By James Davies in Australia Guides.
Known simply as Maggie to the locals, Magnetic Island is a truly heavenly island just off the coast of Far North Queensland. Famous for its abundance of incredibly cute wildlife, Magnetic Island is blessed with a coastline littered with gorgeous bays and beaches, and spectacular hiking trails.
The perfect place to explore for a day or two, there are plenty of things to do in Magnetic Island to keep you busy. Whether you’re looking to hike the great outdoors, dive in the Great Barrier Reef or simply to unwind and relax, Magnetic Island is the place for you.
Our Magnetic Island itinerary will show you the best things to do on the island, and also offers plenty of tips and practical advice for the perfect trip, including when to go, how to get there, where to stay and the best places to eat.
Magnetic Island Itinerary - Table of Contents
Where is Magnetic Island?
Magnetic Island is just off the coast of eastern Australia. The island is a quick ferry ride away from the small city of Townsville on the north-eastern coast of Queensland. Located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, over 75% of Magnetic Island is designated as a national park.
How to Get to Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island is accessible via ferry from Townsville, where two ferry operators provide services:
• Sealink: Sealink offers 13 passenger-only ferry services a day. The journey takes about 20 minutes from Townsville’s Breakwater Ferry Terminal and tickets cost from AU$21.30 one-way or AU$38 return.
» Full details of Sealink’s ferry service, including timetables can be found here. You can also book passenger ferry tickets in advance here.
• Magnetic Island Ferries: For those traveling with vehicles, Magnetic Island Ferries services depart from their Ross Street Terminal and take around 40 minutes. Prices start at AU$243 for a return trip, which includes a vehicle and up to five passengers.
» Timetables and more information on Magnetic Island Ferries services can be found here.
• Top tip: Ferry crossings have limited capacity and can sell out so book your tickets in advance, especially if you’re taking a car.
How to Get Around Magnetic Island
The easiest way to get around Magnetic Island is with your own vehicle. There are plenty of options if you want to hire a car (or even a moped) on the mainland or on Magnetic Island.
However, there is a decent public transport service on the island that makes it pretty easy to get to all of Magnetic Island’s main sites.
Taking a Car to Maggie Island
If you want to hire a car on the mainland and take it to Magnetic Island then you can.
As our trip to Maggie Island was part of a larger tour of the Queensland coast, we hired a car from Cairns when we arrived in Australia using Discover Cars to find the best prices from a range of local car hire companies.
There are also car hire companies based in Townsville who will allow you to take their vehicles over to Magnetic Island via ferry.
Car Hire on Maggie Island
If you’d prefer not to take a car over to the island, there are also several local car hire companies based on Magnetic Island, mostly based near the ferry terminal in Nelly Bay, including MI Rentals and Isle Hire.
Most of these offer a range of hatchbacks, SUVs, 4 wheel drives as well as colourful topless Jeeps. You can also hire a scooter or a road bike to really zip around the island.
Several resorts on the island also offer car hire services to guests too, such as Arcadia Beach Guest House and Tropical Palms Resort.
Public Transport on Maggie Island
There is one regular public bus service that runs the length of the island between Picnic Bay in the south of the island to Horseshoe Bay in the north.
Buses stop at all of the main points on the island, including Nelly Bay, the ferry terminal, Arcadia and the entrance to the Forts Walk. Buses run from 5:40am until 10:00pm on weekdays and until 11:40pm on weekends.
» The Magnetic Island bus route map can be found here and the full timetable can be found here.
Where to Stay on Magnetic Island
If you’re spending a couple of days on Magnetic Island then there are plenty of great places to stay on the island.
The island’s main hubs of Nelly Bay, Picnic Bay, Arcadia, and Horseshoe Bay have the most accommodation options, including B&Bs, private apartments, holiday rentals, and family-friendly resorts.
» If you need some ideas on where to stay in Magnetic Island, here a few places that we recommend:
• True North Bed & Breakfast – A 10 minute walk from the beach in Horseshoe Bay, the large, comfortable rooms at True North Bed & Breakfast come with their own private balcony. There’s also an outdoor pool and a communal kitchen which guests are free to use.
