special meal, Jam restaurant.

   The pier, water park and Reef HQ Aquarium are also great spots to visit. Being a tropical city there is plenty of opportunity to explore this city even when the sun goes down.

   • 
     577.4 ft
     577.4 ft
   • Accommodation in Townsville
2. Day 2Ross River guided tour

   Explore Townsville’s Ross River area with your cycle guide along a loop ride of 35km (21mi) heading out on the southern side and returning on the northern side of the river. Ride under the shadows of Castle Hill, the dominant rock formation rising out of an otherwise flat surrounds. The ride is a scenic shady sealed trail with plenty of freshwater wildlife and an abundance of natural beauty. You’ll stop for morning tea at the Palmetum Gardens Café with a walk around the gardens if you chose.

   As you head back towards Townsville, you take a break at the landmark Riverway Lagoons with the option of a quick dip. Your guide will get you back into Palmer Street restaurant precinct around 1-2pm and you’ll have the afternoon to explore Townsville independently.

   • 21.7 - 34.2 miles
   • -3.3 ft
     203.4 ft
     206.7 ft
   • Accommodation in Townville
3. Day 3Paluma World Heritage Cycle and Hike

   Today is a great opportunity to stretch your legs after arrival in Townsville. Your guide will pick you up at 8am (or 7am in October to avoid the heat) from your accommodation to be part of a small group cycle and hike day heading to the wet tropics of the World Heritage Paluma National Park.

   The indigenous Nywaigi people of this region called this area Munan Gumburu, which means ‘misty mountain’, an apt description as morning mists are common with the area having a distinctly different climate and generally cooler than the coastal plains. Today you’ll cycle 20-30 km (12-18mi) depending on prevailing conditions and take a forest hike, a cooling swim and lunch.

   Today's a big day with a return to Townsville late afternoon with plenty of time to freshen up and head out to the restaurant strip or simply stroll along the esplanade and take in the warm northern evening looking out across the bay.

   • 12.4 - 18.6 miles
   • Accommodation in Townsville

   • 

     Paluma National Park

     Take a hike then cool off with a swim

4. Day 4Pallarenda coastline morning cycle then afternoon Magnetic Island transfer

   Start the day cycling north along the coast to Pallarenda and detour via the wetlands area as well as the ‘Town Common’. This is a great morning of cycling with stunning coastline, WW2 history, bird watching and all the wetlands has to offer. You’ll stop for morning tea at the Pallarenda Wetlands and be back in the city for lunch before continuing your journey with a short cycle to Townsville’s ferry terminal then off to Magnetic Island.

   You will catch the ferry that departs Townsville at 3.50pm. (During the warmer months you will start cycling a day earlier to avoid the heat, meaning you will catch the 2.15pm ferry if you are travelling in October). You’ll spend three great tropical days on this unique island with opportunities to cycle and explore the shops, cafes, restaurants and the unique island natural environment or just sit on a beach and listen to the gentle waves and breath the fresh air from the ocean.

   • 23 miles
   • -16.4 ft
     210 ft
     226.4 ft
   • Accommodation in Magnetic Island

   • 

     Gorgeous Magnetic Island

     Palm trees, stunning beaches, snorkelling or bushwalking. The possibilites are endless on this enchanting island.

5. Day 5Morning cycle to scenic bushwalk with afternoon options

   Explore the island with a morning cycle and scenic bushwalk along the Forts Walk. This walk takes you to the highest point on the island with stunning views around the entire island and all the way back to Townsville. You’ll pass WW2 Forts that were constructed as early warning and defence facilities when the possibility of Japanese bombers where a real threat to northern parts of Australia with Townsville actually bombed on two separate occasions. Then take off on a short ride to the northern part of the island stopping for lunch at Horseshoe Bay.

   After lunch, your guide will discuss options for the afternoon which range from a butterfly walk, snorkelling, or a stop at Alma or Radical Bay.
   

   • 11.2 miles
   • 
     1,282.8 ft
     1,282.8 ft
   • Accommodation in Magnetic Island
6. Day 6Optional reef/island boat tour or self-guided cycle to West Point

   More cycling or a reef/island boat tour? Today you have a choice to either take off on a self guided ride along the west coast to West Point or head out on the water on the ‘Aquascene Discovery Tour’(fees apply). Either option gives you plenty of time in the afternoon for more self discovery and exploration and it possible to do both if you want to spend your last day on the island being active.

   The boat tour includes morning tea, snorkelling, visits to a number of bays and comprehensive commentary. The west coast cycle is a great way to meander on a self guided cycle along this tropical island’s coastline at your own pace, pack a picnic lunch and take the time to reflect on the many aspects of this unique location.

   • 13.7 miles
   • 
     564.3 ft
     564.3 ft
   • Accommodation in Magnetic Island
7. Day 7Morning ferry from Magnetic Island to Townsville

   This morning you’ll return back to the Townsville Wharf on a morning ferry from Nelly Bay. The ferry that we usually book departs from Magnetic Island at 9.30am. It is a short but pleasant trip back to the mainland as Townsville in the distance slowly comes into view leaving the peaks of Magnetic Island behind you.

   On arrival you’ll say goodbye to your bikes and head to the airport or your next destination.
   

   • 36 miles