With another school holiday just around the corner, now is the perfect time for families to explore the wonders of Townsville North Queensland. For this September, we've launched a special “Get Snappy” school holiday photo scavenger hunt, giving families hints on where to visit, and the chance to win a $250 Ultimate Experiences Pass to use on a holiday in Townsville North Queensland.

If you’re looking to make the most of your school holidays and try new things, boy have we got the list for you! Get all the tips with our "Get Snappy" Series - with our top tips for each region in our patch of paradise.

Townsville and Magnetic Island is nature’s playground, with dozens of snap-worthy spots for a fantastic family day out. To help you plan the perfect day hopping, skipping and jumping around Townsville and Magnetic Island, here is our list of the top four places for memory-making photo locations (in no particular order).

1. Soak up the sun at one of Townsville’s beaches

Whether it’s the Strand, Pallarenda or further north to Toolakea, Townsville has beaches to be admired and explored. Have a family sandcastle building competition, find shells to decorate your masterpiece or make your own waves in the ocean.

But don’t forget to get a snap and share it to social media using the #townsvilleshines and #getsnappynq.

And with 300 days of sunshine don’t forget your sunscreen, hat and rashie!

2. Dive into the Great Barrier Reef

Head out on the open water and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef – one of the natural wonders of the world. Many tour operators have kid-friendly snorkelling options with all the safety gear required. A day on the reef will be sure to give the kids something to talk about when they head back into the classroom, having learnt all about coral reef and marine life. A few options:

• Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive take snorkelling trips to John Brewer Reef where you can see the Southern Hemisphere's first - Museum of Underwater Art, the minimum age is 6 years old.
• Yongala Dive off Ayr takes trips to Stanley Reef, some of the most untouched and rarely visited parts of the Great Barrier Reef.
• Pro Dive Magnetic Island departs from the stunning Magnetic Island, and visits several of the best reefs including Keeper, John Brewer, Lodestone and Grub Reef. 

3. Take a walk on the wild side

Capture a moment with our iconic Aussie wildlife, whether that be a must-have rock wallaby selfie, or spot one of Northern Australia's largest colony of wild koalas hidden among the trees along the Forts Walk - Magnetic Island is the place to go if you want to spot animals in the wild.

Psst… we’ll let you in on a secret! If you can’t find any wildlife in the wild, we know a place you can go – the beloved Billabong Sanctuary, and now home to mainland Queensland's largest captive crocodile - Krakatoa.

4. Explore Magnetic Island’s hidden bays and beaches with Aquascene Charters

Recently named one of TripAdvisor’s best experiences in the world, Aquascene Charters know all the hidden gems around Magnetic Island and has perfected the family-friendly itinerary. They will take you spots you’ve probably never heard of, and places to let the kids curiosity run wild. Better yet, get educated with both owner/operators also qualified Master Reef Guides.

Looking for your own exclusive experience at one of Magnetic Island’s private beaches with a family picnic? The Beach Club Magnetic Island's Picnic and Play offer is a unique 4-hour island experience that does all the work for you.

The competition opens on the first day of school holidays, September 18 and ends October 4. To enter the “Get Snappy” competition, simply download the scavenger hunt form and share your Instagram-worthy snaps with the hashtags #townsvilleshines and #getsnappynq to win. Read full terms and conditions HERE.