• Island Leisure Resort – Island Leisure Resort offers a range of spacious rooms with outdoor spaces and only a couple of minutes walk from the rock wallabies that live near the Nelly Bay Foreshore.
• Absolute Waterfront Magnetic Island – With glorious sea views overlooking Nelly Bay, Absolute Waterfront Magnetic Island comprises a host of beautifully designed modern studios with private balconies.
The Best Things to Do on Magnetic Island
From koala-spotting to the best places to dive, here’s everything you need for the perfect Magnetic Island itinerary.
Spot Koalas Along the Forts Walk
One of the most unforgettable things to do on Maggie is to see the island’s resident koala bears in their natural habitat. The best place to see koalas on Magnetic Island is in the trees along the Forts Walk hiking trail on the eastern side of the island.
The Forts Walk is a four-kilometre round trip and is one of the island’s most scenic trails, winding through eucalyptus forests with spectacular sea views – as well as plenty of koalas.
The Forts Walk trail leads to several observation posts and the remains of an army camp that were built here to protect the eastern coast of Australia from attack during World War Two.
The trail takes around two hours to complete and the hike is moderate in difficulty with uneven sections and steep steps that lead to the former army lookouts.
Beside the wonderful views, the main reason to hike the Forts Walk trail is the chance to see some of Magnetic Island’s adorable koalas.
Koalas spotted on the Forts Walk trail
Around 20 koalas were brought to Magnetic Island in the 1930s. They were introduced to help preserve the species, whose numbers had been decimated on the mainland after years of being hunted for their fur.
Today there are believed to be around 800 koalas thriving on Magnetic Island. They live a pretty decent life too, sleeping around 20 hours a day and feasting on the island’s bountiful supply of eucalyptus leaves.
There are usually several koalas waiting to be spotted dozing in the trees along the Forts Walk trail. They can commonly be found near the approach to the former army camp area around a 20 minute walk from the start of the trail.
At the end of the Forts Trail are what remains of the military sites that were constructed along the path in 1943 as a defence against potential enemy naval attacks during World War Two.
There are fabulous views across the island and out towards sea from the surviving command posts and observation points perched at the top of the trail.
Hit Magnetic Island’s Hiking Trails
While the Forts Walk might be the most well-known and well-trodden hike on Magnetic Island, there are plenty of other trails to explore on the island.
Magnetic Island’s hiking trails either lead to pristine beaches and breathtaking bays or through the beautiful scenery of the island’s forested hills.
Once you’ve seen the views and from the old army lookout on the Forts Walk you can continue along the trail that leads to Florence Bay. The nearby Searchlight Tower Track leads to a lookout with stunning views of both Florence Bay and Arthur Bay.
Alternatively you can also hike north along the trail that leads to Horseshoe Bay via Radical Bay and Balding Bay, two of the most picturesque spots on the island.
Inland, the Gubul walking track is a challenging but rewarding hike that leads through spectacular ancient rainforest before reaching several stunning viewpoints, particularly of Horseshoe Bay.
The Gubul trail begins in the north of Nelly Bay and can be taken to reach either Forts Junction or back around to Arcadia via fabulous views from the Sphinx Lookout or the Alma Bay Lookout.
For a much easier hike, follow the trail that leads to Hawkins Point for sensational views across Picnic Bay. The trail is around a 30 minute walk from the end of Picnic Street.
Serious hikers will want to tackle the 10 kilometre trail from Picnic Bay to West Point. This trail passes alongside a variety of terrains along the coastline, including swamps, mangroves, and wetlands before reaching West Point beach.
You can find more information about the various hiking trails on Magnetic Island here.
Soak Up Some Sun on Maggie’s Best Beaches
If you’re looking to soak up some sun whilst on Magnetic Island there are several beautiful beaches where you can kick back and relax.
The best beach for swimming on Magnetic Island is at Alma Bay, which is patrolled by lifeguards all year round.
