Where to Stay in Great Barrier Reef – Townsville & Yongala

Townsville offers a wide range of accommodation from budget motels to international chain hotels, with most properties conveniently located near the Strand waterfront or the dive operator departure points. Magnetic Island provides a more relaxed, island-style experience with boutique guesthouses and apartments in a stunning natural setting. Alva Beach, the closest departure point for Yongala trips, has basic motel and resort accommodation. Most dive operators offer package deals combining accommodation with Yongala and reef diving, and the competitive pricing in Townsville compared to Cairns makes it an excellent value proposition for budget-conscious divers.