Highlights

Duration: Approx. 2 hours + 30 minute briefing

Location: Breakwater Marina, Townsville, QLD

A Jet Ski Tour from Townsville in Tropical North Queensland to Magnetic Island is a must-do Aussie Bucket List experience. All customers must be able to understand English, as they are required to demonstrate a clear and thorough understanding of the safety briefing and the operational instructions including the practical operation of the Jet Ski.

What to expect:

Other than an experience of a lifetime, you will see some of the most picturesque scenery that North Queensland has on offer. Whilst on tour you could expect to see the unique marine life that inhabits The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which include some of the following species: Turtles, dolphins, dugongs, whales and many other forms of aquatic marine life.

Your voyage to Magnetic Island commences as you take in an aspect of Castle Hill and Townsville from the water whilst continuing along to Kissing Point prior to altering course towards Magnetic Island and covering areas of the bay that are composed of underwater reef structure Virago shoal and Middle Reef. It is then that we reach the historical shipwreck known as the SS Adelaide (Steam Ship Adelaide).

She was a steamship built for the Australasian Steam Navigation Company (she was built before Australia existed as a united country - like the 13 Colonies before Federation). She ran a regular passenger service to several destinations. The destinations included Melbourne, Sydney, Honolulu, and San Francisco. She served in her role as a passenger ship for many years before she was eventually converted to a coal storage vessel in 1902.

She was reconfigured and her boilers were removed. She was given a four-masted barque in 1890. When she was under sail, she was likened to a graceful bird in flight - although that may be hard to picture looking at her tree-covered wreckage today. But disaster struck in 1912 when her coal caught fire and she burned for two days. Incredibly the fire didn't completely destroy the ship. 

Whilst continuing on in a northerly direction you can experience the calm waters of Cleveland Bay that are sheltered by Magnetic Island, whilst voyaging to the most North-Western tip of Magnetic Island known as West Point. West Point is the original site of the Magnetic Island Quarantine Station Reserve proclaimed in Queensland Government Gazette in 1886. The station was moved to Cape Pallarenda on the mainland near Townsville in 1915, creating the Cape Pallarenda Quarantine Station (now heritage-listed). In the 2016 census the suburb of West Point had a population of 32 people. 

This picturesque little island consists of rocky outcrops, native grasses and abundant sea going Avarians. The history of Bay Rock was that of one which was owned by the government and used solely for lighthouse purposes.

The lighthouse, completed in 1866, was one of the first 4 or 5 to be built in Queensland. It has historical significance as it was initially used extensively by vessels making for the quarantine station anchorage on West Point, Magnetic Island. The lighthouse was standard white sound timber-framed, zinc anneal-cladded tower with standard equipment. A lantern and beam projection apparatus was used with an open flame acetylene gas burner. The original light stood 29 metres above ground. The last keeper left in 1920 and the light was automated in 1930. 

The last occupants were John Albert Edward Lawson and his family. He started his service on Gatcom Head near Gladstone. He was tragically lost at sea while returning to Bay Rock. His descendants still live in Townsville. The original lighthouse now takes up residence on the restaurant strip that is located on Palmer Street. 

Continuing to circumnavigate Magnetic Island traveling in a North-Easterly direction will lead you to encounter the unique landscape that makes up Five Beach Bay. Very few frequent these beautiful beaches as it requires a little bit of effort to get there. Approximately a kilometer or so west of popular Horseshoe Bay these beaches are only accessible by boat and are part of the National Park meaning tropical fish, turtles and even dugongs are abundant. This location is also host to many tropical waterfalls and natural forming swimming holes that are utilized by locals and visitors alike. 

The next location that you will encounter is Horseshoe Bay that is a safe haven for many visiting vessels and is extremely popular location on the island where locals, tourists and visitors alike enjoy the sandy beaches, calm waters, protection of the swimming encloser, eateries, cafes, restaurants and beachside accommodation and local island weekend day markets. Horseshoe Bay, named because of its shape, has been a popular recreational place since 1921 when George Butler first began taking passengers to the bay on ‘Sunday excursions’. The first jetty at Horseshoe Bay was built in 1922, but was demolished in 1973 after being severely damaged by cyclone Althea. And the first swimming enclosure at Horseshoe Bay was a Teatree sapling enclosure, built in 1947.

On the South-Eastern side of the island within close proximately lies a cluster of granite boulders that is named Orchard Rocks this structure consist of many boulders that would appear to be free standing or balanced on top of one another and poses some thought as to how it was created and remains in its current form. 

The southern side of the island is the gateway to the commercial harbor of Nelly Bay that enables fast ferries and barges owned and operated by Sealink that ferry locals, visitors and tourists to Magnetic Island. This location supports 5 star resort style accommodation such as Pepper on blue and is the hub to be able to jump aboard a local dive boat and travel to the outer reef for activities such as snorkeling and diving. 

Travelling in a Westerly direction we reach the most Southern-Western tip of the island namely Picnic Bay that is host to sandy beaches, calm waters, protection of the swimming encloser, eateries, cafes, restaurants and beachside accommodation, it also host one of the longest private jetties that many locals and visitors alike utilize for relaxing, taking in the sights and a spot of fishing. 

