Silversea Luxury Cruises To TOWNSVILLE

Discover the city's highlights including a stunning photo stop at Castle Hill and journey to Townsville's popular Reef HQ. As the National Reef Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Reef HQ Aquarium will open your eyes to an amazing world filled with thousands of charismatic marine creatures.

Castle Hill

Experience some of the city's highlights including a breath-taking photo stop atop Castle Hill. Rising nearly 1,000 feet above the city, this massive pink granite monolith features 360-degree views of Townsville, the surrounding countryside and Magnetic Island in the distance. The Hill's vantage point was used by visiting American soldiers during WWII; an observation bunker sits on one corner of the hill which also boasts public amenities.

Reef HQ

Continue onto Townsville's popular Reef HQ, where you will step into a world of exotic undersea wonders with a visit to the largest living coral reef aquarium of its kind in the world. Enjoy a fascinating guided tour of this magnificent complex that includes a walk through an acrylic tunnel offering spectacular fish-eye views of the reef. Marvel at the 130 species of coral and 120 species of vibrantly-coloured tropical fish as well as giant clams, sea cucumbers, sea stars and other marine creatures that make their home in this delicate eco-system. The smaller tanks and exhibits feature extensive displays on the history and life of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, truly one of the natural wonders of the world. During the visit to Reef HQ there will be the opportunity to discover the Turtle Hospital and have some free time. Your tour will conclude returning you back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 2 hours at Reef HQ. This tour is not recommended for those guests who utilise a wheelchair. Comfortable clothing and walking shoes as well as sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are recommended. Space is extremely limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment. The order of sites visited may vary.

Visit Magnetic Island accompanied by local rangers who will share their knowledge and introduce you to the island's history, colorful characters and get you up close and personal with crocodiles, wombats and have the opportunity to hold a Koala.

Cleveland Bay

Depart the pier for a brief transfer to the Fast Cat Terminal to embark the ferry across the blue waters of Cleveland Bay to visit Magnetic Island. There you will discover the geology, history and wildlife of the area with your guide from Bungalow Bay Koala Village.

Magnetic Island

The stunning landscapes of this World Heritage listed island make this natural destination truly distinctive and attractive to the eco-conscious traveler. The rocky granite headlands endemic to the area provide a basis to an array of eco-systems that merge with the 23 bays and beaches surrounding its coastline. Although Captain Cook never even landed on Magnetic Island while sailing past on June 7th, 1770, it was the famous incident, recorded in his journal, where the ship's magnetic compass 'would not travis well when near it' that gave the island its name. He then named it 'Magnetical Island or Headland' as he wasn't even sure if it was an island or a peninsula.

Bungalow Bay Koala Village

Bungalow Bay's ranger will showcase the beauty and highlights of the island and help you to explore a hands-on experience with crocodiles, snakes, birds and our resident Koala population within the Koala Village. Take a break at the end of your visit and have the opportunity to enjoy afternoon tea at the Koala Village.

Embark the fast cat ferry for the 30 minute return ride, returning to the dock for the short transfer to the ship.

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking, approximately 60 minutes of leisurely walking on mostly gravel and hard-packed dirt pathways. Comfortable clothing and walking shoes as well as sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are recommended. Space is extremely limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment. The ferry transfer is a public scheduled ferry transfer / also tour duration may alter to fit in with the public scheduled ferry time.

Experience the stunning natural splendour of Magnetic Island from high above during this exhilarating flight-seeing excursion.

Townsville, Helicopter-Flight-Seeing Tour, Central Business District, The Strand, Rock Pool

Depart the pier for the short drive to the helipad, and your awaiting helicopter. Upon arrival, receive your safety and flight instructions, then begin your panoramic, approximately 30-minute helicopter flight-seeing adventure. After lift-off, fly over Townsville, the Central Business District and down along The Strand. At the rock pool, your helicopter takes a right turn towards Magnetic Island.

