Cristal clear water, large granite boulders, picturesque landscape, stunning palm lined beaches and fringing coral reefs are just some of the many unforgettable things you will experience in Magnetic Island.
Situated within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Magnetic Island is the perfect holiday destination if you are planning to visit North Queensland, Australia. This ultimate guide to Magnetic Island will give you all the information you need when planning to visit this pristine island, just a short boat ride away from Townsville.
This guide has all the information and advice you need to know before arriving at Magnetic Island, how to get here, how to go around the island, the best things to do at Magnetic Island, where to stay and how long you should spend here to see all the beauty of this paradise island.
Getting over to Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island is an island 8 kilometres offshore of Cleveland Bay from the city of Townsville, Queensland. The Magnetic Island ferry takes just 25 minutes (for passengers only) or 45 minutes if you wish to take your car. To reach the island you have two ferries available to you:
- SeaLink is the passenger ferry that only takes people on foot and bicycles, and it’s the fastest and most convenient option. Ferries are every 30-45 minutes from either Townsville or Magnetic Island and the one adult return ticket will cost you 38$ if booked online.
- Magnetic Island Ferries is a vehicle ferry that takes anything from trucks to cars to scooters. This company has ferries every 2 hours and the price depends on the length of your car, if you have a trailer and also changes during high and low season. On their website, you will find all the information to book.
How to get around Magnetic Island?
Magnetic Island is a 52 sq. km mountainous island with just over 2,000 permanent residents. While the island isn’t huge you want to have the freedom to see as much as you like when you are here.
There are three options to get around Magnetic Island: bring your vehicle with the ferry, rent a car, scooter or e-bike, or use public transport. In my personal experience, as I stayed on Magnetic Island twice while I lived in North Queensland, the public transport works well but they won’t allow you to reach all the spots on the island and you are restricted by their time schedule; while the second time I rented a car on the island and it gave me more freedom, so I could visit places I couldn’t see the first time.
If you decide to take your vehicle – as you want to spend on Magnetic Island more than 3-4 days – this is a good option for you, tho the ferry can appear expensive the price covers the car and up to 5 people. You only need a 4WD if you plan on venturing to West Point. The majority of the roads are sealed roads.
Renting a car on the island is a good option too, especially if you are two people or more. Open Top cars are the most peculiar option, you will see how many people drive them on the island.
There are purple Beam scooters available but they don’t allow you to wander around the whole island. Another renting option – which I was very keen to try when I was there but they were sold out – is the e-bike: completely zero-emissions, has a 120km range, goes up to 50km/h and only costs $55 for the entire day.
The last way to get around Magnetic Island is by public transport, make sure you have cash to pay for the ticket as they don’t take cards and remember this important detail: there is no ATM at the Nelly Bay Terminal, the nearest one is at Queensland Country Bank near Vinnies Magnetic Island which is about 700m away.
Are you planning a road trip in North Queensland? One of the best itineraries I have ever driven in this area is Airlie Beach to Cape Tribulation. This is my outstanding itinerary of 15 days, including Magnetic Island.
What to do in Magnetic Island?
From hiking, spotting wildlife, snorkelling and discovering bays and beaches, in Magnetic Island you have thousands of experiences that will let you fall in love with this paradisiac island.
Here I will tell you what are the main attractions of Magnetic Island and where on the island are these situated, as it will be easier for you to choose your accommodation once you have a clearer idea of where your favourite “things to do” are on this island.
Snorkelling in Magnetic Island
The fringing reefs of Magnetic Island, provide an extraordinary chance to experience the splendour and richness of the Great Barrier Reef is an ideal destination for an immersive underwater getaway, both for underwater enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Geoeffry Bay & Nelly Bay host the two snorkel Trails of the island, these trails start a few hundred meters from each shore, and the yellow surface floats (SF) outline the trail and offer flotation for snorkelers to rest. Corals, reef fishes, 30-year-old clams, Moltke wrecks and WWII aeroplane propellers and engine blocks are some of the main things to spot during these trails. There is a 5$ fee to pay to do the trails, this donation helps with the maintenance of them.
Most of the areas where you can snorkel are situated on the East side of Magnetic Island: Florence Bay, Arthur Bay, Alma Bay, Picnic Bay and in the north is 5 Beach Bay (accessible by boat only).
Do wear stinger suits between November to April as stingers (marine jellyfish) are around.
Do not stand on the coral and avoid very low or high tides during new or full moon phases.
Hiking trail on Magnetic Island
Hikes and walking trucks are a must-do if you are Visiting Magnetic Island. Luckily most of the hiking trails around the island end up on the beach or a bay, this way you will enjoy the walk from the beginning till the end. To be honest a big part of hiking is the reward you will get at the end, my favourite are when there will be a swimming hole or any source of water to recharge my body and my soul.
Here are the main trails on Magnetic Island:
- The Forts Walk | 2km (Allow 2 hours return) The forts walk is the island’s most popular walking experience, showcasing many highlights of Magnetic Island National Park—koalas, stunning views and World War II relics.
