magnetic island trip

The Perfect Magnetic Island Day Trip Itinerary [2024 GUIDE]

• Last Updated: April 25, 2024

Planning a Magnetic Island day trip? As Maggie locals (yes, we actually live here!) we have all the inside information you’ll need to make the most of this magical place if you have just one day on Magnetic Island!

If you’re travelling up and down the east coast of Queensland, or just happen to be hanging out in Townsville, one of the absolute best things you can do is jump on a ferry and have a Magnetic Island day trip!

Actually, the best thing you can do is stay here for a week. But if you only have one day on Magnetic Island, we have put together the perfect itinerary for you!

Magnetic Island, or ‘Maggie’ as it’s affectionately known, is an amazing tropical getaway in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, just a short boat ride away from Townsville.

With about 2000 friendly locals calling the island home (including us) and a size of 52 square kilometres, there are tonnes of amazing activities and attractions here.

Whether you’re into relaxing underneath a palm tree, swimming at beautiful beaches with pristine turquoise waters, hiking to epic viewpoints, hanging out with incredible wildlife including koalas or snorkelling and diving with turtles, you’ll find plenty to do on Maggie.

We would recommend staying a couple of nights on the island to get the full relaxed tropical vibe. But we know sometimes your time can be limited so a day trip to Magnetic Island is the best option for you.

That’s why we have put together this article. We receive messages every single day from people asking what they should do if they’re just here for one day, and it’s our goal to make sure everyone falls in love with this place as much as we have.

This guide has all the information and advice you need to have an awesome experience and see as much as you can on your Magnetic Island day trip.

Table of Contents

Getting Over to Magnetic Island

How to get around the island, 7am – take the ferry to the island, 8am – the forts walk, 9:30am – horseshoe bay for breakfast, 10am – make your own adventure: kayaking or hiking, 12pm – visit alma bay in arcadia, 12:30pm – feed the rock wallabies at geoffrey bay, 12:45pm – go for a snorkel on the geoffrey bay snorkel trail, 1:30pm – lunch in nelly bay, 3pm – head over to picnic bay, 4:30pm – option 1: head up to hawkings point for 360 degree views, 4:30pm – option 2: sunset boat tour, our local’s guide to a perfect day trip on magnetic island.

There are a few things we need to cover before you just cruise on over to the island.

Should you book a tour? Do you need to rent a car (or bring your own)? Let’s dive into it.

Once you’ve made it to Townsville you’re ready for the next part of your journey on how to get to Magnetic Island – jumping on the ferry!

The island has two ferry companies that go over to Magnetic Island. It is a 20 minute crossing from the town of Townsville and they leave every 30 – 45 minutes.

• SeaLink is the passenger ferry only taking people on foot and bicycles, and it’s the fastest and most convenient option .
• Magnetic Island Ferries is the vehicle ferry take anything from trucks to cars to scooters

Check out our comprehensive guide on how to get to Magnetic Island for more information.

While the island isn’t huge, having your own wheels really does help make your day so much better.

You have three options – Bring your vehicle over on the barge (expensive, not really worth it for one day unless you have a few people in the car to split the cost with), rent a car, scooter or e-bike, or use public transport.

If you are on foot you’re going to be pretty restricted with where you can go. You’ll only see a small amount of the island, and most people who just walk around Nelly Bay end up leaving saying they don’t understand the hype of Maggie.

There are purple Beam scooters available, and these are fantastic if you just want to get to your accommodation in Nelly Bay or Arcadia (they are geo-locked from Base Backpackers to Alma Bay).

But in our opinion the best way to get around the island is to rent an electric motorbike from Magnetic Island Roaming .

These e-bikes have a 120km range, go up to 50km/h and only cost $55 for the entire day.

They are completely zero-emissions (Tim and Pam charge them with solar power) and have no restrictions on where you can take them around the island.

Pick up is from Island Living in Nelly Bay (opposite Scallywags and next door to Granite) between 8-10am, and they need to be back by 5pm.

Trust us – at the very least, take the bus if you’re on a budget, or rent an e-bike.

The buses have now reached the 21st century and you can pay for your ticket with a credit or debit card as well as cash!

You can purchase the ticket directly off the bus driver. If you need help where to get off, just let the driver know. They are very helpful.

Unfortunately there is no ATM at the Nelly Bay Terminal and the nearest one is at Queensland Country Bank near the post office, which is about 700m away.

For more information check out our detailed guide on getting around Magnetic Island .

Magnetic Island Day Trip Itinerary

Now that you know how to get here and how to get around, let’s dive into the actual itinerary!

How should you spend one day on Magnetic Island? By following this schedule!

You’ll tick off all the main attractions, get to some unique spots that most people don’t get to see on a day trip, and we’ll even share our favourite sunset location.

We’re going to write out this itinerary for those who are going to stick to public transport, but if you have your own vehicle your day just got even easier!

Let’s go to paradise…

READ MORE: Feel like extending the day trip to a weekend or more? Check out our guide on where to stay on Magnetic Island !

We highly recommend taking one of the early ferries to make the most of your day here!

Head down to the Sealink Terminal in Townsville and jump on the 7am ferry (pre-purchase your ticket here to save some money), which will get you to the island at about 7:25am.

When you arrive at the Nelly Bay Terminal , purchase an all-day hop-on/hop-off local bus ticket to get you from one side of the island to the other.

BRING CASH FOR THE BUS! Tickets are $7.60 per person for the whole day.

If you have your own wheels drive straight down to Jungle Club and grab a brew from our favourite cafe on the island, Tiny Palm . Otherwise you can pick one up from the coffee cart at the ferry terminal.

Don’t get breakfast just yet though (but do pick up a light snack). Instead jump on the bus and make your way straight to your first activity for the day.

Once you have you bus ticket, catch the bus heading the direction towards Horseshoe Bay.

Let the bus driver know you would like to stop at The Forts. He or she will drop you off right outside the trailhead, where you’ll find a brand new, clean toilet block too.

The reason we have said to come straight to the Forts is because it can get very hot on the island (especially in summer), and you’re about to tick off the number one hike on the island, which is better in the morning.

The Forts Walk is a 4km moderate round trip that goes steadily uphill to some historic World War II fortifications and ruins.

The views along the way are nice, and you’ll get a few glimpses out to the bays below. But don’t just look out – look up!

The Forts is famous for being home to a huge population of the island’s favourite animal, koalas!

These super cute native animals lounge around in trees, often very close the hiking path, and your best chance at seeing them is in the morning before the trail gets too busy.

Keep an eye out as you walk to the summit, and if you do see one, make sure you don’t get too close, and definitely don’t try to touch or feed them.

There are information signs along the way to show you where the hike goes and a bit of history.

The trail is well maintained, but do wear proper walking shoes as there are rock stairs in areas.

The views from the top are stunning, allowing you to see 360 degrees around the entire island.

The whole walk should take you about an hour. When you’re finished walk back down to the carpark and jump on the bus to Horseshoe Bay.

Alternatively, you can cross the road and follow the trail down into town.

When you reach Horseshoe Bay on the bus you will be greeted by a stunningly calm beach – this is the largest bay on the entire island, and it’s gorgeous!

There are a number of cafes and restaurants with water views, so get yourself some breakfast and a coffee. We recommend Cafe Nourish .

After you have filled your tummy, it’s time to make your own adventure over in Horseshoe Bay!

There are quite a few things you can do here, from jetskiing to stand-up paddleboarding, or even just kicking back and taking a rest if you’d like.

Our top recommendations on this Magnetic Island day trip though are to either rent a kayak for an hour, or go for a hike to Balding Bay and Radical Bay.

If you want to go for a paddle (with a high chance of seeing green turtles), pick up a sea kayak from Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks .

You’ll need to book one of their two-hour tours, so make sure you give them a call first to see if they have availability.

Otherwise put your hiking shoes back on and head up over to two of the most beautiful bays on the island – Balding and Radical, which can only be accessed by foot or boat.

These hidden bays are glorious, with huge granite rocks lining the shore, clear turquoise water and soft white sand.

To get there walk over the small pedestrian foot bridge between the general store and souvenir store, then turn left on the residential street. You’ll see signs up ahead with a hiking trail cutting through the forest.

It’s a short but steep hike, so give yourself about 90 minutes to get to the beaches and back.

As another option, if you’re travelling to the island between April and September, go check out the Butterfly Walk, where you’ll be surrounded by thousands of colourful butterflies. This is on Dent Street.

After you have spent some time relaxing on one of the beaches and swimming in the water, head back to Horseshoe Bay to catch the bus to Arcadia.

BONUS ACTIVITY: If you love the idea of spending more time out on the water and visiting secluded bays, then we recommend booking in for a Snorkel Discover Tour of the island.

It’s time for a swim at Magnetic Island’s most picturesque bay!

Get off the bus at Alma Bay and dive straight into glistening water in front of you.

This sensational beach is surrounded by huge granite boulders, perfect for bouldering or rock hopping, and the water in the bay is very protected (unless the easterlies are up).

Alma Bay is a patrolled beach with a nice sitting areas and a few tables and grass patches to relax on between swims. There are beach showers and public toilets here.

Definitely stop off here in your one day trip to Magnetic Island for a swim.

From Alma Bay walk over to the general store to pick up some wallaby food, because you’re about to go meet the island’s second-cutest residents!

Just on the other side of Alma Bay at the edge of Arcadia and Geoffrey Bay is a narrow road that twists its way to the end of an old marina, which is now home to dozens of allied rock wallabies.

These curious, beautiful marsupials like to hop around the rocks, and the wallaby hospital on the island has prepared food for humans to feed them.

There are multiple places on the island that sell little bags of wallaby-safe food pellets for around $2, so be sure to buy the proper food and not feed them your own snacks, as that can make the wallabies sick.

Don’t forget to get a photo of one. They will get really close to you and they are so cute. But like all wild animals, please refrain from touching them.

If you brought your snorkelling gear you can head out to the Geoffrey Bay Snorkel Trail which is located near the rock wallabies.

Just off Magnetic Island is a great fringing coral reef in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. There is no fishing here so there are lots of fish to be seen.

The snorkel trail starts 390m off the beach of Geoffrey Bay at the end of the bay closest to the Arcadia Hotel.

OUR TIP: Walk down towards the old jetty where the rock wallabies are and go down the boat ramp and start from there. It is much easy and will save you time.

If you want you can pick up a snorkel map from multiple stores on the island for $5 or just follow the white buoys out in the water.

Around the buoys, you will see beautiful coral and a number of fish. This is where you will see those Giant Giant Clams, which are amazing to watch!

There is a shipwreck at the end of the trail that can be seen on a clear day. It is the wreckage of the Moltke, which was a German passenger and cargo ship that was deliberately sunk (scuttled) off Magnetic Island in 1911.

If you need to hire some snorkel gear in Acadia, you can get it from the dive shop, Pleasure Divers. To rent a whole snorkel set is about $10 for half a day (8.30-12.30 or 12.30-4.30).

Just be careful in the months of November to April (wet season) as this is Stinger Season here on Magnetic Island. You should only enter the water with a stinger suit, which can be hired at the store also, or don’t jump in at all

Have an extra day and want to go on a snorkelling tour?

After your snorkel you would have built up quite the appetite! So jump on the bus (follow the Gabul Way pedestrian path) to Nelly Bay for lunch.

There are plenty of options to eat lunch in Nelly Bay.

Our two personal recommendations are to head to SOS Seafood for the best fish and chips on the island, or walk on down to Scallywags Cafe for a next-level burger and good vegetarian and vegan options.

Take some time to get your energy back for the rest of your day on Magnetic Island.

After you have enjoyed a great lunch, catch the bus over to Picnic Bay. Just like all the bays on the island, this is truly beautiful, and a real local favourite.

The waters are calm and protected, and the most prominent feature is the large historic jetty.

Picnic Bay was the first settlement on the island, and the jetty in front of you used to be the main point of entry for people coming over from Townsville, before the new terminal was built at the marina in Nelly Bay.