The jetty at Picnic Bay on Magnetic Island reflects the island’s long history of tourism. The Butler family settled here in 1877 and initiated an intermittent ferry service, bringing holiday makers to the island. In 1899, Robert Hayles purchased the Butlers’ facilities. He then built a two story hotel, dance hall, and a new jetty. In 1900 Hayles built a longer jetty which was extensively damaged by cyclone Leonta in 1903, and although repaired, it needed replacing by 1910. By this time, Hayles was developing a significant tourism business based in Townsville, later expanding to Cairns, Cooktown, Darwin and Brisbane. Hayles continued to increase facilities on Magnetic Island. The Townsville Harbor Board assumed responsibility for the island foreshores from 1920. Tourism ceased during WWII, with the Picnic Bay facilities taken over as a recreation camp for military personnel. After the war, the Harbor Board commissioned a new jetty in 1959. Hayles maintained a lease for a further 20 years. By 1984 the jetty was used by around 300,000 people annually. Another new jetty was planned, but an attempt to dismantle the old one was met with public opposition and a local management committee was established to maintain it. 

On the North-Eastern side of Picnic Bay you can visit and experience the relics of a real live shipwreck and can be accessed at low tide. This shipwreck is name the 'Bee'. 'Bee' was employed in the passenger trade between Townsville and Magnetic Island. The vessel cast off from the jetty at Picnic Bay, Magnetic Island, on the 16th of March 1901. After clearing the end of the jetty by 70 feet the engines were stopped and the vessel was turned ahead. The captain started to steer the vessel port helm, but he lost steerage when the wheel chains jammed. The captain then attempted to get the 'Bee' alongside the jetty again, however the wind and sea drove the vessel broadside onto the beach. The vessel could not be refloated and it broke up by the 19th of March 1901. The Marine Board inquiry found the stranding was caused by the jamming of the wheel chains, but considered that the captain committed an error of judgement when he did not take the vessel further astern before attempting to turn the ship's head seaward (Marine Department, Townsville 29/03/1901). 

Once departing Picnic Bay we Jet Ski from Magnetic Island heading towards the mainland where we return to the safe haven of the Townsville Breakwater Marina.

Our tours cater to our guests personal needs and requirements. If you wish to pace you're tour at a slower rate and take it all in, we can arrange multiple stops and capture photographs of the voyage. If you wish to travel quickly, advise the guide and they will adjust and monitor the pace of the voyage to match the experience level of the participants.  

History:

The Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Yunbenun (Magnetic Island), the Wulgurukaba people, the ‘canoe people’, have lived on the island and nearby mainland for thousands of years. Shell middens, stone tools and art sites are some of the physical reminders of their connection with the island. The Wulgurukaba people have stories, such as the Big Carpet Snake story linking Magnetic and Palm Islands and the mainland, which tell of the creation of this landscape during the Dreamtime.

Until the establishment of the Townsville port in the mid-1800s, the Wulgurukaba people were able to maintain their traditional lifestyle. As more European people moved into the area, the Wulgurukaba people were forced to move off their traditional lands, and confrontations with settlers, loss of traditional food sources and disease took their toll. They remained on the island until the 1920s and 30s but were eventually forced to live in missions on the mainland. A small group of Wulgurukaba people stay on or have returned to the island.

Magnetic Island was named by Lt James Cook in 1770 when he believed the magnetic compass on his ship the Endeavour was affected by the island. During the 1800s Magnetic Island became a popular picnic area, and, by the late 1890s, Picnic Bay was the home of the first resort on the Island. Tourism prospered during the early 1900s as Townsville grew to be a major city in North Queensland.

From 1942 Townsville became a significant base for the military and its harbor, Cleveland Bay, an important assembly point for shipping. During 1942–43, a signal station and coastal battery were built on Magnetic Island for controlling shipping and defence of the harbor. Two 3,000,000 candle-powered searchlights, capable of spotting aircraft at 30,000 feet, were located at Horseshoe and Florence bays, and a radar screen was located high in the hills above Arthur Bay. The Australian Coast Artillery Units operated the Forts complex from 1943 until the end of the Pacific War in 1945. Today the Forts ruins are protected under the Queensland Heritage Act 1992.

Inclusions:

• Life jacket
• Sunscreen (if you forget yours)
• Safety briefing and Jet Ski practical demonstration
• Snorkeling Gear: Masks, snorkels, and fins provided.
• Experienced Guides: Expert guides to lead the tour and provide insights into marine life and reef ecosystems.
• Educational Commentary: Informative and engaging commentary on marine biodiversity and conservation.
• Free Photos: Complimentary photos of your snorkeling adventure.
• Bottled Water: Stay hydrated with provided bottled water.
• Wetsuits: Available for additional comfort and protection.

What to bring:

• Protective sun wear clothing
• Towel
• Driver’s license or alternative form of photo identification (e.g. Passport)
• Sunscreen
• Water bottle containing water
• Hat suitable for Jet Skiing
• If bringing a camera please ensure there is a lanyard attached (if your mobile phone is not waterproof it may be advisable to leave behind. If you choose to bring your phone please note that in doing so this is at your own risk)
• You may bring your own stinger suit if you choose. There are also stinger suits available for hire or purchase.