The soft white sands of Nelly Bay beach are the perfect spot for a spot of sunbathing, plus there are benches as well as a small play park for young children at the Nelly Bay Foreshore just next to The Esplanade.
Similarly, on the north side of the island, the long stretch of beach at Horseshoe Bay is also a wonderful place to while away a few blissful hours.
One of the best places to watch the sunset on Maggie Island, Horseshoe Bay’s beach runs parallel to lively Pacific Drive, which has a great selection of shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as bars with excellent views of the sea. There are also facilities such as benches, bathrooms and showers nearby too.
Back on the south of the island, Picnic Bay’s beach and picturesque pier is another beautiful place to relax, as well as a great spot for fishing. If you get peckish then there’s a good selection of cafes and bars nearby on the Esplanade that overlooks the beach.
While you’re in Picnic Bay, see if you can spot Yallambee, the local resident koala regularly seen sleeping in the trees in one of the front gardens on nearby Barbarra Street.
Many of the island’s best beaches can only be reached via hiking trails.
If you’re looking for some of the most secluded sun spots on Magnetic Island, get your hiking boots on and follow the trails that lead to the stunning beaches at Arthur Bay and Florence Bay on the east coast of the island.
A little further around the coastline is the beautiful Radical Bay, another of Magnetic Island’s spectacular and isolated beaches. Radical Bay’s beach can only be reached by a short but steep hike from Horseshoe Bay.
Meet Magnetic Island’s Rock Wallabies
Koalas aren’t the only adorable marsupial that call Magnetic Island home. The island is also famous for the many rock wallabies that live along parts of the shoreline.
As their name suggests, these incredibly cute wallabies live among the shade provided by the rugged rocks that line parts of Magnetic Island’s coast.
Largely nocturnal, the island’s rock wallabies are most active in the early morning, just after sunrise, or from the late afternoon onwards, when the heat begins to die down.
Many of the rock wallabies are naturally timid, though plenty of others are much less afraid of humans, especially those bringing food. Feeding the rock wallabies is not encouraged though it is tolerated as long as they are given the right types of food.
If you want to feed the rock wallabies you should only give them foods such as carrots, apples and sweet potatoes. Other foods, such as bread and vegetables like cabbage and broccoli, are harmful for rock wallabies to eat.
The most popular spot to see rock wallabies on Magnetic Island is the rocky cliffside at the end of Armand Way in Geoffrey Bay. However, the best place to see rock wallabies on Magnetic Island is in the parkland next to Magnetic Island Heli-Pad at the end of Kelly Street.
You can often find a few rock wallabies here during the day, but dozens come out from around 5:00pm onwards looking for an easy feed from friendly tourists.
Dive or Snorkel in Magnetic Island’s Beautiful Waters
Surrounded by jaw-dropping crystal clear waters that’s home to a diverse range of magnificent sea life and beautiful coral reefs, Magnetic Island is a great place to dive and snorkel.
There are several dive companies based on Maggie that each offer a range of services, including diving lessons, equipment hire and guided dives to the sites along the Great Barrier Reef. Tour companies also typically provide snorkelling and diving equipment as part of the trip.
Many of Magnetic Island’s bays are the perfect place to snorkel, so you can set off straight from the beach.
The beaches at Alma Bay, Florence Bay and Arthur Bay are all ideal snorkelling locations, where you can get up close to the colourful marine life and explore nearby coral reefs.
The wreck of the Moltke, a German sailing ship that was scuttled in Geoffrey Bay, is one of Magnetic Island’s most popular snorkelling and diving spots.
There are two self-guided snorkelling trails in the waters of Magnetic Island, the Geoffrey Bay Snorkel Trail and the Nelly Bay Snorkel Trail. Both trails are marked by surface and subsurface floats.
» You can book a snorkelling tour around Magnetic Island here.
You’ll also find local companies that offer snorkelling and diving trips further out to sea, including to the Great Barrier Reef.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site – and often listed as one of the seven wonders of the world – diving amongst the marine life and colorful coral of the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Magnetic Island.