Magnetic Island, Beaches, Bays, Many Peaks Range

Idyllic Magnetic Island is home to coral reefs and a national park full of wildlife. Begin your lap around the island with a splendid view of the shipwrecked City of Adelaide and other sites that are only visible from the air. Your counter-clockwise route provides great views of all of the island's major bays and beaches, as well as hidden areas you would hardly know existed if not for this flight. At West Point, turn back toward the mainland and Many Peaks Range prior to landing back at the helipad. Upon arrival, de-board your helicopter, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking, with three-four steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and board/de-board the helicopter. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, provided they can get on/off the coach and board/de-board the helicopter without assistance. This tour is not suitable for guests with a fear of heights, guests prone to airsickness and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please be aware that weight restrictions may apply and kindly submit your weight information to the Shore Concierge Team onboard at least 72 hours prior to flight. Due to weight and balance limitations, as well as individual safety and comfort, seating is assigned at the pilot's discretion. A window seat cannot be guaranteed. The total flight time is approximately 30 minutes; flight times can vary based on flight conditions. The tour sequence may vary. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment. Cancellation deadline for this tour is 72 hours prior to the port of call and the tour is non-refundable after this time.

Experience the many highlights of Townsville during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Townsville, Castle Hill, Foothills, Pink Granite Bluffs, Strand Foreshore

Depart the pier for the short ride to Castle Hill, an isolated granite outcrop which rises approximately 984 feet (about 300 meters) above the central business district of Townsville. On the seaward side, the foothills lead to pink granite bluffs overlooking the Strand foreshore. Castle Hill is one of the most distinctive natural features on the Queensland coast, and remains an imposing backdrop to the heart of Townsville, despite its encirclement by urban development.

Queen's Gardens, Open Laws, Zoological Section, Formal Garden Beds, Castle Hill Backdrop

Next, re-board your coach and head to Townsville's Queens Gardens. With its formal mid-20th century design, the gardens offer a serene, relaxing atmosphere in the warm, tropical weather. Upon arrival, take a leisurely stroll along the garden's many pathways and open lawns, and past small zoological section and formal garden beds. Castle Hill forms a dramatic backdrop to the Queen's Gardens, complementing the placement of trees, shrubs, and decorative plants and bedding.

The Strand, Townsville Beachfront, Free Time

Leaving the Queen's Gardens, re-board your coach and proceed for some free time at The Strand, Townsville beachfront. Upon arrival, you may opt to stop by the waterfront restaurants and bars that make this area extremely popular with residents and visitors alike. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.3 miles-0.6 miles (500 metres-one kilometre), at times over gravel and hard, packed dirt surfaces and inclines, with three-four steps to get on/off the coach. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, bottled water and an umbrella from the ship. Guests must be at least 21 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Learn about a variety of Australia's native animals during this popular half-day outing. In addition, a short tour of the city will include many of Townsville's landmark sights such as the Strand Beachfront Promenade, museum, casino and a drive along historic Flinders Street.

Billabong Sanctuary

Departing the pier, begin with a 10-mile (16-km) drive south of Townsville. Nestled in the hills of the Mutatunga Range and set among rainforest, wetlands and eucalyptus trees, the Billabong Sanctuary provides an ideal environment for wildlife and is a popular spot for local families. Upon arrival, you are greeted by the park ranger who will provide a brief overview. Strolling along the pathways, you may see kookaburras, dingos, Australian black swans, cassowary, cockatoos, birds of prey and other native animals. Take the opportunity to hand feed the free roaming kangaroos and see Australia's menacing crocodiles have a meal.

Your time in the park is unstructured. A close-up encounter with the cuddly koalas and unusual wombats will make for great souvenir photo. Explore different habitats at your own pace, stop for a drink, and venture into the on-site souvenir shop if you wish, before regrouping to board the coach.

Your tour concludes with the drive back to Townsville and some additional sightseeing en route to the port.

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking, approximately 800 yards (731 metres) on packed-earth paths and sloping grounds. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with closed-toe walking shoes. We recommend sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses as well. Most exhibits do have wheelchair access; however, guests must be able to embark and disembark the coach via steps. Space is extremely limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment. The order of sites visited may vary.