Go for a walk out to the end of the jetty, and jump off the end if you need to cool down.

Alternatively there’s a nice, sheltered and safe area at the end of the beach.

If you feel like a drink stop by the Magnetic Island Brewery, which is the newest place-to-be on the island. If you time your day trip to be a Sunday you’ll also be treated so some local live music here.

This is a great place to relax and unwind after all your early hiking and swimming on your one day on Magnetic Island.

After you have relaxed in the bay, head to Hawkings Point for another epic 360-degree view of the other side of the island.

This is our personal favourite spot for sunset on the entire island, so pick up a bottle of wine from the liquor store in Picnic Bay if you’d like and settle in for the light show.

Head to the end of Picnic Street and start the step climb to the lookout. It’s less than 1km from the trailhead to the top, so no need to rush.

Depending on your pace it should take about 20-30 minutes to reach the summit.

Once you get up the top you will be greeted with stunning panoramic views looking over Magnetic Island National Park and two bays – Picnic and Nelly.

Depending on the time of the year, you should be up here just in time to chill out and catch the last of the sun’s rays before it dips below the horizon.

Watching the sunset from Hawkings Point Lookout is the second best way to end your Magnetic Island day trip! (Check out the final point below to see the best)

Head back down the same trail and catch the bus from Granite Street back to Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal.

If you are having such a great time on Magnetic Island and want to stay for sunset, a boat tour is a great option.

We highly recommend you to go on one of these tours before you head back to Townsville.

All tours leave at 4:30pm and are around 2 hours. All prices below are for adults.

• Aquascene Charters: Sunset and Shipwreck Tour – Bookings
• Pilgrim Sailing: Relaxing Sundowners and Sunset Sailing on Magnetic Island – Bookings
• Big Mama: Sunset Sail Magnetic Island – Bookings

All these sunset cruises above start and finish in Nelly Bay

Going on a sunset tour is a great way to finish your 1 day on Magnetic Island.

Our personal favourite and recommendation is Aquascene, mainly because the owner Adam is one of the most passionate and informative tour guides on the planet, but all three are good options.

As you can see there is a lot to do on a Magnetic Island day trip. There is even more than the list above but this is a great start if you only have a day.

READ MORE: If you are heading back to Townsville and are staying there the night, check out our article on Things to do in Townsville.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Hot tip, bring cash, especially if you want a bus ticket! We have just gotten caught at the Nelly Bay terminal with no cash and nowhere to buy a ticket Regretting our decision to be frugal, should have spent the $200 for the car!

Hi Amanda, thank you so much for your comment. We have just added this to our article to help out other travellers. We hope you had a great time on Maggie. 🙂

Really great day at Magnetic Island and fantastic tips. We followed a lot of your suggestions and had an amazing time! Thank you

Hi Joanna, We are so glad you enjoyed you yourself on Magnetic Island. It is such a beautiful island. 🙂

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Every weekend is an adventure

Day trip to magnetic island: itinerary and things to do for nature lovers.

• Post published: 21 April 2018
• Post category: Australia / Oceania/South Pacific / Queensland

I first wasn’t sure if Magnetic Island was worth visiting. I heard mixed opinions about it. So when we went to Townsville to dive the SS Yongala Wreck , I only planned a day trip to Magnetic Island. To be honest, I wished we stayed longer. There are many things to do on Magnetic Island. In one day we didn’t have time to go through half of what I selected. So if you can, try to spend one night on the island. But if you can’t, here’s the summary of our Magnetic Island day trip with tips to help you maximise your short stay!

Although I wouldn’t put Magnetic Island on my Australia bucket list , it surely is a destination you don’t want to miss if you’re nearby; it’s one of the best day trips from Townsville !

Tips for getting to Magnetic Island from Townsville for a day trip

You have two options for getting to Magnetic Island from Townsville: the passenger ferry or the car ferry. Whichever you choose, you want to leave as early as possible and come back with the last ferry for the day . That’s the minimum time you need for a Magnetic Island day trip to be worth it! We took the car ferry, leaving Townsville at 7 am and Magnetic Island at 7 pm. So we had 12 hours to explore Magnetic Island.

Magnetic Island isn’t big and driving times are short, which is why a day trip to Magnetic Island is feasible.

It brings a big question: do you need a car for your Magnetic Island day trip ?

The short answer is yes..

But you can also go to Magnetic Island if you don’t have a car.

If you don’t have a car and don’t want to spend time organising your Magnetic Island day trip, you can book a tour online *. It will be less adventurous than a DIY day trip but having a local guide showing you the sites will bring advantages!

There are buses on Magnetic Island .

It is a cheap (and ecological!) way to visit the island. However, buses don’t go everywhere and you’ll also have to wait a bit at the bus stops. So I wouldn’t recommend this option for a Magnetic Island day trip when your time is extremely limited.

You can bring your car over to Magnetic Island .

That’s what we did. It cost around $200 return on the car ferry, with up to five people in the car ( click here to book online *). A return ticket for an adult without a car is only $30 ( click here to book online *), so that’s a big cost difference if you’re travelling as a couple. However, it allowed us to maximise our time on the island: we could drive straight away without wasting time with paperwork and bringing the car back at a certain time.

It was also an easy way to bring all our food and equipment for the day. If you’re renting a car on the mainland, you must double-check with the car hire company that they allow you to take your car rental to Magnetic Island. We did that with Avis and although it wasn’t a problem, we had to put it in writing as the usual rental agreement did not allow us to take cars to any islands.

You can hire a car on Magnetic Island .

They have a few options available and it costs around $80-90 per day, including scooter hire ($50) and 4WD. The topless cars look fun and are very popular. But if we had hired a car on Magnetic Island, I would have chosen a 4WD hire. There are a few unsealed roads on the island that are worth exploring and it was frustrating not to be able to go there. Plus, if you’re visiting in summer, it’s nice to be protected from the sun while you’re in the car.

Budget comparison for a couple : Bringing a car over would cost around $200 (ferry) whereas hiring a car would cost around $140 in total ($30×2 for the ferry + $80 for the car hire).

Bring a picnic and snacks for your Magnetic Island day trip

One day is short to visit Magnetic Island. So to see more of the island, I highly recommend packing your lunch and snacks so you don’t spend time looking for food while on the island.

The best things to do on a day trip to Magnetic Island – our itinerary

Chilling at alma bay.

We stopped at Alma Bay first thing in the morning as it was on our way to Horseshoe Bay. It was good timing to enjoy the beautiful views while it was still peaceful. We went back there later in the day to fill our water bottles before hiking. There were a lot more people so I was happy with our call to go there early.

You can have fun climbing the boulders on the side of the beach to get a superb view of the beach.

Horseriding Horseshoe Bay

The beautiful bay in the north of the island was our first visit. It’s the largest one on the island, a popular destination.

You can simply walk on the beach and have a safe swim. Or you can opt for one of the many available activities to discover the bay from an exciting point of view like kayaking, sailing or riding a jet ski. If you walk close to the boulders at the start or the end of the day, keep an eye out for rock wallabies.

We opted for horse riding : it’s not often that you get the opportunity to ride a horse bareback in the sea! Unfortunately, it seems the ranch is now closed.

Snorkelling and rock wallabies at Geoffrey Bay

Geoffrey Bay is a must-do on Magnetic Island. There’s a snorkelling trail to follow to see corals and fish ( more information here ). And it’s also the best spot on the island to see rock wallabies.

From the end of the afternoon, rock wallabies are used to being fed and show up in Geoffrey Bay, near the pier. They’re very cute and iconic animals. We’re used to seeing wild wallabies in Australia, but rock wallabies are rarer. On one hand, I was very interested in seeing one but on another hand, I didn’t like the idea of them being fed by humans. Feeding wild animals often bring issues in the environment and the ecosystem. You don’t have to wait for sunset to see them. We spotted a few after our snorkelling session (around 4.30 pm). It was nice to be there early as there were no people. It got a lot busier one hour later and we were, unfortunately, the only group not feeding them.

Responsible travel tip : It is tempting but for their safety, it is better not to feed wildlife. It can change their behaviour, make them sick and also unbalance the entire ecosystem. New South Wales Parks even write, “feeding native animals is the worst thing you can do”. Click here to know why .

Beach and snorkelling: Arthur Bay & Florence Bay

I was very disappointed by Arthur Bay and Florence Bay “walks”. It was nothing like a hike: we just went along the road for a couple of kilometres. It’s hilly and not particularly pleasant, especially on a hot day. Some cars didn’t even slow down when passing us. So if you can drive down there or hitchhike , you’ll save time. When we visited, the road was fine with a 2WD up to Arthur Bay. It was kind of a sealed road with a few gigantic potholes so you need to be very careful when driving there.

There are a couple of lookouts on the side of the road between Arthur Bay and Florence Bay providing great views of the bays. We went all the way to the Search Light Tower lookout but found it wasn’t worth it. Indeed, the view was obstructed by trees.

If you want to go all the way to Radical Bay, it may be better to start from the eastern end of Horseshoe Bay beach.

Our plan was to stop at Florence Bay for snorkelling , as it’s reputed to offer one of the best snorkelling on Magnetic Island . It was low tide so we sometimes struggled to find a way with enough water, but we had a great time.

Hiking the Forts: Magnetic Island must-do

The Forts Walk may be Magnetic Island’s best walk. It surely is a must-do on a day trip to Magnetic Island. I didn’t expect to like it that much.

It’s a 4km return walk quite easy at the start and very steep to reach the fortifications. But it’s worth the effort: the 360-degree views are spectacular.

We went straight up to the WWII lookouts and didn’t do the side tracks to check out the other ruins of the fort. Still, it took us a bit over one hour to complete the walk at a decent pace. We stopped a few times to look at the breathtaking panoramic views. And you have to walk with your head up looking at the trees to spot wild koalas, which will slow you down!

Seeing koalas on Magnetic Island

You don’t want to end your Magnetic Island day trip without spotting a koala. There are about 800 koalas on the island and it’s one of the best places in Australia to see wildlife . If you weren’t lucky on Magnetic Island, don’t give up. We’re lucky to regularly see wild koalas on Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island) near Brisbane . Coombabah Reserve on the Gold Coast is home to many koalas too. More south, the Great Ocean Road and Kangaroo Island are also reputed for it.

We spotted a few of them during our day trip on Magnetic Island: two during our horseriding expedition to Horseshoe Bay, and three during the Forts Walk. Koalas aren’t easy to spot because they don’t move. So sometimes you can pass them without noticing they’re here. But because the Forts Walk is popular, the fact that they don’t move will actually increase your chances to spot a wild koala. People will sometimes leave a mark on the ground to let other walkers know they spotted a koala there earlier.

On our second day trip to Magnetic Island, we only spotted one koala. We almost missed it as it was not on the main walk. If you haven’t spotted any koalas on your way up to the fort, you may want to add the short detours to see more ruins on your way back. You will increase your chances of spotting a koala!

I always prefer to see animals in their natural habitat . But if you’ve never seen a koala and want to make sure you see one during your Magnetic Island day trip, you may want to visit the Koala Sanctuary at Bungalow Bay. They also offer the opportunity to take a photo holding a koala, if that’s something you’ve always dreamt of.

Hawkings Point Walk

The Hawkings Point walk leads to the top of a boulder that provides panoramic views up to Townsville. It’s a short 1.2-kilometre return walk, but it’s steep. We did it in 20 minutes but it can be challenging for some people and the recommended time is one hour.

Magnetic Island sunset spots

I’ve listed below the recommendations we gathered from visitors and locals for the best Magnetic Island sunset spots. I wish I could tell you which one is the best, but I could only try one! And it was a big dilemma to choose which sunset spot to pick. It’s rare to have so many choices for sunset on the East Coast of Australia!

Magnetic Island Sunset Cruise

If we didn’t have to catch the ferry back to Townsville, a Magnetic Island sunset cruise would have definitely been my choice.

Click here to view and book a sailing cruise online *.

