The CBD is compact and walkable — Reef HQ, the Queensland Museum Tropics, and the Flinders Street precinct are all within easy walking distance of each other. The Strand is about a 15-minute walk from the centre of the mall.
Sunbus operates local bus services, but routes are limited and timed for commuters rather than tourists. A car is useful for reaching outlying areas like the botanic gardens and the waterfall circuit in the national park outside town. Taxis and Uber are available throughout the city.
For Magnetic Island, take the Sealink ferry from the breakwater terminal. Renting a moke (a small open-sided jeep) on the island is the traditional way to get around and is strongly recommended.