Check in: Your Townsville and Magnetic Island accommodation guide

Do swim-up pool bar, five onsite restaurants and bars, and a wellness spa make the list of must-haves for your couples escape or group getaway?

Whether you’re craving a peaceful oasis or supercharged playground, The Ville delivers. And it delivers with a touch of Palm Springs glam, sweeping Coral Sea views and a locale just a short beat away from the heart of Townsville’s action. Already dreaming of the cocktails? Here’s a few more reasons you need to check in.

Go glam-packing at Rambutan

It set the benchmark as Australia’s first glam-packers resort, but Rambutan is so much more. Rambutan’s got all the convenience of a backpackers: café, bars, laundry, free wifi and luggage storage – in a boutique package of stylishly appointed twin, queen and king rooms.

Feast on signature pizzas and Italian flavours at Armati’s, kick back and sip in the views from the rooftop bar, or party by the pool.

Travelling with a group? Set your sights on their self-contained beach house villas, complete with four bedrooms and an open plan kitchenette, lounge and dining area.

Pitch your tent or park your caravan at Tasman Holiday Parks - Rowes Bay

Want access to the city centre, but still feel miles from it? We know just the place.

‘Round the corner from The Strand and Jezzine Barracks, this holiday park feels worlds away in its lush tropical setting with views out to Magnetic Island. But you’re only a 7-minute drive from the city.

Your kids will love the pool, playground and outdoor movies. You’ll love the choice of powered and unpowered sites for caravans, campervans and motorhomes, as well as tent sites. Plus the convenience of laundries, camp kitchen and BBQ facilities.

Packing light? Modern villas and cabins are also available in the park.

Settle in at Mariners North Holiday Apartments

Here for a while? Check into Mariners North. These two-and-three-bedroom apartments have all the creature comforts of home and corporate facilities, served up with a side of sea views.

Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, you’re close to it all. That’s walking distance to the marina, ferry terminal, Entertainment Centre and all the dining of The Strand.

After a day of adventure you can return to this relaxed space, cook in the full sized kitchen, take a swim in the pool or a swing on the tennis court.

Go budget by the beachfront at Beach House Motel

Take a humble motel, pop it on the beachfront, and you’ve got everything you need for a cost-effective stay in paradise.

Spend golden hour (up here, we call it magic hour) in the pool overlooking The Strand to take in views of Magnetic Island as it illuminates in colour.

There’s double, queen and family rooms, as well as off-street parking. Though you probably won’t need a car with the supermarket, best restaurants and Strand Water Park just a short walk away. You can also book day tours at the motel to explore further afield.

Escape in nature at Hidden Valley Cabins

Get out of town and into the wilderness at this rustic eco-resort for a true Australian bush experience.

An hour and a half from Townsville, Hidden Valley Cabins is on the doorstep of rugged landscapes and hiking trails that will take your breath away, like Wallaman Falls, Little Crystal Creek, and wider Paluma National Park are within reach.

The family-run resort operates on 100% renewable energy. Even more heart-warming: your hosts Ian and Bonnie will cook your dinner and escort you on tours, like the Platypus Safari or Night Safari.

Coming soon: new Townsville accommodation

The group behind luxury Queensland properties Orpheus Island Lodge, Daintree Ecolodge, and Mt Mulligan Lodge will open a new five-star hotel, Ardo, in Townsville later this year. The $88 million dollar resort will boast luxury accommodation, world-class dining, a luxurious day spa, and a stunning rooftop pool deck and bar with panoramic views across the Coral Sea to Magnetic Island.

Magnetic Island

Just 20 minutes from the city via ferry, Magnetic Island is the cherry on top of Townsville’s awe-inspiring natural assets. It’s home to 23 palm-fringed beaches and bays perfect for a swim or snorkel, and the largest wild koala population in northern Australia.

Here for a weekend? Try this itinerary on for size. Here for a while? Make sure you tick off these must-dos before you leave.

Retreat to Peppers Blue on Blue Resort

Cocktails at sunset, couples massages, room service, bubble baths. Is this your idea of a romantic island escape? If so, book into Peppers Blue.

You’ll be torn trying to divide your time between exploring the island or staying put, especially if you splurge one of the resort’s aptly named plunge apartments, which come with their own private plunge pools overlooking the marina.

Get wild and free at Nomads Magnetic Island

A full moon means something different on Maggie. And if you’re here to get wild, Nomads (Base) is home to Australia’s only full moon party.

Looking more like a Bali resort than a backpackers hostel, choose between shared dorms or private rooms in a beachfront bungalow, or BYO tent and camp out under the stars.

After a day spent exploring the island, kick back with drinks on the deck at the infamous Island Bar, watching the sun melt into the horizon before the party scene comes alive.

Extend your stay at Beachside Magnetic Harbour Apartments

Stay on island time a little longer at Beachside Magnetic Harbour Apartments.

Nestled into Nelly Bay, you’ll feel right at home in these self-contained one, two and three-bedroom luxury apartments. Perfect for families and groups of friends, or couples who just need to escape from reality for a while, apartments are kitted out with a full kitchen, large spa bath and plenty of room to move about in with private courtyards and balconies.

Make new friends at Selina (Bungalow Bay Koala Resort)

Selina (previously known as Bungalow Bay Koala Village) is the only resort in Australia that can boast its own onsite wildlife park.

And no matter if you’re camping out or staying in one of their hostel dorms, ensuite double rooms or timber bungalows, all guests have the chance to learn about our beloved native animals (which includes lorikeets, pythons, saltwater crocs and lizards) on a guided tour of the park. You can even upgrade your stay to include a buffet breakfast with the koalas for a little more quality time with your new furry pals.

Holiday on a budget at CStay Holiday Accommodation

Need to stick to a budget, but want to avoid that backpacker bustle? CStay is your affordable, quiet base to explore the beauty of Maggie, staying in guest house style accommodation with double or twin rooms and female dorms. Meet fellow travellers over shared meals in the communal kitchen, poolside drinks or bbq area. This experience is less frills, and more room for adventure. Save those pennies and spend them on a dive trip, sunset sail or night out.

For an island adventure of a lifetime

Want something extra special, and a little further afield? Hop on a private helicopter flight to secluded, 100% renewably powered Orpheus Island Lodge to soak up sunshine and its serious eco-credentials.

Or strap on your hiking boots for the four day Thorsborne Trail on Australia’s largest island national park, Hinchinbrook Island.