That’s the recommendation that came first when we asked locals about watching the sunset on Magnetic Island. It makes sense. Unfortunately, you need a 4WD to reach West Point so this one didn’t make it to our list.

If our ferry had been a bit later, or if the sunset had been a bit earlier, I would have done the Forts Walk for sunset. We were there during the full moon so the 360-degree views would have been an excellent opportunity to see the full moon rise at the same time!

But even if we had run back to the car, we would have missed the ferry back to Townsville. If you choose this option, make sure you have a headlamp to find your way back safely.

Horseshoe Bay

I’ve seen photos of the sunset on Horseshoe Bay that were dreamy. The sun doesn’t go down on the ocean horizon, but just behind the headland. It’s close enough to get vibrant colours on the water. Head to the Eastern end for the best views of the sunset.

Hawkings Point

That’s where we ended up going. We didn’t have time earlier in the day to check out that side of the island. But as it was a reputed spot for a Magnetic Island sunset, it sounded like a great choice. And we weren’t disappointed!

The best time to visit Magnetic Island

With 320 days a year of sunshine, it sounds like there is no bad time to visit Magnetic Island. Although it’s in North Queensland , it’s located in an area called the “dry tropics”, the sunniest area on the Queensland Coast.

Still, I recommend travelling there outside the cyclone and wet season of North Queensland. During the first three months of the year, your trip may be harder to organise. Roads can get flooded if there could be a cyclone nearby. Plus, you’ll increase your chances to have better visibility underwater.

The best time to visit Magnetic Island is from May to October. The temperatures are cooler so hiking is nicer than in Summer. And you’ll be outside of the stinger season so you can better enjoy the ocean.

Where to stay?

If you’re visiting Magnetic Island for a day trip, then it’s likely you’ll spend at least one night in Townsville. For those on a budget, I recommend the Civic Guesthouse (click here for more info*) . It’s very simple but it has all you need for a good night at a reasonable price.

If you decide to extend your day trip to Magnetic Island and sleep there, which would be an excellent idea, I loved the location and reasonable prices of the Base Backpacker (click here for more info*) and the YHA in Horseshoe Bay (click here for more info*) . Accommodation is very developed on Magnetic Island. Still, it is recommended to book in advance as it was full when we travelled there. There are many other options available for all ranges of prices and comfort.

Did you visit Magnetic Island? Is there a must-do that we missed on our Magnetic Island day trip? Share your experience in the comments below!

Where is magnetic island.

Magnetic Island is a suburb of the City of Townsville in North Queensland. It is only 8 kilometres away from the mainland.

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This looks beautiful! I’ve never heard of Magnetic Island but I’d love to go! ?

Great post! I’m just planning a North Queensland trip and though I’d heard of Magnetic Island I didn’t really know much about it…adding it to my list!

Horseshoe Bay looks amazing

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7 BEST Magnetic Island Tours You Must Try In 2024

In this guide, I have outlined the 7 Best Magnetic Island Tours to ensure that you will have an unreal experience exploring this incredible destination.

Magnetic Island is a serene nirvana situated right within our planet’s greatest natural wonder of the world, t he Great Barrier Reef Often considered Townsville’s best-kept secret, this off-the-beaten-track location has everything that a tropical paradise has to offer!

Table of Contents

QUICK PICKS: 3 BEST MAGNETIC ISLAND TOURS

Before going into the main topic of all the tours in Magnetic Island, let me list the absolute best 3 trips you should consider when coming:

Best Overall Tour in Magnetic Island

Aquascene Magnetic Island Discovery Tour

• Best way to explore all spots on Magnetic Island
• All equipment provided for snorkeling and SUP
• Snorkeling and stand-up paddleboard lessons included

Best Tour In Magnetic Island For Sightseeing

Magnetic Island Comprehensive Tour

• See the island’s top sights and hidden gems
• Learn about the local history with a fun guide
• Enjoy the best beaches and take awesome photos

Best Private Tour On Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island Gourmet Picnic on a Remote Beach

• Fun captain and lunch included
• Photogenic picnic setup for great pictures
• Drinks, a souvenir towel, and epic beaches on the way!

The island’s picturesque views, diverse marine life, lively ecosystems, rugged hiking trails, world-class snorkeling, palm-fringed beaches, and countless days of sunshine make it the ideal destination for any traveler.

7 BEST MAGNETIC ISLAND TOURS

Now that we’ve covered the best tours in Magnetic Island, let’s go further in detail and list all of them, as well as all the details you should know.

1. AQUASCENE MAGNETIC ISLAND DISCOVERY TOUR

🕛 Duration: 5 hours | ⭐ Rating: 5/5 | Group Tour

This Magnetic Island tour is a snorkel lover’s dream! Explore the crystal blues waters, closely interact with the wildlife, and learn all about the history of the island.

Run all year round, this family-owned business takes you on an adventure through bays only the locals know about and allows you to connect with the environment and all its beauty.

This particular tour is so good that it’s been rated the #1 cruise tour on the entire island and has won multiple awards since 2016.

Get this experience for only $150 AUD.

The Discovery Tour provides all the required equipment and also includes snacks and drinks to keep your energy up!

Departure & Return:

Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal Stop 1 – Nelly Bay (same return point).

• 5 hours approx.

What To Expect:

Snorkel around the island’s best coral reefs, learn about marine life, and cruise around with the locals.

Additional Info:

The best season for snorkeling around Magnetic Island is in the Australian Winter (June – August) when the average temperature is 25 degrees in north Queensland.

Alongside this, it means that stinger season is over which usually occurs between November – March.

2. MAGGIE COMPREHENSIVE TOUR

If you’re thinking of day-tripping to the island then this tour is for you!

Jam-packed with everything there is to see on the island it allows those with limited time to experience everything that this little piece of paradise has to offer.

Tour around the island to see the landscape, witness the tranquil waters, and observe the native Australian animals.

See all of this for only $75.00 AUD.

The Maggie Comprehensive tour provides vehicle transportation to get around the island and a local guide. There is also an option for hotel pick-up to be organized.

Magnetic Island ferry Terminal Stop 1 – Nelly bay (same return point).

You’ll have the chance to be taken around the island to see the irreplaceable flora and fauna, go to the famous Geoffrey Bay to hang out with the wild Wallabies, learn about the island’s history and climb up to see breathtaking views from Horseshoe Bay.

The history and craft museum included in this tour is closed on Tuesdays and between Australia Day (January 26 th ) and Easter.

3. MAGNETIC ISLANDS 3 BAYS IN 3 WAYS

🕛 Duration: 4 hours | ⭐ Rating: 5/5 | Private Tour

There’s no better way of seeing the island than exploring the secluded bays, and this is what this tour is all about!

This half-day trip will take you to Radical Bay, Florence Bay, and Arthur Bay, while stopping on the way for a delicious lunch.

See all of this for only $299.00 AUD.

This tour includes private transportation, lunch and bottled water, the use of snorkeling equipment, and even alcoholic beverages!

In short, there’s nothing more you’ll need on this tour.

123 Sooning St 123 Sooning St, Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island

• 4 hours approx.

Take a private boat ride to secluded bays, stop for lunch and snorkeling, and discover Magnetic Island and its bays from another angle.

This tour is private, so you’ll be able to enjoy yourself without waiting for other travellers.

The Most Functional Day Pack EVER!

The Nomatic 20L Travel Pack is perfect for everyday use and for those shorter 1-3 day adventures.

With 20+ innovative features and a minimalist design, this functional day pack gives you confidence for life on the move!

4. WEST POINT SUNSET TOUR ON MAGNETIC ISLAND

🕛 Duration: 2.5 hours | ⭐ Rating: 5/5 | Group Tour

Jump in the minivan and ride your way to the best spots on Magnetic Island’s western coast for the afternoon! On this group tour, you’ll be able to learn about history, the local culture, flora and fauna, and more.

You’ll also stop on the way to enjoy the views and take photos, which is exactly what you’re in Maggie Island for!

The highlight of the trip is West Point, where you’ll see the sunset before getting back to your hotel.

Have this memory for only $65 AUD.

On this tour, a local guide will accompany you and you’ll ride a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan. Apart from great views, bottled water, Champagne, and a shared platter is also included, adding convenience to the day.

Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal – Nelly Bay (same for return point).

• 4.45 pm – 7:15 pm (approximately)

Start the afternoon at Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal and meet with your guide. You’ll start heading towards the Western Coast, passing by mangroves and National Park.

You’ll stop on the way to take photos and see different types of animals, and once you get to West Point, your guide will offer a shared platter and Champagne to enjoy while watching the sunset.

How cool is this experience?! And the best part, it’s affordable!

You’ll pass by the National Park in Magnetic Island and you’ll get to spot koalas, different bird species, raptors, and even possums in the forest.

5. MAGNETIC ISLAND SUNSET & SHIPWRECK TOUR

🕛 Duration: 3 hours | ⭐ Rating: 5/5 | Small Group Tour

The Magnetic Island Sunset & Shipwreck Tour offers a stunning experience and will sail in the coastal area between Nelly Bay and Cockle Bay.

This tour will give you a chance to sail away and be inspired by a spectacular sunset.

Whether you’re a small group of friends or looking for a romantic date night activity, this tour is the ultimate treat for a special night. Sit back, relax, have a glass of wine, and enjoy!

Have this incredible experience for only $99 AUD.

Pilgrim Magnetic Island, 123 Sooning St, Nelly Bay QLD

Enjoy a gorgeous sunset all aboard an outstanding boat! Cruise through the clear blue waters and discover an interesting shipwreck!

Each booking will have a maximum of 16 people for your convenience.

The BEST Affordable Camera For Travel

If you’re on the hunt for a professional camera for traveling, check out the Canon G7 X Mark II .

This tiny camera fits in your pocket, captures high-quality photos and videos, and has Wi-Fi so you can instantly transfer to your phone!

6. MAGNETIC ISLAND SAILING BBQ LUNCH CRUISE

🕛 Duration: 4 hours | ⭐ Rating: 5/5 | Small Group Tour

A yacht, snorkeling, BBQ lunch, and wine?! What isn’t there to love about this next tour?

Set Sail and uncover the distinctive landscape, turquoise blue waters, and multicolored reefs, all while enjoying a classic Aussie BBQ.

This sailing cruise has been rated 5 out of 5 by most customers and includes everything you need to have a day out on the ocean.

Your hair will be salty, your feet will be sandy, and your belly will be full if you choose the Magnetic Island Sailing BBQ Lunch Cruise.

Get all of this for only $259 AUD.

This sailing cruise includes all beverages, lunch, and all taxes.

Magnetic Island Marina, 123 Sooning St, Nelly Bay (same return point).

While on a yacht, enjoy the serenity of Magnetic Island’s scenic coastline. Stop off at one of the island’s famous bays, go for a snorkel, swim, or just lay out on the beach.

From there, indulge in an Aussie BBQ where the prawns are fresh, and the beer is frosty. Relax and make your way back to Nelly Bay.

The coves that this tour stops at for snorkeling are Arthur Bay, Florence Bay, and Radical Bay. The cruise will anchor at whichever bay is most suitable based on weather conditions.

Also, the tour can have up to 10 people on board and is close to public transport.

7. MAGGIE ISLAND SNORKEL SAFARI

🕛 Duration: 5 hours | ⭐ Rating: 5/5 | Private Tour

Enjoy one of the most secluded spots around Magnetic Island on this premium experience you won’t forget.

Meet your chauffeur in the morning and head to the best beaches in the area to take pictures. Spend time adventuring, relaxing on the beach, and enjoying the moment.

Of course, a fresh, delicious lunch is included in this package!

First of all, lunch and alcoholic beverages are included to make sure you’re not hungry or thirsty on the way.

Also, a photo setup is included to take the best pictures, with a luxury picnic rug, stylish striped cabanas, cushions, beach games, and more.

Peppers Blue on Blue Resort Magnetic Island 123 Sooning St, Nelly Bay QLD 4819, Australia

The duration of the tour is approximately 5 hours.

