It's nature’s greatest gift to the world and it’s right on our doorstep! The Great Barrier Reef is a majestic underwater playground, a mosaic of colour and life, and a living treasure.

It’s time to pull out your bucket list as we’ve got six epic ways to tick off the Great Barrier Reef! Here are the must do’s on your next visit to Townsville North Queensland.

Get up close and personal

If you want to see the Great Barrier Reef and get amongst the magic of this underwater spectacular, you can’t go past a dive or snorkel trip to the outer reef. Take a tour with Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive to Lodestone Reef or for the more experienced divers, head out to SS Yongala – Australia’s best dive site and one of the world’s top wreck dives!

Wind into island time

It’s magnetic by name and magnetic by nature, the Great Barrier Reef island of Magnetic Island is the perfect way to experience what island life is all about. Hike to epic views, spot koalas amongst the bush, relax on secluded beaches, snorkel fringing reefs and experience so much more – Magnetic Island is a destination with something for everyone and is only a 20 minute ferry trip from the CBD.

Top Tip: Take your car across with Magnetic Island Ferries to drive down to some of the island’s hidden bays.

Adrenaline Rush

Cape Cleveland is Townsville’s best kept secret, an untouched coastline complete with its very own lighthouse. Head across to Cape Cleveland in style with a jetski from Townsville Watersports. Hold back on hitting full speed though – there’s plenty of wildlife along the way that you might be lucky enough to spot.

Feel like a rockstar on a luxury island

Ever wondered what it’s like to feel like a rockstar? Stop dreaming and start doing with an escape to Orpheus Island! Arrive on your very own island via helicopter (of course) to complete luxury, fine dining, exclusive beach front and private reef trips. It’s a totally #bragworthy experience that will create memories for a lifetime.

Views from above

Get a whole new perspective on the vastness and beauty of the Great Barrier Reef with a helicopter flight. Townsville Helicopters will take you on a journey like no other, with endless horizons and scattered reefs below. Peer down and see what you can spot – you’ll be amazed at the montage of colour and patterns that make up the Great Barrier Reef. Just when you think you’ve seen the reef in all its glory, the helicopter will land on a secluded sand cay to give you 15 minutes on the reef all to yourself!

Sail Away

You can do the Great Barrier Reef at any pace you like, but we love the idea of sailing into the sunset with a glass of bubbles in hand! Soak up the colourful hues of the spectacular skyline and enjoy a platter of cheeses and take in the endless horizons. Heading out on a sailing trip is a breeze with either Pilgrim Sailing or Big Mama Sailing. It’s the perfect way to end your perfect holiday!