Central Great Barrier Reef access for the SS Yongala, underwater art, and island hiking
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Overview
Townsville sits on Queensland's tropical coast with Magnetic Island a short ferry ride offshore and mid-shelf reefs to the east. For divers, the headline is the SS Yongala, a protected wreck in 15 m to 29 m that draws big schools, rays and seasonal sharks. For snorkelers and freedivers, the Museum of Underwater Art at John Brewer Reef adds shallow sculpture trails and coral lagoons. On land, Townsville is an easy base with an airport close to the city, a breezy waterfront called The Strand, and quick road trips to Paluma Range rainforest. Plan around the wet season (Nov to Apr), marine stinger season (Nov to May), and windier winter fronts that can cancel offshore boats.
Townsville is a practical mainland base with two main directions for water time:
A third option is a fast hop to Magnetic Island for beach snorkeling, dive training, and coastal hikes.
The SS Yongala sits in open water and starts around 15 m, dropping to about 29 m. Expect dense schools of fish, big rays, and a true "blue-water wreck" feel. Many operators run this as a two-dive day trip and require Advanced Open Water (or equivalent) because of depth, current, and the need for solid buoyancy.
At John Brewer Reef, the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) gives Townsville something unique: reef dives that double as a gallery. The Coral Greenhouse sits around 16 m and rises to within 6 m of the surface, while the Ocean Sentinels are shallow (about 3 m to 6 m). On calm days, confident snorkelers can enjoy the Ocean Sentinels from the surface, while divers combine the art with nearby coral bommies and lagoon circuits.
Townsville makes it easy to:
Magnetic Island suits travelers who want:
Townsville's best water time happens inside protected areas:
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Last updated: January 23, 2026 • 17 sources
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Trip callouts
Day trips from Townsville reach the SS Yongala, a protected wreck with heavy fish biomass and a reputation as one of Australia's best dives.
The Museum of Underwater Art at John Brewer Reef blends reef diving and sculpture, including the Coral Greenhouse and Ocean Sentinels.
Magnetic Island is close enough for a day trip, but rewarding enough to stay overnight for snorkel trails, beaches, and the Forts Walk.
Townsville reef trips operate under Great Barrier Reef Marine Park rules, including the Environmental Management Charge (EMC), no-anchoring areas, and Responsible Reef Practices.
scuba
Why Townsville for Scuba Diving
Townsville is one of the few Great Barrier Reef gateways where you can pair a world-class wreck with reef lagoons and underwater art in the same week. Most visitors book a reef day boat to John Brewer Reef for colorful coral gardens and the MOUA sculptures, then reserve a separate weather window for the SS Yongala. Local operators such as Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive run both styles of trips, plus PADI training and refreshers. Expect boat diving (not shore diving), variable visibility in inshore water, and big-animal surprises when conditions line up.
freedive
Why Townsville for Freediving
Townsville is a strong freedive base because it combines easy training water (Magnetic Island bays) with clear-water day trips to mid-shelf reefs. The MOUA sites at John Brewer Reef give obvious visual reference points for depth control, line practice, and calm buddying. Local communities like Freedive TSV and university dive clubs often organize ocean sessions, while dive shops can arrange PADI Freediver or AIDA-style courses on request. Best visibility is typically in the dry season, but warm summer water can be inviting if you manage stinger protection and stormy weather.
snorkel
Why Townsville for Snorkeling
Townsville is an easy snorkeling destination because Magnetic Island offers marked snorkel trails right off the beach, and reef day boats can take you to shallow lagoons at John Brewer Reef. The MOUA Ocean Sentinels sit in about 3 m to 6 m, so you can snorkel an underwater sculpture trail on a calm day. Most visitors snorkel in the dry season (May to Oct) for clearer water, but summer has warmer water if you respect stinger season rules and pick protected, patrolled beaches. If you want zero-boat days, base on Magnetic Island and rotate between Geoffrey Bay, Nelly Bay, and sheltered coves like Alma Bay.
topside
What to do when you're not in the water
Townsville is more than a boat ramp. Between dive days you can run the waterfront on The Strand, climb Castle Hill for a sunset view over Cleveland Bay, or take the ferry to Magnetic Island for hikes and wildlife spotting. Rainforest is also close: Paluma Range and its swimming holes make a strong full-day reset from salt water and sun. If you are traveling with non-divers, Townsville works as a flexible base with museums, markets, and easy day trips, while Magnetic Island adds beach time and a laid-back island rhythm.