Travel on a private boat to explore the beaches with an expert captain. This is the ultimate private tour to Geoffrey Bay, Florence Bay, and other excellent snorkeling spots.

You’ll be able to explore a few places and sea creatures like, turtles and sea eagles.

At noon, you’ll stop for a delicious lunch that includes freshly made sandwiches, a drink of your choice, and more, before heading back to Magnetic Island.

This is a private tour around the beaches, and it’s the perfect experience for couples who want to take a break together or those on a honeymoon and want to take stunning photos.

WHERE TO STAY ON MAGNETIC ISLAND

There are dozens of accommodation options to choose from in Magnetic Island, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.

See the list of Magnetic Island accommodations below that I personally recommend:

LUXURY: PEPPERS BLUE ON BLUE

MID RANGE: DANDALOO GARDENS

BUDGET: NOMADS MAGNETIC ISLAND

For More Options, See My Complete Guide On Where To Stay On Magnetic Island

HOW TO GET TO MAGNETIC ISLAND?

Magnetic Island is an isolated island located 8km offshore from the coastal town of Townsville in Queensland, Australia.

The best way to reach the island from Townsville is with the Magnetic Island Ferry which takes just 25 minutes on the passenger ferry or 45 minutes on the car ferry.

I have put together a complete guide that includes everything you need to know about the Magnetic Island Ferry to help you plan your trip ahead of time.

FULL BLOG POST → HOW TO GET TO MAGNETIC ISLAND

MAGNETIC ISLAND MAP

WHAT TO PACK FOR MAGNETIC ISLAND

When visiting Magnetic Island, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

Must-Have Travel Essentials

Hidden money wallet.

Keep your cash and other valuables safe with this anti-theft hidden money wallet!

Reusable Water Bottle

The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!

Travel Backpack

The Nomatic Travel Backpack has 20+ innovative features, perfect for everyday use!

Quick-Dry Travel Towel

The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!

Portable PowerBank

Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!

More Australia Travel Guides

Click the button below to view all articles related to Australia!

FINAL THOUGHTS – MAGNETIC ISLAND TOUR

I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions about tours in Magnetic Island, please leave a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

Search and book accommodation worldwide.

Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.

Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.

Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.

Search all rental cars in your next destination.

Need travel insurance for your next trip?

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.

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Many thanks!

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Away With Maja

The best things to see and do on magnetic island (3-day itinerary).

Magnetic Island – Maggie, as she’s affectionately called – is a top destination on the East Coast of Australia in Tropical North Queensland. This spectacular island, off the coast of Townsville, is a popular day trip option. But there’s certainly enough to spend a few days here – or even a week or longer! One of my friends went for a week and left three months later. It’s a beautiful and unique place to visit. Here are the best things you can’t miss on a three-day trip to Magnetic Island.

How to Get to Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island is easy to access from Townsville via the SeaLink ferry at Breakwater Terminal. If you’re planning on bringing a car over, make sure you book in advance with Magnetic Island Ferries . It’s not cheap – I chose not to bring my car over to the island, as a car booking includes up to five passengers but I had no one to split the cost with. The SeaLink passenger ferry takes about 30 minutes, while the vehicle ferry takes about one hour.

How to Get Around Magnetic Island

You can bring your own car over to Magnetic Island. As noted above, just be sure to book your ferry in advance. You could also rent a car on the island while you’re there. There are a number of outlets that will rent smaller “barbie cars” to get you around faster. I used public transportation, and did my entire trip to Magnetic Island using the buses. A one-way ticket on Magnetic Island costs $2.50, while an all-day bus ticket costs $4.80. You can only pay for the buses with cash , so if you are planning on using the buses on Magnetic Island be sure to get cash out beforehand!!

The Best Places to See on Magnetic Island

Being a tropical island, most of the top things to do on Magnetic Island are beaches, for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. If you’re only visiting for three days, I recommend spending one day at the northern beaches, a second day at Alma and Geoffrey Bays (and the Forts hike), and a third day in the southern areas.

Horseshoe Bay

This is a large beach at the northern part of Magnetic Island. The sunrises here are meant to be stunning! There are quite a few restaurants, bars, cafes, and businesses here – so it’s a great option to relax and spend the day with amenities close by.

Balding Bay

This is the nudist beach on Magnetic Island! Which I did not know before I went, haha. It’s only accessible by foot, on the trail between Horseshoe Bay and Florence Bay. It’s a bit of a climb down to get to the actual water, but your reward is a quiet and pristine beach.

Radical Bay

Another one of the stunning beaches on the northern part of Magnetic Island, Radical Bay is larger than Balding Bay. Note that you can’t drive here anymore – the road is not suitable for any vehicles, and is closed to all traffic.

Florence Bay

This is a top beach for snorkeling and relaxing. It’s a great spot to spend the day as there are toilets here! I just loved the big rocks surrounding the bay – so much of Magnetic Island reminded me of Northern Minnesota . I didn’t snorkel here due to the weather, but it’s recommended! There is no vehicle access here either – you’ll need to park near Arthur’s Bay and walk.

Arthur’s Bay

This was my favorite beach on Magnetic Island! The view from Arthur’s Bay Lookout, looking down over the sand, is perfect. The reefs here are great for snorkeling – and you don’t have to swim too far out to get there! I spent almost an entire day here and just loved it. Note that there are no toilets here.

Geoffrey Bay and Rock Wallabies

This is meant to be a top spot for snorkeling – there are shipwrecks here! – but it is dependent on the tide, and you’ll likely need to swim quite a ways out. But be sure to walk around the Old Arcadia Barge Jetty and spot the rock wallabies! These unique little creatures are pretty used to humans, so it’s fairly likely you’ll spot one. They are wild animals, however, and there is a sign asking visitors to not feed them. SO many people were feeding them when I went, and it made me uncomfortable. Please respect local wildlife by not feeding them.

This is a great place to relax for the day, as it’s close to the resort and shops. I didn’t think the snorkeling here was all that great, but I didn’t have the best weather – so I might have just been unlucky. There are toilets here, and the beach is patrolled by lifeguards.

The Forts Hike (and Koalas!)

The Forts Hike is the number one hike to do on Magnetic Island, and with good reason. The trail takes you up to the World War II fortifications high up in the hills. You can explore these, and soak up the unbelievable views over the island. Best of all, this is one of the best places to spot koalas in the wild! I saw three when I went! I did the Forts Hike as part of a longer hike from the northern bays, but it’s 2km in total – I’d give yourself about 1 hour to do it.

After nine months in Australia, I think this was the best wild koala sighting that I’ve had yet.

Gubul Walking Track and Sphinx Lookout

Another popular hike on the island is between the Forts and Alma Bay. Head up into the bush and you’ll pass the turn-off to Sphinx Lookout. While I think the view from the Forts is better, I still thought Sphinx Lookout was worth stopping. You then drop down to Alma Bay and Arcadia. It took me about 30 minutes from the Forts junction to Sphinx Lookout, and then another half hour to reach Alma Bay – so plan on a minimum 1-hour hike, one-way.

Hawkings Point Walk and Lookout

This hike at Picnic Bay is a short 1.2-km return walk, with great views of Nelly Bay and Picnic Bay. This was the one part of Magnetic Island that I ran out of time to visit – I spent too much time swimming and snorkeling at other beaches!

This is the best sunset spot on the island! Unfortunately, it’s another place I missed. The road there is rough, so you’ll need your own 4WD to get there – rental vehicles are prohibited on the road. If you’re up for a long hike, it’s 16km total from Picnic Bay to West Point and back. It’d make a fantastic day hike!

There are so many other tours that you can do on Magnetic Island: snorkel tours, cruises, and more. Take a look at the below options for booking!

Planning Your Trip to Magnetic Island

Where to Stay on Magnetic Island: Selina

I stayed at Selina Magnetic Island in a six-bed dorm for my three-night trip. This is a really great hostel, and I loved my stay here! The only drawback is that the site is huge, so it’s easy to get lost and turned around. Despite the pictures online, my room didn’t any lockers, which was disappointing. But the beds were comfy and the bathrooms were adequate – they also have private rooms, if you’re not wanting to share a room with others.

The best thing about Selina Magnetic Island , though, is the facilities. They had a great pool, a cafe/bar on site (including a free welcome drink my first night!), a large kitchen, and co-working spaces. They also offer regular events, like yoga classes and bird feeding – some of these are free, some have an extra cost. Be sure to check the event schedule when you check in! The location, close to Horseshoe Bay and with a bus stop right outside, was super convenient. This was my first experience at a Selina hostel, and I really enjoyed it.

If you’re after other accommodation options on Magnetic Island, I like the look of these places!

• Budget: Nomads Magnetic Island – the other main hostel on the island, located near Nelly Bay
• Mid-range: Maggie A-Frame – an iconic A-frame guesthouse, which sleeps five
• Mid-range: Peppers Blue on Blue Resort – convenient location on Nelly Bay, plus two pools
• Luxury: Dacha on Maggie – a seven-bedroom property, perfect for luxe group stays
• Luxury: Lotus House – excellent choice for a secluded getaway, sleeping six

Magnetic Island was one of my favorite islands on the East Coast of Australia. It’s a classic stop on any road trip, and with good reason. From beautiful beaches to bush walks and incredible wildlife spotting opportunities, you’ll be busy here. I hope this guide helps planning your trip to Magnetic Island!

Have you visited Magnetic Island? What were your favorite places?

You might also like my posts:

A Guide to Jervis Bay, New South Wales

Exploring the Waterfall Way: Bellingen to Wollomombi, New South Wales

What to See in the Byron Bay Hinterland

How to Visit North Stradbroke Island (Without a Car!)

Incredible Places You Must Visit on K’gari (Fraser Island)

Paradise on Earth: A Travel Guide to Great Keppel Island, Queensland

Sailing the Whitsundays: What You Need to Know

Australia Budget: Month 5 (August 2023)

All of my Australia posts !

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Magnetic Island Tours

Maggie Comprehensive

In the heart of Australia’s breathtaking landscapes lies a true gem – Magnetic Island. For centuries, this tropical paradise has beckoned travellers from far and wide, and for good reason. The traditional owners of the island, the Wulgurukaba, call it ‘Yunbenun’, while James Cook named it ‘Magnetical’. But to those who know and love it, this island is simply ‘Maggie’.

Our local guides will take you on a journey through time and nature, uncovering the island’s rich history and abundant wildlife. You’ll discover for yourself the irresistible allure that has drawn people to this place for thousands of years. The tour kicks off in the morning and includes a leisurely hour at Horseshoe Bay for lunch, so you can savour the island’s delights at your own pace. And once the tour is over, you can choose to stay and explore or head back to the Ferry Terminal, knowing that you’ve experienced the magic of Magnetic Island firsthand. Don’t miss out on book your tour now and let Maggie work her enchanting powers on you!

Magnetic Island Behind the Scenes with Izzy’s Dad

Join Izzy’s Dad from the Netflix Show Izzy’s Koala world our exclusive “Magnetic Island – Behind the Scenes” tour and experience the enchanting allure of Magnetic Island.  As you embark on this extraordinary journey, you’ll uncover the island’s well-kept secrets and treasures, forging a deep and meaningful connection with this paradise in the Coral Sea. Embrace a leisurely pace throughout the tour as you soak in the breathtaking scenery and capture memorable moments.

Our “Magnetic Island – Behind the Scenes” tour promises an insight into life on this island paradise. Whether you’re an avid nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking relaxation amidst natural beauty, our tour offers an unforgettable experience. Join us as we unveil the well-kept secrets and treasures of Magnetic Island.

As well as visiting all the main bay, this tour includes a relaxing hour at Horseshoe Bay for lunch, giving you plenty of time to savor the island’s delights at your own pace.

Maggie Highlights

A shorter afternoon version of our Maggie Comprehensive tour, perfect for those short on time or just looking for a quick overview of the island.

The tour follows a similar itinerary to Maggie Comprehensive but doesn’t stop at the Magnetic Museum or Aquasearch Aquarium. The later start times mean you will catch the last of the sunset as you head back to Townsville.

