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.

   • 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 miles
   • -3.3 ft
     203.4 ft
     206.7 ft
   • Accommodation in Townville
3. Day 3Pallarenda coastline morning cycle, afternoon at leisure in Townsville

   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 and bird watching in the Town Common wetlands. You’ll stop for morning tea at the Wetlands and be back on the Strand for lunch and a free afternoon. You can relax and enjoy a swim in the rock pool on the esplanade, or perhaps today will be the day you cycle or walk up Castle Hill.
   

   • 23 miles
   • -16.4 ft
     210 ft
     226.4 ft
   • Townsville Accommodation
4. Day 4Paluma 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 rainforest hike, a cooling swim and and have morning tea at a waterfall.

   You'll return to Paluma village for lunch. This afternoon you have time to explore the village of Paluma. You'll spend tonight at a homestay in Paluma. The house has 3 bedrooms that will be shared between the group (for larger groups the group will be split between two accommodation providers in Paluma). You will have your own rooms but the bathroom will be shared between the group.
   
   
   

   • 12.4 - 18.6 miles
   • 
     938.3 ft
     938.3 ft
   • Homestay in Paluma
   • Lunch and Dinner

   • 

     Paluma National Park

     Take a hike then cool off with a swim

5. Day 5Paluma Cycle, return to Townsville for ferry to Magnetic Island

   Today you'll have a few cycle and walk options around Paluma, allowing you to get the most out of exploring this beautiful region. This afternoon the group will transfer back to Townsville, arriving at the ferry terminal at around 4pm. From here you will bid farewell to your bikes and head over for your time on Magnetic Island. Ascent and descent will vary depending on route chosen by your guides today. You can expect to cycle for between 3-4 hours.
   

   • 12.4 - 18.6 miles
   • -16.4 ft
     210 ft
     226.4 ft
   • Accommodation on Magnetic Island
   • Breakfast and Lunch

   • 

     Gorgeous Magnetic Island

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

6. Day 6Free day on Magnetic Island

   More walking or a reef/island boat tour? Today you are free to explore the island at your own leisure. You could catch a bus to the Forts Walk or head out on the water on the ‘Aquascene Discovery Tour’ (fees apply and we recommend booking this at least a few weeks in advance). If you join the Aquascene Discovery Tour you will have plenty of free time in the afternoon for more self discovery and exploration and it possible 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 Forts Walk is the #1 attraction on the island and the 4km return walk takes you to a high point with stunning views around the entire island and all the way back to Townsville. You’ll visit 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. To get to the Forts Walk we recommend taking the local bus, which leaves close to your hotel. While you can cycle to the Forts Walk this road is windy and has no verge, so we only recommend cycling for very competent road cyclists. The bus also goes to Horseshoe Bay should you wish to explore the other side of the Island. Another option is to hire a car and drive yourself around the Island. Or if you're feeling very energetic you can walk 6km from Nelly Bay to the Forts Walk, and then join the Forts Walk before catching the bus back to the hotel. Another option is to walk along a dedicated path to Arcadia and Geoffrey Bay where you can see the local rock wallabies.
   

   • 
     1,282.8 ft
     1,282.8 ft
   • Accommodation on Magnetic Island
7. Day 7Free day on Magnetic Island

   You are free again today to explore the island as you please. If you're keen for more walking you can catch the bus (or drive if you have hired a car) to Picnic Bay for a 1.2km return loop to Hawkings Point up to a fantastic rock slab lookout. It's possible to join up many of the trails around the island and spend the day walking and snorkelling around the island, starting from Nelly Bay and finishing at Horseshoe Bay. If you would like to get back on the water Pilgrim Sailing run a fantastic sunset sailing tour you can join. The options are almost endless as you enjoy your time in paradise!
   

   • 
     564.3 ft
     564.3 ft
   • Accommodation on Magnetic Island
8. Day 8Morning ferry from Magnetic Island to Townsville

   This morning you’ll return back to the Townsville Wharf on a morning ferry from Nelly Bay. It is a short but pleasant trip back to the mainland as Townsville slowly comes into view leaving the peaks of Magnetic Island behind you. From the ferry terminal, you can jump on a shuttle back to the airport for your flight home. Your return ferry ticket is flexible with time, so you can depart the island on any ferry today.