Townsville - the gateway to Magnetic Island | BOXIO's adventures Down Under

Townsville - das Tor zu Magnetic Island | BOXIO's Abenteuer Down Under

After a brief stop in Mission Beach, my family headed further south along the east coast towards Townsville. The city from which we headed to the beautiful Koala Island, Magnetic Island. The city that is only 2 hours away from Australia's largest waterfalls. And yes, the city that has been voted "Sh*t town of Australia" twice. More about this and what we experienced in today's blog.

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The majestic Wallaman Falls

If you are in the area, i.e. in Townsville, Mission Beach or even just in Cairns, you have to see the Wallaman Falls! Just under 2 hours by car from Townsville and just over 3 hours from Cairns... It's definitely worth the drive to Girringun National Park.

As I said, we started from Mission Beach and the drive was already very eventful. The road winds its way up into the tropical forests and mountains and the views are truly spectacular.

When you arrive at the parking lot of Wallaman Falls, you can already hear the roaring masses of water. Just a few steps away from the parking lot is the lookout, from which you have an elevated full view.

Incidentally, Wallaman Falls has a free fall of 269 meters, making it the highest permanent single waterfall in Australia.

hier sieht man die Wallaman Falls. Diese haben einen freien Fall von 269 Meter und sind somit die höchsten permanenten Einzel-Wasserfälle Australiens

If you fancy more activity, then definitely do the hike to the foot of the waterfall. You should allow at least 45 minutes for the walk. We saw a few very well-equipped hikers with poles and hiking boots. I, as a well-known "wanna-be-Aussie", did the hike barefoot... It wasn't a problem and the reaction of the other Gore-Tex tourists was very funny.

When you arrive in the valley, your breath really stops. The view of the almost 300-metre-high masses of water is simply amazing, majestic and breathtaking. I think you have to see it (if you have the chance).

Ein Wasserfall mit den Autoren dieses Blogbeitrags (jesko) davor

Magnetic Island - the Koala Island

The next day, we boarded the ferry to Magnetic Island early in the morning. The crossing takes around 35-40 minutes and cost just under $245 for 4 adults and 1 car (return trip). I booked online via Magnetic Island Ferries(www.magneticislandferries.com.au).

There are 7 different hikes to choose from on the island. All of them lead partly through the forest (where you have a good chance of seeing koalas) and usually end at a beautiful little bay where you can refresh yourself perfectly.

Trouri Karte von Magnetic Island Australien

(Source: https://www.magneticislandguide.com.au/hiking-walking-trails)


I can definitely recommend the Forts Walk. We spotted 4 koalas in the trees here in a short space of time. The animals are really too cute to watch. But respect their habitat and don't try to pet or feed them!

Bild von einen schlafenden Koala in eine Eukalyptusbaum

On the walk you can also see ruins from the 2nd World War. These were built as a defense against Japan and some of them are still well preserved.

Westpoint walk magnatic island und eine spektakuläre Aussicht auf das Meer

After the walk, we drove to Westpoint, the route there was also a bit off-road through the forest and you can see lots of birds and other wild animals. It doesn't take more than 30 minutes to drive across the island, depending on the (tourist) traffic. And even if you don't have your own car, it's no problem. You can hire one of the stylish pink convertibles or e-bikes on Magnetic Island or simply do everything on foot or by bus, which runs every 45-60 minutes to the main towns.

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Yes, and Townsville itself ..

That's all well and good, but what about Townsville itself? Is it really Australia's "sh*t town"? We stayed at the Shoredrive Motel for 2 nights. Let me put it this way, the accommodation was very basic, but for the price of $155 for a family room it was fine. The Strand promenade is great for a morning run or walk and we had two very good breakfasts at the Odyssey on the Strand café. Otherwise, I still have fond memories of Castle Hill Lookout from my trip 5 years ago, from where you have a good view over Townsville and the Pacific. Otherwise, I wouldn't plan more than 2 days for Townsville.


If you'd like to find out what happened for us further south in Airlie Beach and on the Whitsunday Islands, then stay tuned and read through the next blog.


Cheers!

Jesko

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Jesko Australien selfie
01

Wait a minute, who is this Jesko anyway?

Hey you!

You might be wondering who is the guy who writes here every now and then…

My name is Jesko, I am 24 years old, was born and raised in Cologne and I am currently living and traveling in Australia for the second time.

Why the second time? Well, because I liked the first time so much, for lots of reasons. Back then, I went to Australia with my girlfriend straight after graduating from high school (like almost everyone else does).

01

Wait a minute, who is this Jesko anyway?

Hey you!

You might be wondering who is the guy who writes here every now and then…

My name is Jesko, I am 24 years old, was born and raised in Cologne and I am currently living and traveling in Australia for the second time.

Why the second time? Well, because I liked the first time so much, for lots of reasons. Back then, I went to Australia with my girlfriend straight after graduating from high school (like almost everyone else does).

Jesko Australien selfie
Jesko am Meer in Australien
01

After 3 years of office work and studying business administration, I had enough of Germany and this time I am travelling alone.

I would be happy if I could motivate you with my contributions for your working holiday trip and maybe even give you a tip or two.

Have fun while reading!

01

After 3 years of office work and studying business administration, I had enough of Germany and this time I am travelling alone.

I would be happy if I could motivate you with my contributions for your working holiday trip and maybe even give you a tip or two.

Have fun while reading!

Jesko am Meer in Australien

BOXIO's adventure Down Under

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