Availability: School holidays and peak period- July to Sept .

Private Tours, Bus Hire and Accommodation Transfers

Private Hire / Charters and Tours

Are you looking for a more personalized and exclusive experience? Our private tours and charters offer a flexible and tailored option for individuals or groups seeking a unique adventure. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family reunion, a corporate event, or simply looking to explore a destination on your own terms, our private tours and charters allow you to design your own itinerary and travel at your own pace. Our experienced guides are dedicated to providing you with a seamless and unforgettable experience. Contact us today to learn more about our private tour and charter options.

Please call +61 435 580 292 or email  [email protected]  to discuss your requirements.

Accommodation and Island Transfers

Looking for a hassle-free and convenient way to get to your accommodation or explore the island’s top attractions? Look no further than our transfer services. We provide comfortable and reliable transfers between the ferry terminal and your chosen accommodation or any popular tourist destination you want to visit. Let us take care of your transportation needs and ensure you have a stress-free and enjoyable stay on the island. Contact us to learn more about our island transfer and accommodation options.

Subject to availability. Please call +61 435 580 292 or email  [email protected]

Why choose us?

Local experience.

We use friendly local guides with knowledge gained from years of observing island creatures and characters to offer the best value tours on the island. We choose the best spots each day depending on the weather and season.

Uniquely Australian

Where else in the world could you spot wild Koalas and Wallabies in the morning, tuck into world class fresh seafood for lunch and end the day with a snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park?

With over 320 days of sunshine a year you will rarely be disappointed.

Something for everyone

On our tour you’ll get to experience everything the island has to offer. You’ll learn about its history, geography, and folklore (some of it not found in books!).  You’ll meet some of its wildlife and you’ll soon know why so many are attracted to Magnetic Island.

What do our guests say?

The Complete Guide to Australia's Magnetic Island

Just 20 minutes by ferry from Townsville, Australia in Queensland's tropical north, Magnetic Island is fringed by 23 gorgeous beaches that make it one of the state's top getaways. The population is around 2,500 people, with half of the island covered by national park and the other half hosting a range of accommodation and dining options.

Known to locals as Maggie, this little island is packed with things to see and do. Read on for our complete guide to Magnetic Island.

Magnetic Island was created 275 million years ago through a volcanic eruption. Over time, the volcanic rock has eroded to create the formations we see today. Up until 7,500 years ago, Magnetic Island was connected to the mainland, but rising sea levels have since created a shallow ocean channel.

The island is the traditional lands of the Wulgurukaba people, who lived on the island and the mainland for thousands of years until the port of Townsville was established in the mid-1890s. As Europeans colonized the region, many Wulgurukaba people were forced off their lands, and the community was affected by disease and food scarcity.

Settlers also carried out timber logging, pineapple farming, and gold mining on Magnetic Island from the late 1800s. The first resort was built on the island around the same time, and it became a popular tourist destination throughout the 1900s. During World War II, Townsville was an important military base; Magnetic Island was used as a military outpost, ruins of which can still be seen today.

Plants and Wildlife

The landscape of Magnetic Island features distinctive granite rock shapes, picturesque beaches, and coral reefs just offshore. The island is mostly covered with woodland, apart from some small areas of rainforest. You can see bloodwoods, stringy bark, and gray ironbark trees, alongside hoop pines, native kapok, and cabbage palms scattered across the island.

Rock wallabies are a common sight, especially at twilight, as well as possums, echidnas, and a large population of koalas. Magnetic Island is also an important habitat for migrating seabirds and provides a refuge for threatened land species like the bush stone-curlew. In the waters surrounding the island, you can spot dugongs and sea turtles.

Best Time to Visit

Like Townsville, Magnetic Island has a sunny, tropical climate. Temperatures reach up to 90 degrees F in summer and 75 degrees in winter, and fall to 75 degrees F in summer and 55 degrees in winter.

Rainfall is highest from December to March, although it generally falls in brief, heavy downpours. During summer, humidity is similarly high, and there is also the possibility of dangerous jellyfish (known locally as marine stingers) in the water between November and April.

For these reasons, peak season runs from June to October, as visitors from the southern states head north in search of sunshine. The island is also busier on weekends with day trippers from Townsville. Prices may be higher during the peak period and accommodations can be booked out well in advance, especially during the Australian school holidays from mid-June to mid-July. With all of this in mind, the best time to visit is in May or from August to October.

Magnetic Island is all about the great outdoors, so lace up your hiking shoes (unless you'd rather spend your time relaxing on a sailboat ). There are more than 15 miles of walking tracks on Magnetic Island, as well as snorkel trails that take advantage of its location within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Here are our picks of the island's must-do activities:

• The Forts Walk combines WWII history and incredible views over a 1.5-hour hike. (It is also known as a popular koala-spotting trail.) The Nelly Bay to Arcadia walk (2.5 hours) is another a great way to see the island.
• Depending on whether you'd prefer to snorkel or dive, there are a bunch of stellar spots around the island. The snorkel trails at Nelly Bay and Geoffrey Bay make it easy to find colorful coral, while the SS Yongala is one of Australia's best shipwreck dives.
• Magnetic Island is home to a thriving food and wine scene, so we recommend recharging after a big day out at Barefoot , Up the Garden Path , or Stage Door Theatre Restaurant .

Where to Stay

Most accommodation options on Magnetic Island are clustered in the townships of Nelly Bay, Arcadia, and Horseshoe Bay. There are hotels, Airbnbs, and hostels to suit all budgets and tastes, including family-friendly resorts and romantic getaways. While it is possible to visit the island as a day trip, spending a couple of nights will allow you to see and do everything on offer.

For wildlife fans, Bungalow Bay Koala Village is a no-brainer. It offers camping, shared accommodation, rooms, and bungalows with an on-site koala park. (Note that this is the only place you can camp on the island). Peppers Blue on Blue is the island's most luxurious offering, with two pools, a day spa, restaurant, and private marina.

Pure Magnetic offers great-value private villas, while Island Leisure Resort is perfectly situated in Nelly Bay. If you're looking for something a little more social, Base Backpackers is right on the beach with lots of daytime activities and a busy bar at night.

Getting There

Townsville is a 15-hour drive north of Brisbane and 4.5 hours south of Cairns. Flights are available to Townsville from other Australian cities via Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Qantas, and Airnorth. The Spirit of Queensland train also makes regular departures between Brisbane and Townsville.

Once you've made it to Townsville, Magnetic Island is not far away. If you're traveling with a car, you can take a vehicle ferry with Magnetic Island Ferries , which takes around 40 minutes and departs up to eight times daily. For a passenger-only ferry, check out SeaLink , which departs up to 18 times per day and takes around 20 minutes.

Both ferries arrive at the Magnetic Island ferry terminal. Here, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use the local bus service. Many hotels also offer transfers from the ferry terminal, and bus and boat tours are available. Some of the more secluded beaches on the island can only be reached with a 4WD, but most of the main attractions are easily accessible.

Travel Tips

• A Sunbus pass for unlimited travel is a good investment if you are not traveling with your own car.
• WiFi and cell phone coverages are available in many parts of the island, so don't worry about being off the grid.
• You will find all the essentials, including a grocery store and pharmacy, on the island, but prices may be a little higher than on the mainland.
• Every Wednesday, the Arcadia Village Hotel holds lively cane toad races to raise money for the local surf lifesaving club.
• The small Aquasearch aquarium only costs a couple of dollars to visit and is a great place to learn about the island's marine life.
• Magnetic Island remains a significant site for the Wulgurukaba people. If you come across any cultural artifacts such as shell middens, stone tools, and rock art, do not touch or disturb them.

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Ultimate budget travel guide to magnetic island.

The idyllic Magnetic Island, situated off the coast of Townsville in Queensland, Australia is a paradise.

It’s a popular tourist hot spot and a welcome place for all travellers, budget ones included, to enjoy a slice of tropical island life.

At 52sqkm and with only 2000 residents, Magnetic Island is the perfect, relaxed getaway; with its palm trees, national park reserves and gorgeous hidden beaches, it’s definitely worth a visit on any east coast Australia itinerary.

I originally visited Maggie Island (as it’s fondly known) during my first 2 weeks in Australia as a solo backpacker.

Little did I realise that over 2 years later I would be returning to work on Magnetic Island , my Aussie boyfriend in tow! But such is the unexpected nature of life on the road, and I’ve got to say, I love it!

As part of our 4wd trip around Australia, the boy and I have now been living on Magnetic Island for almost 3 months to top up our travel funds.

Working in a guest house and car hire company full time here, we certainly have a pretty good idea of what to recommend to Maggie’s visitors, and I’ve compiled this all into my ultimate budget travel guide to Magnetic Island.

So here goes…

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How to Get to Magnetic Island Cheaply

That’s not to say you shouldn’t stay longer, as there is more than enough to occupy you for at least a week on Maggie, it’s just that most people can only spare a few days of their tight schedule.

There are 2 ferry companies that will bring you to Magnetic Island – both roughly priced $30 AUD return for a foot passenger.

They both offer a regular service, with at least one boat leaving every hour between 6am and 10pm.

Flights to Townsville are the cheapest way to reach this city from across Australia if you’re not driving here. Check out Skyscanner for the best flight deals.

#1 Fantasea Ferry

Fantasea is the island’s only car ferry service, so if you’re looking to bring a vehicle to Maggie, this is the one to catch.

That said, bringing your car to the island can be an expensive option ($180 round trip on the boat!) so budget travellers may be better placed to leave vehicles in Townsville and rent a car on the island instead.

The Fantasea ferry crossing is the longest of the 2 – taking around 40 minutes.

BUDGET TIP: If you are leaving a vehicle on the mainland, then it’s worth noting that Fantasea are the only company that offer passengers free parking in their Townsville car park, which is definitely worth considering if you’re on a budget.

Sealink is the speedier foot passenger service which takes around 20 minutes.

Parking a vehicle in their car park costs roughly $7 AUD per day.

BUDGET TIP: The cheapest tickets for both Fantasea and Sealink ferries can be purchased online, so click through to their websites to get the best deal.

How to Get Around Magnetic Island

Operated by SunBus , full timetables are available via their website, but roughly speaking the service runs until 10pm at night, 12pm on the weekends.

Brilliantly, the buses line up to meet the ferries and run past most of the major accommodation providers.

Fares are cheap, operating on a zone system and generally costing between $2-$3 AUD per ride.

BUDGET TIP: You can buy a bus day pass for unlimited travel across all zones on Magnetic Island for as little as $8 AUD. Bargain if you’re going to be out doing and seeing stuff a lot.

You can also hire vehicles for self-drive adventures on Magnetic Island.

Mini-mokes used to be the hire car of choice on Maggie back in the day, but now the cheapest are scooters and barbie-car looking vehicles, which can be picked up from around $50 AUD a day.

The problem with these 2wd vehicles however is that you can only drive them on Magnetic Island’s one sealed road.

To really see the best this island has to offer, it’s all about hiring a 4wd on Maggie.

These can be a little more expensive (around $100 AUD per day), but they are well worth it when it comes to exploring the best bits of the island, including the stunning, semi-deserted Radical Bay and the epic sun-set watching spot of West Point

BUDGET TIP: Try to team up with as many others as possible, so that you have a full car, is going to make renting a vehicle cheaper.

Where to Stay on Magnetic Island

There’s also a spattering of property rentals, which prove good value if you’re travelling as part of a group or looking for something self-contained.

Backpacker hostels dominate the budget accommodation, so here are the best ones if you’re looking to stay on Magnetic Island cheaply.

#1 Base Backpackers

Known as the party hostel on the island, Base Backpackers is most famous for its monthly full moon parties between June and October.

Situated on the beach this large hostel has some cheap dorms, as well as camping facilities and private rooms.

There’s also a big bar onsite, nightly entertainment, a swimming pool and a dive shop.

#2 YHA Bungalow Bay

YHA Bungalow Bay is situated up at Horseshoe Bay, the YHA hostel is generally a quieter and more sedate option than Base.

