If sun, sea, nature, wildlife, and outback experiences are hot on your tropical vacay to-do list, Viva Holidays says skip the other ‘been there, done that’ Queensland destinations, and head to Townsville, North Queensland instead! Discover Viva Holidays’ new ‘Up for Unexpected’ packages — with bonus upgrades, extra car hire days, and thoughtful inclusions that make your tropical escape even better.
With a unique combination of reef, rainforest, and outback experiences, Townsville North Queensland offers a tropical escape with nature, culture, and adventure at its core.
From Magnetic Island’s beaches to Paluma’s verdant rainforests, it’s a destination made for slowing and exploring more. With far fewer crowds and new and expanded flights, experience the kind of break you got elsewhere 20 years ago – it’s a big part of its appeal.
Especially with Viva Holidays’ new Townsville and Magnetic Island packages. They nailed ’em so much, we’re seriously trying to wrangle more annual leave to jet north!
Top reasons to love Townsville North Queensland
Authentic, accessible, and unforgettable, Townsville delivers beyond expectations. With #UpforUnexpected as its hashtag, it should be no surprise that you’re about to be surprised by all you can do there.
Here are 10 reasons why you’ll fall in love:
- 1. Magnetic Island magic: Find secluded beaches, gorgeous hiking trails, and wild koalas only 20 minutes from the mainland. Is it called ‘Maggie’ for magnetic or the island’s magic? You decide.
- 2. The Great Barrier Reef at your doorstep: How cool to snorkel and dive the world’s most famous – and largest – coral reef from laidback Townsville. Add in a visit to the extraordinary Museum of Underwater Art, too.
- 3. Castle Hill Lookout: Hike or drive for expansive views of the city, ocean, and Magnetic Island atop Castle Hill Lookout.
- 4. The Strand: Stroll, swim, or dine along the palm-lined beachfront promenade; it’s especially stunning at sunset.
- 5. Soar sightseeing: Take a birds’ eye perspective over Magnetic Island, the Great Barrier Reef, or Townsville on a scenic helicopter flight.
- 6. Authentic Indigenous culture: Explore Aboriginal heritage at Jezzine Barracks and on cultural tours that connect you to Country.
- 7. Dine & drink in style: From beachside brunches to award-winning restaurants like A Touch of Salt and Miss Songs, The Ville Resort-Casino’s food scene is thriving. There are epic rooftop bars, local breweries, and waterfront cocktails, too.
- 8. Wildlife encounters: Visit the awww-worthy Billabong Sanctuary, play ‘spot the marine life’ while snorkelling the nearby island’s reefs, or feed Geoffrey Bay’s rock wallabies on Magnetic Island.
- 9. Street art & creative culture: Did you know Townsville has vibrant murals and public art trails across the city centre? You do now!
- 10. World-class events: Known as the ‘events capital of the north’, Townsville offers a stacked year-round calendar. Time your trip for the city’s major sporting matches, cultural festivals, and lively performances.
Holidays unlocked with Viva Holidays
If you’re an experience-driven traveller, looking for a fuss-free getaway, or seeking a destination focused on sustainability, community connection, and immersive travel, Townsville is the inspiration you’ve been waiting for.
Let Viva Holidays show you how good it gets in Townsville North Queensland!
Townsville Highlights
What better way to switch off from the routine of work-gym-sleep-repeat than a heavenly 5-day break in tropical Townsville?
This package includes:
- 4 nights at the 4.5-star Ville Resort & Casino, with a BONUS upgrade to a Resort room and welcome drink voucher on arrival
- A full-day Great Barrier Reef and Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) tour, including MOUA entry fees, snorkelling equipment, morning and afternoon tea, plus buffet-style lunch
From $899 per person twin share, save $103 per person. Discover more here.
Magnetic Island Discovery
The draw of Magnetic Island’s untamed beauty and abundant wildlife make this 8-day Magnetic Island Discovery package a must-do getaway for anyone seeking a reset amid nature’s finest.
Your package includes:
- 1 night at the 4-star Rydges Southbank Townsville in a Deluxe King room
- 6 nights at the 4-star Grand Mercure Apartments Magnetic Island in a 1-bedroom Resort View apartment, with BONUS bottle of wine on arrival and BONUS 1-day Magnetic Island car hire
- A half-day Magnetic Island Discovery Tour with use of snorkelling gear, morning tea, and return ferry transfers from Magnetic Island
- A 90-minute Sip and Sail Sunset Cruise with a locally sourced cheese platter and beer
- A half-day Maggie Comprehensive Tour with light morning tea
- Return ferry transfers from Townsville Airport to Magnetic Island
From $1,233 per person twin share, saving $418 each. Find out more here.
Indulgent Townsville
Explore Townsville North Queensland in style with this upmarket 5-day package including a luxe stay at the Ardo Hotel (the rooftop pool is impressive).
Indulgent Townsville includes:
- 4 nights at 5-star Ardo with BONUS upgrade to an Ocean King room and BONUS welcome drink voucher on arrival
- A half-day Lunchtime Sailing Cruise, with BONUS private beach picnic lunch with premium wines and local beers. Plus, a Turkish towel use and return ferry transfers from Townsville to Magnetic Island
- Elevate your experience on a 30-minute Magnetic Island scenic flight
From $1,369 per person twin share; save $199 each. Learn more here.
Townsville & Magnetic Island Family Getaway
With treasures like Billabong Sanctuary and Crystal Creek in Townsville and calm beaches and koala spotting on Magnetic Island, this is the perfect 7-day break for the whole fam.
Your package includes:
- 2 nights at the 4-star Mercure Townsville in a family room
- 4 nights at Grand Mercure Apartments in a 2-bedroom Resort View apartment with BONUS bottle of wine on arrival
- A half-day Magnetic Island Discovery Tour including morning tea, refreshments, and use of snorkelling gear
- Return ferry transfers from Townsville to Magnetic Island
From $2,475 per family of two adults and two children (11 and under), saving $474. Explore more here.
Luxury Townsville and Orpheus Island Escape
Upgrade your tropical getaway with this fabulous 7-day package, including the wow-worth Orpheus Island Lodge for a stay you need, want, and deserve.
This package includes:
- 2 nights at the 5-star Ardo with a BONUS upgrade to an Ocean King room, BONUS full breakfast daily, and BONUS one-way transfer to the property from Townsville Airport
- 4 nights at the luxurious 5-star Orpheus Island Lodge in a North Beachfront room with BONUS bottle of Veuve Clicquot on arrival, BONUS one-way helicopter transfer from Ardo to Orpheus Island, gourmet meals daily, quality alcohol and soft drinks, an all-inclusive mini bar and snacks, use of motorised watesports equipment, and daily curated experiences, including a sunset cruise, wine tasting, and local snorkelling
- A one-way helicopter transfer from Orpheus Island Lodge to Townsville Airport
From $4,449 per person twin share, saving $1,398 each. Discover more here.
The deets
Are you Up for Unexpected in Townsville? Find more inspiration and curated packages on Viva Holidays’ dedicated page here.
Agents, book these exclusive packages through Mango, and download marketing assets on the dedicated agent platform.
This article is brought to you by Viva Holidays.