- Horseshoe Bay foreshore to the Forth Junction | 5.4km (2 hours) the track climbs up and along a ridge. This walk departs either on the Forth Junction or at Horseshoe Bay. This truck will lead you to a few bays such as Balding Bay, Radical Bay, Gowrie Bay, Florence Bay and Arthur Bay.
- Nelly Bay to Arcadia | 6.3km (2 hours) This track starts at the end of Mandalay Avenue passes through a cool patch of rainforest and continues along the ridge through an open eucalypt forest. A little further on the track divides, take the short walk to Shfinx lookout over Alma Bay.
- Arcadia to Nelly Bay | 1km (20 minutes) This elevated walkway provides a safe and wonderfully scenic link between two of the Island’s busiest bays. There are several lookouts to pause and enjoy the fabulous views over Geoffrey Bay.
- Nelly Bay to Picnic Bay | 3.5km (30 minutes) Start walking from the ferry terminal and walk through the heart of Nelly Bay, then along the foreshore, past the old helipad, then up a steep hill with magnificent views of Cleveland Bay, Rocky Bay, Picnic Bay.
- Hawkings Point | 1.2km (30 minutes) The track begins at the end of Picnic Street in Picnic Bay and winds its way up to the top of a huge granite boulder. Enjoy the 360° view of Townsville, Mt Cook (the highest peak on the Island) and some of the bays around this area.
- Picnic Bay to West Point | 8km (2.5 hours one way) This area is very different to the rest of the Island. The track passes alongside tidal wetlands, mangroves and saltwater swamps, over four freshwater creeks (after rain) and through savannah grasslands and paperbark trees.
Avoid walking in the hottest hours, carry with you enough water and some snacks, watch out for wildlife (snakes) and don’t leave any garbage behind.
The best beach and bays of Magnetic Island
To visit Magnetic Island means also enjoying the turquoise water, and the white sand beach and relaxing while listening to the sound of nature.
With 23 bays and beaches to choose from you will want to spend here the longer you can just to explore them all. Magnetic Island has some of the best beaches in Australia, so make sure to see a few of them if you are going to be on this tropical island only for a few days.
Here are some of my favourite beaches on Magnetic Island
- Alma Bay is probably the most popular swimming spot on the island. Situated in Arcadia, you will be surrounded by granite boulders, white soft sand and usually calm water.
- Rocky Bay is a nude beach and as hard to get here you will be rewarded by the beauty. Famous for boulder climbing.
- Arthur Bay is located on the northeast corner of Magnetic Island. Because you have to hike into it, this beach has less traffic than the others. The best place to snorkel on the island.
- Radical Bay and Boulding Bay are only accessible by foot (one next to the other) but if you are on the hike path you will want to stop here for a dip or a picnic.
- West Point offers the best sunset on Magnetic Island. I don’t recommend to swim in this area because there are crocodiles in the area
Other famous beaches are Nelly Bay, Goeffry Bay, Horseshoes Bay and Florence Bay
If you are lucky enough to visit Magnetic Isaldn by boat make sure you go to these bays: the Five beach Bay on the north of the island, Young and Bolder Bay on the west of the island and Gowrie Bay on the east side. These are only accessible by boat.
Wildlife on Magnetic Island
Last but not least, visiting Magnetic Island you will have the opportunity to spot native wildlife from close and have wonderful experiences with nature.
During your walks look out for koalas, often you can spot them over the trees, napping or (rarely) awake during their meal. If you are lucky enough you might see the mother with the baby koala. Please don’t get closer to these animals. Respect their spaces and observe them from afar.
Allied Rock wallabies move quickly and surely around their rocky habitat, you can spot them early morning or late afternoon. Old Arcadia Barge Jetty, Geoffrey Bay host a big colony, go there for the sunset and bring some carrots to feed the cute wallabies.
Magnetic Island is home to over 186 types of birds including Blue-winged Kookaburras, Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Brahminy Kites and Magnetic Island’s iconic Bush-stone Curlew.
Where to stay on Magnetic Island
Accommodation in Magnetic Island is plenty, from very low budget to luxury you can choose based on the location you want to stay. Most of them are in Arcadia, Horseshoes Bay and Nelly Bay areas.
Budget backpackers are Nomads Magnetic Island Hostel for dormitory and if you prefer camping opt for Bungalow Bay Koala Village.
Mid-range accommodation is definitely Peppers Blue on Blue Resort, close to Nelly Bay offers everything you need, or want!
If you are looking for high-budget accommodation on Magnetic Island consider Dacha On Maggie, has two properties to choose from both feature opulent bathrooms, kitchens, mountain views, and a swimming pool to enjoy wine and watch the sun dip behind the distant mainland.
How long should I stay on Magnetic Island?
Well, if you stay one day you want to stay more, if you stay a week you don’t want to leave again.
Magnetic Island is such a good place to stay, with good weather during the year and clear water, is the place that if you are looking to relax fully is for sure where you want to go.
Of course, you can see some parts of the island with a one-day tour around the main beach or doing one of the many hiking trails but if you have more time think about staying on Magnetic Island for at least 4 days up to a week (or more). And trust me when I say it really worth spending one week!
I hope you will enjoy your stay in Magnetic Island and make the most of this adventure. If you want more tips leave a comment, I will be happy to help you, and other readers’ experiences might inspire you too.