With dorms, private rooms and a campsite here, this hostel has a ton of wildlife that can be seen from the gardens as well as cafes and restaurants nearby.

There is a swimming pool here, as well as a bar, but Bungalow Bay is most renowned for its koala village, which hosts an array of Aussie wildlife.

You can visit the village as part of a daily tour and top of the list is hugging a koala – if that’s your sort of thing!

#3 Arcadia Beach Guest House

Arcadia Beach Guest House is slightly more expensive than the first 2 options, but this relaxed guest house in Arcadia is less crowded and more spacious.

Set near one of the best snorkelling spots on the island, as well as a good pub with weekly live music, there is a more local feel to the place.

BUDGET TIP: Arcadia Beach Guest House has some great safari tents, which offer the best budget accommodation for couples and older travellers looking for some privacy.

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Free Things to Do on Magnetic Island

From walking, snorkelling, wildlife spotting and beach hopping it’s all there for the taking.

If it’s wildlife you’re after, then there’s a heap of Aussie critters to spot on Maggie.

Out on the headland at the end of Geoffrey’s Bay is a gorgeous wallaby colony that simply love having their photo taken.

Otherwise heading to The Forts on the island is your best bet if you’re looking to spot a koala in the wild. Australian birds such as lorikeets and kookaburras are also common.

Down in the ocean, turtles, rays, dolphins, dugongs, sharks and even whales cruise the waters around Magnetic Island.

The cheapest and easiest way to see these guys is by renting some budget-priced snorkelling gear for the day and heading to some of the island’s beaches.

Florence Bay and Alma Bay provide easily snorkelling action right off the beach, or you can follow the trail at Geoffrey Bay for your chance to spot tropical marine life and giant clams around a shipwreck.

Hitting the beach is, of course, a popular attraction on Magnetic Island given the fantastic tropical climate here.

Personal favourites of mine include Radical Bay (which I’ve voted one of the best beaches in Queensland ). You have to look of out for the piano!

I also love the deserted Rocky Bay, which is only accessible via a quiet walking track.

Talking of walking, another short stroll I recommend involves heading down to the jetty at Picnic Bay.

Here you can scout for rays over the edge, throw in a fishing line or just relish the history of the place.

There’s a market every Sunday down at Horseshoe Bay too, which is well worth checking out for local arts and crafts.

Getting to West Point to see the fabulous sunset over the ocean is also another awesome and free thing to do on Maggie Island.

You’ll honestly feel like you’re standing on the edge of the earth here as the deserted nature of the place makes a great spot to enjoy some peace and quiet.

Just make sure you don’t swim here however, this is a popular bull shark feeding spot!

Hiking on Magnetic Island

#1 The Forts Walk

This is probably the busiest track on the island, not least because of the koala-spotting opportunities it presents and the fabulous views you get from the lookout at the top.

Scattered amongst the forest as you walk up to the lookout are some wonderful ruins, and accompanying storyboards, that tell of a time when Magnetic Island was a defence outpost during World War II.

Combining history, views and wildlife, the Forts Walk really is hard to beat.

#2 Arcadia to Nelly Bay

This track is an awesome 6km walk, which you’ll almost certainly have to yourself.

Taking you up and over the range, this walk presents you with some of the best views of the island care of the Sphinx Lookout.

If it’s been raining, then you’re also likely to see some gorgeous waterfalls.

The walk to the lookout at Hawkings Point is also a phenomenal hike on Magnetic Island.

With great views across both sides of the island, the start of this track leads from the end of Picnic Street and takes you up and over Rocky Bay.

Other Great, Cheap Things to Do on Magnetic Island

• The island aquarium is well worth a look around and can be visited for a gold coin donation.
• Charter a boat and explore Magnetic’s hidden bays and great fishing opportunities
• Enjoy a round or 2 at Maggie Island’s very own golf course.
• Kayaks, jet-skis and stand up paddle-boards are all available to rent from Horseshoe Bay
• Enjoy breakfast with the koalas 3 times a week at YHA Bungalow Bay .
• Try your hand at scuba diving or get certified at one of the island’s 3 dive schools.
• Horse ride along the beach care of the twice-daily tours offered by Horseshoe Ranch.
• Watch the island come to life at Australia’s only full moon party held at Base Backpackers once a month from June to October.
• Dust down your best Hawaiian shirt for Tropical Dress Friday at the Bowls Club

Where to Eat on Magnetic Island

There are also 2 smaller Foodworks stores on the island, as well as a mini health food shop in the service station in Arcadia of all places!

BUDGET TIP: No supermarket is particularly cheap on the island, so consider stocking up on some essentials on the mainland before you come over if you’re really on a tight budget.

Restaurant wise, there are 3 pubs on the island that offer reasonable fare – Arcadia Motel, Picnic Bay Hotel and the Marlin Bar in Horseshoe.

There’s also two fun Mexican restaurants that are reasonably priced – Noodies on the Beach and my pick Man Fridays in Nelly Bay.

Gilligans and Early Bird Café offer good breakfasts and there are a number of takeaway outlets, including Thai and Chinese on the island too.

5 Essential Packing Items for Maggie Islands

#2 Good Walking Shoes – There will be a lot of walking on Maggie – from beaches to cliffpaths! Make sure your feet are comfortable therefore with a pair of New Balance Trainers . Perfect for stylish strolling, I love mine.

#3 Good Guidebook – I’m still a massive fan of the Lonely Planet Guidebooks and do think their Australia edition is well put together.

#4 Good Water Bottle – Travelling in hot old Queensland can be thirsty work, so make sure you have a metal water bottle that you can refill as you go, because tap water is drinkable… and free!

#5 Good Sun Hat – And there’s no denying you’ll need a good sun hat for protection in Australia too. In my opinion, you can’t go past this Hello Sunshine one, which is both gorgeous and ideal for keeping the rays off your face.

Other Helpful Magnetic Island Info

Many accommodation places have laundry facilities for guests.

BUDGET TIP: None of the major banks have a presence here on Maggie, so get plenty of cash out before you come to avoid unnecessary ATM charges.

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So there you have it, my ultimate budget travel guide to Magnetic Island.

Hopefully I’ve shown you that, if are travelling down the coast of Queensland, this tiny drop of paradise really shouldn’t be missed!

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

8 thoughts on “ Ultimate Budget Travel Guide to Magnetic Island ”

I loved Megnetic Island when I visited, was the most favourite part of my trip and this post has most definitely made me want to make a return visit to see more of it!

He he nice one Gemma. Glad I’m not the only one the Island has made a mark on. It’s a special place for sure 🙂

I went there for a day trip about 10 years ago! I hiking up to that viewpoint but didn’t see any koalas. Looks like it’s more developed than back then. I’ll have to dig up some of my photos. It’s such a beautiful place. When I hiked up during my visit in December, I had it all to myself 🙂

Such a shame Lillian, we’ve had guests seeing them almost every day in the 3 months we’ve been here, but then I guess even koalas are allowed a doona day now and again! I’m sure things have developed in 10 years, but it’s still a pretty sleepy place with so much nature around – I love it!

very nice guide, with the practical informations that are often hard to find! I’m reading some articles and I hope I can visit Australia during an european winter 🙂 (but I see that months between december and february are not the best for this area, only for southern Australia)

Hi Fabio, that’s right – once you start getting to the far north, it is much better to visit between May and September to avoid cyclones and unbearable humidity. That said, anywhere south of Townsville during the European winter months is totally fine – I’d just avoid places like Cairns, Darwin and Broome during this time if I was you. Glad you enjoyed this Maggie Island guide and hope you get to the Land Down Under soon 🙂

Can you please provide contact no. for the people who hire out 4 wheel drives on the Island? I think they’re on Sooning St, Nelly Bay? I’m failing to find them on the internet!

Hi Jo, I know Arcadia Beach Guest House used to hire them. Not sure if they still do, but I’d check them out first. Enjoy, Steph 🙂

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Plan Your Trip to Magnetic Island: Best of Magnetic Island Tourism

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A Magical Day Trip to Magnetic Island

On a day trip to Magnetic Island, you’ll have a magical time relaxing on palm-fringed beaches, walking through the National Park and meeting koalas and wallabies in their natural habitat. Located within the UNESCO World Heritage Marine Park in the Coral Sea, Magnetic Island is surrounded by coral reefs and is one of many beautiful islands on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef .

If you’re wondering what to do on Magnetic Island for a day , you’ll be spoilt for choice with a fun selection of outdoor activities like hiking, swimming and snorkelling. It’s an easy place to visit for a day and offers a wide choice of activities whether you’re travelling alone in Australia or have company.

I spent several days exploring Magnetic Island on a solo trip to far north Queensland and on the same trip, I also discovered beautiful Fitzroy Island , the Low Isles , and stunning Green Island , a coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef near Cairns. Magnetic Island is around 300 kilometres south of Cairns and just a short ferry ride from Townsville in Queensland.

A Magnetic Island day trip is an opportunity to get back to nature. Highlights for me were the sweeping coastal views, gorgeous beaches and bushwalking in a landscape teeming with native wildlife. The island is the home of rock wallabies, endangered koalas, turtles and a variety of butterflies, and birds.

This Magnetic Island guide outlines the best things to see and do and includes a variety of activities so that you can tailor your Magnetic Island day trip itinerary to suit your interests.

“*Disclosure* – This page may contain affiliate links and, if you purchase through one of those links I may receive a small commission. This does not cost you any extra and helps to keep this website running . Thank you for your support!

Table of Contents

What to do on a day trip to Magnetic Island?

Below are the best things to do on Magnetic Island if you’re there for a day or longer:  

Magnetic Island Beaches

On a day trip to Magnetic Island, visiting the island’s beautiful beaches, hidden coves and popular swimming spots is a pleasure. There are 23 bays and beaches to choose from if swimming and relaxing on the sand are a priority. Below are the most popular Magnetic Island beaches that are easily accessible by bus and car.

Alma Bay in Arcadia is the prettiest little beach you can imagine, and it’s the perfect place to visit on a Magnetic Island day trip. Considered one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches and lined with trees, Alma Bay beach backs onto a lovely lawn and park area and is the ideal spot for a picnic and a swim. Rock wallabies live on the rocky headland, and it’s a short walk to Geoffrey Bay to see them up close.

Horseshoe Bay on the other side of the island has a lovely big beach with golden sand and turquoise water. It’s one of the best beaches to visit on a day trip to Magnetic Island. You can swim here all year round in the netted area and be protected from stingers. The shoreline is shaded by ancient trees with huge root systems and there’s a good selection of cafes and restaurants at Horseshoe Bay. It’s a great place to stop for lunch and a swim.

Picnic Bay on the opposite side of the island has a lovely quiet beach that’s great for swimming. Fishing and snorkelling from the jetty are also popular here and across the water, you can see Townsville on the mainland in the distance.

There’s a short hike to a fabulous viewpoint at Hawkings Point Lookout on the headland in Picnic Bay with sweeping views across the island and over neighbouring Rocky Bay.

Nelly Bay has a snorkel trail on the Magnetic Island Reef and it’s the first place you’ll see when you arrive on Magnetic Island because it’s where the Townsville Ferry docks. Nearby Geoffrey Bay is also on the reef and has a snorkel trail that’s one of the best places for snorkelling on a Magnetic Island day trip.

Florence Bay and Radical Bay can be accessed in a 4WD via a VERY rough road but Arthur Bay and Balding Bay have beautiful, secluded beaches that can only be accessed on foot. Flat Back and Green Sea Turtles nest on this side of Magnetic Island and if you’re lucky you might see them in the water or on the beach in the summer months.

Magnetic Island Bushwalking

If you’re wondering what to do on Magnetic Island, bushwalking is top of the list. It’s one of the best ways to see the island and a network of bush tracks makes exploring on foot easy and fun. Discovering stunning viewpoints and less visited coves and beaches on a leisurely walk through the National Park is a real pleasure on a day trip to Magnetic Island.