» You can book a dive trip in the Great Barrier Reef in advance here.
For experienced divers, Magnetic Island is also a great place to explore the wreck of the S.S. Yongala. One of the world’s most famous dive sites, the S.S. Yongala sank off the Queensland coast during a cyclone in 1911.
The shipwreck is now located around 80 kilometres to the east of Magnetic Island and has become famous for the variety of marine life it harbours, including turtles, rays and sharks.
» You can book a dive trip to the S.S Yolanga here.
Take a Cruise Around Maggie’s Tropical Waters
One of the best ways to explore more of Magnetic Island’s breathtaking natural beauty is on a cruise.
There are several cruise operators based on the island who offer tours to some of the more secluded bays and beaches, such as the remote Five Beach Bay area along the north coast of the island.
Cruises around the island offer the chance to relax and soak up Maggie’s gorgeous scenery, typically combined with several other activities, including snorkelling, swimming, or a spot of fishing.
You can also take a sunset cruise to admire the spectacular scene as the sun slowly dips beyond the horizon in the late afternoon.
Between July and September there are whale watching cruises from Magnetic Island. Thousands of giant humpback whales migrate to Queensland’s warm tropical waters just off Magnetic Island at this time of year to breed and give birth.
As well as cruises, you can also explore the waters of Magnetic Island by kayak and jet ski.
Kayaks can be hired from several of the tour companies based on the island and offer a great way to get to some of the more remote parts of the island. One such beach is the beautiful White Lady Bay, which can be reached by kayaking from Horseshoe Bay.
A more adventurous way to explore the waters is by jet ski. Jet skis can be hired from several local operators, many of whom run jet-ski tours to some of the most cut off parts of the island via the sea.
Enjoy a Spot of Fishing
Coastal Queensland is a paradise for fishing and Magnetic Island is no exception.
There’s plenty to catch in Maggie’s waters too, including mackerel, coral trout, queenfish, bream, trevally, barramundi, and much more. There are several fishing stores on the island where you can pick up bait and tackle.
There are many good fishing areas where you can throw a line on Magnetic Island. One of the best spots is the Picnic Bay jetty, while the boat ramps at Nelly Bay and Horseshoe Bay are also popular fishing locations, as is West Point beach .
If you’d prefer to fish a little further away from the shore then there are several companies that run fishing trips out at sea.
Fishing tours are led by experienced local fisherman who know the best offshore fishing spots to guarantee a good catch. Magnetic Island Fishing Charters are one of the popular companies for fishing trips on the island.
Note that fishing is prohibited in a few areas around Magnetic Island in order to protect the local ecosystem. These include Geoffrey Bay, Alma Bay, Florence Bay, and Radical Bay, as well as other areas.
For confirmation on where you can and can’t fish on Magnetic Island, ask at any of the island’s bait and tackle shops.
See the Abandoned SS City of Adelaide Ship at Cockle Bay
The SS City of Adelaide is one of Magnetic Island’s most unusual landmarks. Wedged into the shoreline off Cockle Bay, the 77-metre passenger ship was constructed in 1864.
The ship was eventually bought by a local businessman in 1915 who planned to turn it into tourist accommodation.
However, as the ship was being transpired to Magnetic Island a year later, it ran aground and sank in Cockle Bay, where it has remained to this day.
The wreck of the SS City of Adelaide can still be seen at high tide, poking out of the water covered in mangrove trees. For a closer encounter at high tide you can book a sunset cruise that takes you right up to the wreck.
At low tide it is possible to walk up to the SS City of Adelaide. The lonely frame of the ruined boat makes quite a dramatic scene on the edge of Cockle Bay’s mangroves.
The Best Places to Eat on Magnetic Island
As well as being blessed with beautiful scenery and cute marsupials, Magnetic Island is also a great place to eat.
Here are some of our favourite places to eat on Magnetic Island:
• SOS – Stuffed on Seafood: Seafood is a speciality of Magnetic Island. Located a stone’s throw from Nelly Bay’s ferry terminal, Stuffed on Seafood has an extensive menu of dishes made from fresh local fish, including spanish mackerel, coral trout and crayfish.
