Magnetic island (Townsville)

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Townsville is named after Robert Towns who ordered to build a shipyard on the spot. Tourism is becoming increasingly important in Townsville but the main source of income is the port from which minerals from Mount Isa and Cloncurry are shipped, as well as beef, wool, sugar and wood. In addition, the city also has a decent industry and a military naval base. For example, three different metals are processed on a large scale: zinc, copper and nickel. There are a number of attractions in Townsville such as The Strand. A remarkable fact is that Julian Assange, journalist and activist was born in Townsville. 

At 8 km from Townsville lies the perfectly situated island Magnetic Island with beautiful bays, opportunities for long walks through desolate area and a wonderful atmosphere. The island is easily accessible by ferries from Townsville.

Townsville:

Attractions in Townsville include 'The Strand', a long tropical beach, a large sea aquarium with lots of flora and fauna from the Great Barrier Reef, a museum and a number of nice parks and gardens. Major (tourists) attractions in Townsville are missing.

Townsville's airport is located about 5 km northwest of the center in the town of Garbutt. Both the bus and train station are very near the center. The train station lies south of downtown - the bus station is slightly east of the river on the Palmer street. The ferry (including to Magnetic Island) departs from Flinders street in the center.

Townsville - Magnetic Island: Sunferries operates 10 daily ferries from TV to MI. The ferry takes about 25 minutes and costs 16 AUS $ for a return ticket for people without a car, bicycle or motorcycle etc.

Townsville - Airlie Beach: several bus companies go south along the coast every day. There is certainly one at 10:45 from TV to AB. The bus takes about four hours and costs around 45 AUS $.

• Name: Adventure's Resort (Townsville)

Address: 79 Palmer Street

Price: 19.50 AUS $ (dormitory)

Phone nr. : 4721 1522

Content:

The building looks a bit like a large businessoffice block located on the busy Palmer Street. The hostel offers singles, doubles and dormitories with 4 beds in each room. There are 300 beds in total so it is not really intimate - quite the contrary. There is a swimming pool and a store inside and you can say that it is all well and professionally arranged.

• Name: Maggies Beach House (Magnetic Island)

Address: Pacific Drive (Horseshoe Bay)

Price: 21 AUS $ (dormitory)

Phone nr. : 4778 5144

Website: www.maggiesbeachhouse.com.au

Content:

In 2003 Maggie's was the newest hostel on the island with rooms with light colors, very clean with air conditioning. Dormitories were filled with 6 beds each. There is a café with a bar and internet facilities. A shuttle bus connects the hostel with the rest of the island (including the ferry). It is on the beach.