An exclusive Magnetic Island beachfront retreat and a ghost tour that’s a real scream are just two of the newest ways to stay and play in and around tropical Townsville.

Magnetic Island continues to live up its barefoot luxury factor with a new luxury retreat on  Horseshoe Bay offering a world of seclusion and indulgence. Lotus House is a beachfront house catering for up to six  with exotic tropical gardens, an oceanfront temperature-controlled swimming pool, expansive upper deck offering uninterrupted sea views and in-house chef options.

The luxury Lotus House on Magnetic Island

Back on the mainland, hear ghostly tales, tour haunted locations by lantern light, detect spirits of the past and stay overnight in a haunted house with Townsville Ghost Tours. Board the ghost bus and discover underground dungeons, secret tunnels, cellars, mineshafts, churches, old hospital sites and cemeteries. With a variety of day and night tours on offer you’ll learn how to use a GMF Ghost Meter, hear ghost tales of the past and see Townsville like you’ve never seen it before. Take your experience to the next level and sped the night in a haunted 1890’s house or participate in a murder mystery night based on real people and events. Townsville Ghost Tours operate on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights and bookings are essential.

Q Resorts Itara Townsville Apartments are brand new self- contained serviced one-bedroom apartments in the city centre. The four and half star apartments feature contemporary open plan living, swimming pool, BBQ area, secure underground parking and high-speed broadband internet.

The Townsville region is also celebrating the recent win of two prestigious 2009 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards with Noorla Heritage Resort, Ingham took out the Best Standard Accommodation category and Hidden Valley Cabins, Paluma was named the best Hosted Accommodation.