The walking trails are well-marked and easy enough to follow but the island is quite hilly and there are some steep sections. You can walk to all the main beaches on the island. Start walking as soon as you get off the ferry in Nelly Bay or catch the bus from the wharf to the Forts Junction for access to many of the walking tracks in the National Park.

 The Queensland National Parks walking trails summary has all the information you need about the length, grade and duration of the various walks, and this Magnetic Island map shows the different trails around the island.

The most popular hike on the Island is the Forts Walk and it’s the pick of the walks if you’re having trouble deciding what to do on a day trip to Magnetic Island.

The Forts Walk & Koala Spotting

4 kilometres / 2 hours return / Grade 3

The remains of a heritage-listed World War ll military Fort can be found via a walking trail from the Forts Junction. The Fort is strategically located with sweeping views across the island and out to sea. You can see all the way north to Hinchinbrook Island and the Palm Islands from the Fort.

The best time to do the Forts Walk is in the early morning or late afternoon when it’s cooler and the koalas and other wildlife are most active. It’s the perfect way to begin a day trip to Magnetic Island.

As well as exploring the island’s history and what’s left of the WW ll Fort, the Forts Walk takes you through a eucalypt and acacia woodland where a colony of koalas live.

Koalas are now an endangered species and Magnetic Island is one of the best places in Australia to see them in their natural habitat. while you’re walking to the Fort, there’s a good chance of seeing a koala or two but they can be hard to spot sleeping in the trees.

If you’re unlucky and you don’t see one or you just want to spend more time with koalas, you can visit the Koala Sanctuary in Horseshoe Bay.

Magnetic Island Koala Sanctuary

At the Magnetic Island Koala Sanctuary, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with koalas and other native wildlife. And, for a small fee, you can hold a koala and have your photo taken as a souvenir. Magnetic Island in Australia is one of the few places where holding a koala is possible.

At the Koala Sanctuary, there are wildlife presentations several times during the day, and you can also join a tour with one of the rangers and learn all about the resident native animals. As well as koalas, the sanctuary keeps wombats, turtles, pythons and crocodiles. 

The Koala Sanctuary is in Horseshoe Bay at Bungalow Bay Koala Village, and you can catch the bus from the wharf in Nelly Bay.  

Another lovely and very accessible walk on Magnetic Island is the Gabul Way. You can begin this walk at the ferry wharf in Nelly Bay as soon as you arrive on your day trip to Magnetic Island. Walk to the main road then turn right and follow the road over the headland to Geoffrey Bay.

There’s an elevated walkway beside the road that’s safe for children and accessible for most people. On the pathway, there are places where you can stop to rest and admire the beautiful coastal views and it took me around half an hour to walk to Alma Bay Beach.

Walk to Florence Bay

Begin the walk to Florence Bay at the Fort Junction on the Fort Walking Trail or at Horseshoe Bay. The Fort Walk returns to Fort Junction but there’s also an option to continue to Florence Bay from the Fort.

I decided to walk on to Horseshoe Bay and followed the path down a steep set of stairs to lovely, secluded Florence Bay, Radical Bay and by mistake, Balding Bay. I got a bit lost on the trail there and eventually found my way to beautiful Horseshoe Bay which was a great place to stop for lunch at the popular Cafe Nourish.

Magnetic Island Rock Wallabies

A small colony of native Rock Wallabies live on the rocky headland between Alma Bay and Geoffrey Bay and the best time to see them is in the late afternoon or early morning. Walk around Geoffrey Bay to the old Arcadia Jetty Road and at the end of the road you’ll find the wallabies.

Alternatively, you can catch the bus to Alma Bay in Arcadia and it’s a short 10-minute walk from the bus stop by the beach to the colony of rock wallabies at the old jetty.

Magnetic Island Butterflies

In the winter months, from April to September, butterflies can be found in Horseshoe Bay. Blue Tiger Butterflies flit around and rest on the vegetation in the forest just off Horseshoe Bay Road. The best time to visit the butterfly forest is in the middle of the afternoon. Just follow the path through the trees.

I was enchanted by the pretty butterflies here, but the area was a bit swampy and there were lots of mosquitos as well.

Magnetic Island Snorkel Trail

Magnetic Island is in the Coral Sea on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and snorkelling is a popular activity. In fact, Magnetic Island is one of the top 10 spots to snorkel in Queensland.

There are 2 snorkel trails on Magnetic Island that begin at Nelly Bay and at Geoffrey Bay. For directions to the snorkel trail, and information about the coral and fish you’ll see when you’re snorkelling, collect a swim card from one of the shops in Nelly Bay. Strap the card to your wrist and when you’re in the water, look for the white numbers floating on the surface of the water. They’ll guide you around the snorkel trail.

Magnetic Island also has a shipwreck in Cockle Bay and the remains of a WW II plane, near the Moltke shipwreck 140 metres from the shore in Nelly Bay. It’s a fair way out from the beach and recommended for strong swimmers only.

Stay safe and book a snorkel discovery tour with a local guide if you’re not a strong swimmer and you’d like to snorkel or dive on Magnetic Island.

Magnetic Island Dangers

During the summer from November to April, dangerous Box Jellyfish and Irukandji Jellyfish can be found in the waters of the Coral Sea around Magnetic Island. To protect yourself make sure you wear a lycra stinger suit in the summer months or stay out of the water.

Dangerous Saltwater Crocodiles are sometimes seen in the waters around Magnetic Island but luckily they are not common. Get local advice about whether it’s safe to swim before you enter the water.

Other Magnetic Island activities

Other Magnetic Island activities include all kinds of water sports such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, diving, boat tours, jet ski tours, fishing and horse riding.

If you like fishing, head to Picnic Bay Jetty. It’s a popular fishing spot with a lovely view all the way across the water to Townsville on the mainland.

While you’re in Picnic Bay, call in at the History and Craft Centre or catch the bus to Arcadia and visit the local Art Gallery .

Where is Magnetic Island?

Magnetic Island is in Cleveland Bay, 8 kilometres offshore from Townsville in Queensland It’s one of many tropical islands of the Great Barrier Reef on the east coast of Australia.

How to get to Magnetic Island

To get to Magnetic Island in Australia, head to Townsville in Queensland and catch the ferry across to the island.

Magnetic Island Ferry from Townsville

There are 2 ferries from Townville to Magnetic Island and they operate from 2 different locations in Townsville.

The Sealink Passenger Ferry is the most frequent service, and it takes approximately 20 minutes to make the crossing from Townsville to Nelly Bay on Magnetic Island. The passenger ferries depart regularly starting at 05:30 am (06:30 am on Sundays). The last ferry leaves Magnetic Island at 11:00 pm (10:00 pm on Sundays).

The Car Ferry to Magnetic Island leaves from the Magnetic Island Ferry terminal, a different terminal to the Sealink passenger ferry in Townsville. The Magnetic Island Ferry takes around 40 minutes to reach the island from Townsville. The price for the car ferry rises as the boat fills up so it’s best to book the Magnetic Island Car Ferry in advance. Check the timetable for the Magnetic Island Car Ferry here.

Flying to Townsville

The quickest way to get to Magnetic Island is to fly to Townsville airport, get a taxi or a shuttle bus to the Sealink Passenger Ferry terminal and catch the ferry across to Magnetic Island.

Train to Townsville

The Spirit of Queensland train service operates 5 times a week between Brisbane and Cairns. If you’re travelling overland, catching the train is a comfortable way to get to Townsville. The train journey takes around 6 hours from Cairns and 18 hours from Brisbane’s Roma Street Station. You’ll need to catch a bus or a taxi to the Ferry terminal from the station in Townsville.

Bus to Townsville

Premier and Greyhound bus services operate between Brisbane and Cairns and stop in Townsville. The trip from Brisbane to Townsville takes around 25 hours on the bus and from Cairns, it’s around 5 hours. Coach travel is the cheapest and most convenient way to get to Magnetic Island and the bus will drop you right at the Sealink Ferry Terminal.

Car Travel to Magnetic Island

It’s a long way by road to Magnetic Island from Brisbane. If you’re driving to Magnetic Island, the road trip is around 1,400 kilometres and takes approximately 16 hours. And you can take your car across to Magnetic Island on the Magnetic Island Car Ferry or leave it safely in the Magnetic Island Ferry Car Park in Townsville.

How to Get around Magnetic Island

It’s easy to get around once you’re on Magnetic Island. A bus service operates regularly throughout the day and stops in many places of interest on the island. But if you don’t have a car and you’d like to drive, you can hire a car or a jeep in Nelly Bay.

I used the bus and found it a good way to get around the island. The bus picks up passengers at the wharf at Nelly Bay and the bus driver kindly stopped right outside my hotel when I first arrived which was very helpful with my luggage.

If you’re on a day trip to Magnetic Island, check the bus route on the Sunbus map . The Sunbus service connects Picnic Bay and Horseshoe Bay with the Magnetic Island Ferry at Nelly Bay.

You can buy a day pass and hop on and off the bus whenever you like. It’s a cheap and convenient way to explore the island.

Magnetic Island tours

Joining a Magnetic Island day tour is another great way to see the island and maximise the time you have. Here are some Magnetic Island tour suggestions:

Magnetic Island Accommodation

If a day trip to Magnetic Island is not enough for you and you’d like to stay longer, there are a wide variety of accommodation options on the Island to suit all budgets. Here are some suggestions.

Budget: Nomads Backpackers has a stunning location on the clifftops overlooking Rocky Bay and has dorms and private rooms. This hostel is a bit out of the way but the bus stops on the doorstep and there’s a walkway beside the road to Picnic Bay.

I stayed at the CStay Motel in Picnic Bay. My room was clean and compact with a shared bathroom. This motel has a pool, a pretty garden and a cute dog but there was no hot water in the shared showers. I liked the quiet location, away from the busier places on Magnetic Island and the motel was a short walk from the Picnic Bay beach, jetty and pub. It’s a good budget option on Magnetic Island.

Mid-range : The Arcadia Village Motel has a fabulous location near beaches and restaurants and gets excellent reviews.

Luxury : Peppers Blue on Blue is a 5-star resort that gets excellent reviews for its ideal location, just a short walk from the ferry, bus and shops in Nelly Bay on Magnetic Island.

Final Thoughts – What to do on Magnetic Island for a day

Magnetic Island in Australia is a gorgeous place to slow down and get back to nature. 70% of the island is a National Park and the 5 main beaches are easily accessible by local bus, by car or on foot.

I loved visiting Magnetic Island and enjoyed visiting Cairns. This Magnetic Island day trip itinerary has lots of things for solo travellers to do especially if you’re happy to go hiking and exploring on your own.  

There’s a World War ll Fort and a choice of walking trails and lookout points that deliver stunning views of the island and beyond. A colony of koalas live on the island and there are rock wallabies and butterflies in abundance on this pristine isle.

On a Magnetic Island day trip, you’ll be able to explore some of the main sights but with an extra day or 2, you can explore more of the hiking trails and coastal paths that connect the different parts of the island.

This Magnetic Island day trip itinerary outlines the best things to do but there are other beautiful islands to explore on a trip to Cairns in far north Queensland . I had trouble deciding if I should visit Green Island or Fitzroy Island so I went to them all.

The UNESCO World Heritage rainforests of far north Queensland are also worth visiting while you’re in the area. It’s around 360 kilometres from the ancient Daintree Rainforest to Magnetic Island and the rainforests cover 12,000 square kilometres of Queensland all the way from Townsville to the Daintree.

Is 1 day on Magnetic Island enough?

1 Day on Magnetic Island is enough time to get a taste of the Island and visit the best beaches. But 2 or 3 days is better for many people, and especially for wildlife lovers and walkers because you’ll have more time to explore the walking trails and viewpoints and discover secluded coves and pretty beaches away from the other visitors.

Do you need a car on Magnetic Island?

No, you don’t need a car on Magnetic Island. You can explore the island by bus or on foot. There’s a reliable bus service that meets the passenger ferry and connects the main beaches and suburbs on the island. There are also lots of walking trails and it’s a pleasure to walk around Magnetic Island.

