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Exploring Townsville's Coast

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Exploring Townsville's Coast

Breakwater Marina serves as an ideal boating destination thanks to our location amongst the natural wonders of north Queensland.  We are adjacent to the central section of the Great Barrier Reef, fringed by groups of tropical islands just off our coastline to explore. Just past the Marina channel entrance, there is direct ocean access across to Magnetic Island, up to the Palm Group or out to the Great Barrier Reef.

QUICK FACTS: 

  • Townsville lies on the northern Queensland coast and is located about 17.5 hours drive north of Brisbane and almost 5 hours drive south of Cairns. 
  • The region has a dry tropical climate that is dominated by two distinct seasons: the wet season, Summer (November to April); and The dry season, Winter (May to October).
  • Townsville has an average of 300 sunny days a year - this means perfect beach-weather almost all year round - the perfect environment for enjoying being out on the water.

The outer Great Barrier Reef is accessible from Townsville and local islands.  Snorkelling and diving are world class in this underwater playground with the SS Yongala to the south of Townsville considered one of the best wreck dives on the planet, sitting 28m below the Coral Sea. The 110m steamer capsized during a storm in 1911 and today remains as one of the largest intact ship wrecks in the world hosting a dazzling array of tropical fish and marine life.

Townsville is close to a number of spectacular islands. Magnetic Island (Yunbenum) and the stunning Palm Group are just off the coast from Townsville, with Magnetic Island (known as Maggie by locals) being a perfect daytrip or long weekend destination. Magnetic Island has secluded beaches and bays bookended by rocky headlands, abundant wildlife and a thriving local community.

The Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) is a series of globally-significant artworks located on the Great Barrier Reef in Townsville North Queensland.   The 'Coral Greenhouse' is located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park at John Brewer Reef and is the largest MOUA installation.

The Palm Island Group is made up of 16 islands, with the largest being Great Palm, Fantome (Eumilli Island) and Orpheus Island (Goolboddi Island).  This group of islands support key Indigenous landmarks and historic shipwrecks, but it is also home to stunning natural habitats, both land and sea alike.

To the northwest of Maggie in Halifax Bay lies Rattlesnake and Herald Islands with only a short passage further to the north to be amongst the Great Palm Island Group. Ten islands form the Group and offer a diverse mix of tropical island experiences, majestic anchorages and sandy beaches. Another day run northeast has you marvelling at the natural wilderness of Hinchinbrook Island.

If you prefer your fish at the end of a line then Townsville will wet your game and sports fishing appetite. Renowned for its estuary rivers, inshore sports and offshore game fishing, you’re sure to be hooked.  Ross River, Bohle River and the Great Barrier Reef are popular places to wet a line.

Ask the friendly Marina staff if you need to know anymore about cruising through the tropical Townsville region.

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