The North Queensland coastal metropolis of Townsville is in an enviable position. In the heart of the tropics its access to bountiful seafood on one side and the rich farmland further inland, makes it a great place to explore a thriving regional cuisine. Take a walk down the Strand, a 2.2km long waterfront parkway where many of Townsville's cafes are located or explore the city’s historic and art trails, where murals are painted on many of the buildings. Being a tropical city there is plenty of opportunity to explore this city even when the sun goes down. Overnight: Townsville.

Meals:  Nil

Explore Townsville’s Ross River area with your cycle guide along a loop ride of 40km. If you're travelling during Autumn or Spring the day will start at 7:00am, while travellers in Winter will start at 8:00am. Ross River is a defining aspect of Townsville itself, shadowed by Castle Hill the dominant rock formation rising out of an otherwise flat surrounds. The ride is a scenic sealed trail with plenty of freshwater wildlife and an abundance of natural beauty. You’ll stop for morning tea at the Palmetum Gardens Café with a walk around the gardens if you choose. There is also an option for a swim at the Riverway Lagoons halfway around. Your guide will get you back onto the Strand around 1-2pm and you’ll have the afternoon to explore Townsville independently. Overnight: Townsville. Ascent: 62m; descent: -63m

Meals:  Nil

Today is a full day trip, starting at 7am. The Indigenous Nywaigi people of this region called Paluma Munan Gumburu, which means ‘misty mountain’, an apt description as mists are common with the area having a distinctly different climate, and generally cooler than the coastal plains. Today we’ll cycle 20-30 km depending on conditions and take a rainforest hike, a cooling swim and have morning tea at a waterfall. We return to Paluma village for lunch and then to Townsville in the late afternoon with plenty of time to freshen up and head out to the restaurant strip or simply stroll along The Strand and take in the warm northern evening, looking out across the bay. Overnight Townsville. Ascent: 286m; descent: -286m

Meals:  Nil

Start the day cycling north along the coast to Pallarenda and detour via the wetlands area as well as the ‘Town Common’. This is a great morning of cycling with stunning coastline, WW2 history and bird watching in the Town Common wetlands. You’ll stop for morning tea at the Wetlands and be back on the Strand for lunch before continuing your journey with a short cycle to Townsville’s ferry terminal then off to Magnetic Island. You will catch the ferry that departs Townsville at 2.15pm. You’ll spend three great tropical days on this unique island with opportunities to cycle and explore the shops, cafes, restaurants and the unique island natural environment or just sit on a beach and listen to the gentle waves and breathe the fresh air from the ocean. Overnight: Magnetic Island. Ascent: 64m; descent: -69m

Meals:  Nil

Your guide will meet you at the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal to begin the ride to West Point. The first part of the ride takes along the scenic coastal cycle trail of Nelly Bay before the punchy but short hill to Picnic Bay. While detouring through the quiet back streets of Picnic Bay keep your eyes peeled for koalas. Magnetic Island is 75% National Park and home to a healthy population of approximately 1000 koalas. Just out of Picnic Bay, the journey takes a little detour to the quaint Cockle Bay, which is steeped in WW2 history and is the beginning of a 10km stretch of mangroves. Continuing on from Cockle Bay, the road turns to gravel. Yes, there are a few pot holes, but they are easily avoided and cars are seldom seen along this section. The road to West Point immerses riders in mangrove and melaleuca swamp, both of which are critically endangered and important environments. Arrival at West Point is welcomed by views over the strait between the island and the mainland, Castle Hill and the great Dividing Range. On the return journey your guide will take you down to the pristine Picnic Bay foreshore and prepare a well-earned morning tea of home baked goodies and drinks. There is also an option to do a short walk to a granite boulder lookout before the quick up-and-over ride back to Nelly Bay. Overnight: Magnetic Island. This afternoon you will have some free time to explore the Island. Pilgrim Sailing offer afternoon Sunset and Sip sails that depart from Nelly Bay marina. (This is not included in the trip and you will need to pre-book). Ascent: 218m; descent: -219m

Meals:  Nil

More cycling, walking or a reef/island boat tour? Today you have a choice to either take off on a self guided ride, catch a bus to the Forts Walk or head out on the water on the ‘Aquascene Discovery Tour’ (fees apply and we recommend booking this at least a few weeks in advance). If you join the Aquascene Discovery Tour you will have plenty of free time in the afternoon for more self discovery and exploration and it possible to spend your last day on the island being active. The boat tour includes morning tea, snorkelling, visits to a number of bays and comprehensive commentary. The Forts Walk is the #1 attraction on the island and the 4km return walk takes you to a high point with stunning views around the entire island and all the way back to Townsville. You’ll visit WW2 Forts that were constructed as early warning and defence facilities when the possibility of Japanese bombers where a real threat to northern parts of Australia with Townsville actually bombed on two separate occasions. To get to the Forts Walk we recommend taking the local bus, which leaves close to your hotel. While you can cycle to the Forts Walk this road is windy and has no verge, so we only recommend cycling for very competent road cyclists. The bus also goes to Horseshoe Bay should you wish to explore the other side of the Island. Another option is to hire a car and drive yourself around the Island. Or if you're feeling very energetic you can walk 6km from Nelly Bay to the Forts Walk, and then join the Forts Walk before catching the bus back to the hotel. Another option is to cycle along a dedicated path to Arcadia and Geoffrey Bay where you can see the local rock wallabies. Overnight: Magnetic Island.

Meals:  Nil

This morning you’ll return back to the Townsville Wharf on a morning ferry from Nelly Bay. The ferry that we usually book departs from Magnetic Island at 9.30am. It is a short but pleasant trip back to the mainland as Townsville slowly comes into view leaving the peaks of Magnetic Island behind you. On arrival your guide will collect your bikes and can drop you at the airport or nearby accommodation.

Meals:  Nil