Is Magnetic Island worth visiting for a day?

Yes, Magnetic Island is worth visiting for a day. Magical Magnetic Island is a stunning island in Queensland with beautiful beaches, coral reefs, bushlands and native wildlife. If you’re wondering what to do on Magnetic Island for a day, you’ll be spoilt for choice with a fun selection of outdoor activities like bushwalking, swimming and snorkelling.

Visiting Magnetic Island is definitely worthwhile, but if you only have a day, you’ll want to start early because there’s lots to do. A day trip to Magnetic Island is enough time to see the best beaches and meet some of the wildlife and it’s the perfect place for nature lovers. You can drive or catch the bus across the island to Beautiful Horseshoe Bay, and see koalas, butterflies and rock wallabies in their natural habitat.

Why is Magnetic Island called Magnetic Island?

Captain Cook discovered Magnetic Island when he first sailed around Australia in 1770. He experienced some problems navigating near Magnetic Island and thought there was a magnetic field around the island that was affecting his compass.

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Linda is a travel blogger and teacher from Australia. She loves to travel solo and over the years she’s visited around 50 countries on 5 different continents. Her recent trips include volunteer teaching in an orphanage in Uganda, swimming with sea turtles on the stunning islands of the Great Barrier Reef and a jaunt to Java and Bali climbing volcanos, visiting ancient sacred places and zipping around on the back of a motorbike.

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I didn’t know about this island in Australia! Looks like a fun day trip to try with friends or family. Thanks for sharing your tips!

I hadn’t heard of this place until now! Looks like such a fabulous place to explore😊

Ooooohh I have always wanted to go to Magnetic Island but unfortunately never made it that far! Love the info on the beaches and wildlife, will deffo be saving this for a future trip!

Magnetic island sounds wonderful as a (multi-) day trip. Would love to explore the beaches and spot butterflies, koalas and rock wallabies.

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• Top 13 Things To Do...

Top 13 Things to Do on Magnetic Island, Australia

Magnetic Island may be small (11 kilometres in length at its widest point), but it has a big list of attractions. With the Great Barrier Reef on its doorstep, and Magnetic Island National Park as its backyard, it’s the most adventurous and idyllic day trip option from Townsville. Here are the best things to do on Magnetic Island.

Go for a walk.

There are nearly 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) of walking tracks on Magnetic Island, which take you across bays and through Magnetic Island National Park . The most popular bush walking track is the Forts Walk, which takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete. It’s home to intact WWII forts, gun emplacements, and panoramic views of the Coral Sea. In Picnic Bay, two scenic but short hikes are to Rocky Bay and Hawkings Point. Another option is to head into the national park via Nelly Bay to Arcadia walk, which is a six-kilometre (3.7-mile) track that takes you past Endeavour Falls as well.

Horse ride from bush to beach

Horseshoe Bay Ranch has been providing unforgettable horse riding experiences on Magnetic Island for over 30 years. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or advanced rider, as the team give basic riding instructions before the fun begins, and there are always experienced guides on hand to assist. Riders travel through the native bush to Horseshoe Bay beach, where they go bareback into the water on their horse. Horseshoe Bay Ranch does both morning and afternoon tours daily.

Horseshoe Bay Ranch, 38 Gifford Street, Horseshoe Bay, QLD, Australia , +61 7 4778 5109

Snorkel the reef

Make the most of Magnetic Island’s location in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park . There are snorkel trails you can follow at both Nelly Bay (near Base Backpackers) and Geoffrey Bay. Follow the white surface floats, which outline the trail and offer a place for people to rest while snorkelling. The Nelly Bay trail is close to the shore, so is a great option for beginners. The Geoffrey Bay snorkel trail is further offshore, but you will spot more fish around the Moltke shipwreck. Alternatively, there’s fringing reef located in Florence and Arthur Bays.

Spot a koala

Magnetic Island is home to the most koalas in northern Australia. It’s estimated that about 800 koalas live on the island. You can get a souvenir photo holding a koala at Bungalow Bay Koala Village , but the Forts Walk is known as the best place to spot koalas on Magnetic Island. You’re more likely to see koalas in the early morning or late afternoon.

1. Be Surprised at Stage Door Theatre Restaurant

Magnetic Island really has it all. Stage Door is North Queensland’s number one theatre restaurant. Starring Bernadette Smith and Kevin Wright, the duo perform different shows every few months. In 2018, shows include Dancing Queen and Diva Las Vegas. The performances feature singing, comedy, dazzling costumes, and ‘tongue-in-cheek impersonations’. Tickets include a three-course meal and access to a fully-stocked bar. Don’t miss The Greatest Little Show on Earth when on Magnetic Island.

Enjoy water sports at Horseshoe Bay

Horseshoe Bay is where you’ll find various local companies focused on water sports hire. Horseshoe Bay Water Sports offers tube rides, which are very popular with visitors. Hire a kayak from Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks, or a jet ski from Jet Ski Hire Magnetic Island . No licence or experience is required to hire their jet skis, but safety and operating instructions are provided by the friendly staff. They also offer GoPro hire, so you never forget your Magnetic Island jet ski experience. Finally, fishing from the beach at Horseshoe Bay is permitted, as it’s a GBRMPA Recreational Fishing zone.

Horseshoe Bay, QLD, Australia

Play golf at Picnic Bay

Magnetic Island Country Club is the island’s only golf course, and is backdropped by the rugged boulder-strewn hills of Magnetic Island National Park. Visitors can hire clubs and carts at the club, and there’s night golf available at the nine-hole golf course as well. A lot of animals call the course home, including koalas, kangaroos, and native birdlife.

Magnetic Island Country Club, 2 Hurst Street, Picnic Bay, QLD, Australia , +61 7 4778 5188

Other Australian animal interactions

Besides spotting koalas, you can also hand feed wallabies and rainbow lorikeets on Magnetic Island as well. There’s a large rock wallaby population that live among the rocks at Geoffrey Bay. You can purchase food to feed them at the local service station, but they will happily nibble on fruit and vegetables, too (specifically carrots and apples). This is also where you can feed bread to a lot of fish, which call the Moltke shipwreck home. Bungalow Bay Koala Village also hosts a rainbow lorikeet feeding daily at 4:15pm. It’s open to the public, so you don’t have to be staying at the resort to take part.

Magnetic Island is the only place in Australia where you can rent these cute convertible cars. Nicknamed Barbie cars due to their resemblance to Barbie’s convertible, the topless vehicles can be hired from Tropical Topless Car Rentals . The company also hires mini mokes, which used to be the island’s iconic car before it went topless. Both vehicles can fit four people.

There are two companies offering diving experiences on Magnetic Island. Pleasure Divers has been operating on the island for over 20 years. They offer snorkelling, scuba diving, and boat tours; as well as beginner to advanced diving courses. You can also hire both scuba and snorkelling gear from Pleasure Divers in Arcadia. Another option is to do a Great Barrier Reef or SS Yongala Wreck day trip with Adrenalin Dive . The SS Yongala Wreck is considered one of the world’s best dive sites .

Magnetic Island is home to 23 beautiful bays. Horseshoe Bay, Alma Bay/Arcadia, Nelly Bay, and Picnic Bay are the main residential bays. In summer, there are stinger nets installed at the beaches at Horseshoe, Alma, and Picnic Bays. Radical and Florence Bays are accessible by foot or four-wheel drive, and are quieter options. Balding Bay is unofficially known as Magnetic Island’s naturist option. Another four-wheel drive option is West Point, which is known for its sunsets. How many bays will you visit on Magnetic Island?

Dine at one of the island’s top restaurants

Magnetic Island has plenty of cafes, restaurants, and pubs spread across its bays. In Horseshoe Bay, Early Bird is the best option for breakfast and lunch, while Noodie’s is home to the island’s best Mexican fare. Over the hill in Arcadia, Bikini Tree Cafe offers wood-fired pizzas and is connected to the Arcadia Village Hotel , which has daily food specials. Boardwalk Restaurant & Bar at Peppers Blue on Blue is one of the island’s finest dining options. Then in Picnic Bay, choose between Italian at Mamma Roma, or traditional pub grub at R&R Restaurant.

Do a boat tour

Circumnavigate Magnetic Island on a boat or sailing tour. Aquascene Charters is an award-winning business run by a family who have lived on the island for over 35 years. Their Discovery Tour includes snorkelling, swimming, fishing, and exploring the island’s many secluded bays and beaches. Big Mama Sailing does half and full-day tours of the island, which includes access to their boom net, snorkels, paddleboards, and kayaks. Finally, Pilgrim Sailing offers sunset and lunchtime cruises, where you can relax on their floating inflatable mat.

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Hamilton Island, Whitsundays, Queensland

Guide to Hamilton Island

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White sands, green palms and a coral reef on your doorstep. Hamilton Island just might be paradise.

Hamilton Island is one of Australia’s most desirable holiday destinations. ‘Hamo’ – as it’s affectionately known to locals – is the largest island in the Whitsundays, an archipelago of 74 scenic islands that make up just one part of the Great Barrier Reef. Luxury resorts, scuba diving, beaches and scenic flights – this is a place with remarkable beauty both above and beneath the water.

Domestic airlines offer scheduled flights from many Australian cities to Hamilton Island Airport, a major gateway into the Whitsundays. 

• Hamilton Island Airport (HTI) services domestic and chartered flights
• Hotels and resorts on the island provide complimentary airport transfers
• Ferry services and boat transfers from the mainland to Hamilton Island are available from Port of Airlie and Shute Harbour near Airlie Beach

Hamilton Island is car-free. You can hire a golf buggy to get around, or take advantage of a complimentary Green Shuttle, which runs between resorts and the marina.

Hamilton Island enjoys warm weather year round, with glorious summers and mild, relatively dry winters. Whenever you visit, you'll find the waters of the surrounding Great Barrier Reef are warm and ideal for snorkelling or diving. The island is popular during Australian school holidays , and you can expect crowds during Hamilton Island Race Week in August.

• High season: Australian school holidays (December to January, mid April, early July and late September)
• Low season: Autumn (March to May)
• Don’t miss: Spotting the humpback whales that make their way to the warm waters of the Whitsundays from Antarctica to give birth to their calves from June to September

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Composer Atli Örvarsson Says He Used Musical Instruments That Represented Loneliness For ‘Silo’ Score – Sound & Screen TV

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Composer Atli Örvarsson wrote the music for Silo , the Apple TV+ series about a post-apocalyptic society living within a giant silo so old they don’t even know who built it. For the tale, Örvasson said he thought of musical instruments that could represent loneliness.

“I tried to imagine possibly living in these conditions,” Örvarsson said during a panel conversation at Deadline’s Sound & Screen Television live-music event. “It must be incredibly lonely, incredibly isolating. I go to more traditional solo instruments like piano and solo violin.”

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In addition to loneliness, Örvarsson also thought about the technical logistics of the silo setting.

“The first thing I started working on in the score was just kind of probing the tones,” Örvarsson said. “I imagined there has to be sort of a hum in the silo that’s running on a generator.”

Örvarsson joked that growing up in Iceland was as isolating as living in the silo. He wrote the score in his studio in his home country.

“The only thing was it was the summertime,” he said. “There’s no darkness at all in the summertime in Iceland. Even the night’s bright. All the initial ideas really came from being in my studio in Iceland.”

Örvarsson also began scoring the episodes before visual effects completed the vastness of the interior space. The composer worried he overcompensated.

“When I first saw the first cut there was no CGI,” he said. “So I couldn’t see that huge spiral staircase. I said, ‘Oh my God, there’s no scope to this. I have to make the music really big.’”

He reconsidered once he saw the episode finished, but ultimately feels it still works. “Maybe I didn’t need to go quite that big,” Ǒrvarsson said. “I think it helped stretching it in all directions.”

Apple has renewed Silo for a second season. Örvarsson said the music for it will feature “an evolution of themes we established in Season 1.”

Check back Monday for the panel video.

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