• Fruits N Scoops Pancake House: Located next door to Stuffed on Seafood, Fruits N Scoops Pancake House is a great place for a filling breakfast or brunch. Sweet treats include pancakes, and a great range of waffles and crepes.
• Nelly Bay Cafe: A great spot for a relaxing breakfast, Nelly Bay Cafe’s friendly staff serve up a range of Aussie classics, including excellent coffee, delicious pastries and a great selection of pies.
• Lava Lava: Another great spot for brunch or cake and a coffee, Lava Lava is a great Aussie cafe located on the Esplanade facing Picnic Bay beach. We can recommend the excellent eggs benny.
• Barefoot Art Food Wine: There’s no lack of great places to eat in Horseshoe Bay, but Barefoot Art Food Wine is our pick of the bunch thanks to its beautifully prepared dishes, great service, lovely atmosphere and fabulous views of the bay.
Things to Know Before Visiting Magnetic Island
Don’t Harm the Local Wildlife
While the koalas and rock wallabies are a major draw for many visitors to Magnetic Island, it is important to remember not to harm the local wildlife.
While it isn’t encouraged, it is safe to feed rock wallabies a few very specific foods. However, do not give them food that is bad for their diet.
Also, Magnetic Island’s koalas should only be admired from afar. Do not touch or feed any of the koalas and remember to keep your distance.
Winter is Stinger Season
As beautiful as it may be, the coastline around Far North Queensland is not always friendly. November to May each year is stinger season.
If you plan to snorkel, dive or swim in Magnetic Island during stinger season it is highly advised to wear a full-body stinger suit. These can be bought or hired from stores located on the island.
If you’re looking for a safe place to swim during stinger season, the beaches at Picnic Bay and Horseshoe Bay have stinger nets in place.
Be Croc Wise
Far North Queensland is known as Croc Country for a good reason. Saltwater crocodiles live along the coastline in much of this part of Australia.
It’s rare that crocs are seen on Magnetic Island, but it’s not unheard of, so it is something to keep in mind, especially if you venture near the island’s creeks.
Magnetic Island FAQs
When is the Best Time to Visit Magnetic Island?
Between June and October is probably the best time to visit Magnetic Island as this offers ideal weather, minimal rain, and no stingers. Unsurprisingly this is also peak tourist season on Maggie.
If you’re looking to visit Magnetic Island at a different time of year you’ll be glad to know that the island sees over 300 days of sunshine a year and has a pretty stable climate all year round.
Temperatures rarely dip below 25°C/77°F in winter (from June to August) and top out around 32°C/90°F in summer (December to February).
During summer and early autumn is Queensland’s wet season, which runs from December to April.
The island sees the most rain in January and February, including the occasional tropical storm, though you can still expect plenty of sunshine.
January and February are also the most humid months of the year yet they’re also the least crowded time to visit Magnetic Island.
Another thing to consider is stinger season, which is from November until May each year. At this time of year the waters around Magnetic Island are populated by large numbers of jellyfish. This might not be the best time to visit Magnetic Island if you’re looking to do a lot of swimming, snorkelling or diving.
How Many Days Do You Need on Magnetic Island?
While you can visit Magnetic Island on a very enjoyable day trip, we’d recommend staying for at least two days.
There are plenty of things to do on Magnetic Island and places to explore that easily justify an overnight stay. You could stay even longer if you really want to kick back and relax.
Is a Car Necessary on Magnetic Island?
Having a car obviously makes getting around Magnetic Island a lot easier but it is not absolutely essential. You can still have a great time on the island by relying on a combination of public transport and walking.
However, if you are relying on public transport then you may need to plan your itinerary around the bus timetables if you do want to move around the island.
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I’m James, the founder, editor, writer and photographer at Where You’re Between. Currently based in Japan, I started Where You’re Between in 2017 to create detailed itineraries and in-depth travel guides for the places that I’m fortunate enough to visit. You can see all of our destinations here.
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