If you’re after resorts, glitter and glam, Magnetic Island will disappoint. On the flip-side, if you’re after wildlife, adventurous hikes, snorkelling and a place to zip around in open top cars in a laid-back fashion, this is the place for you!

Allow yourself at least four days if you’re after the full experience, or even longer if you have the time. It is a relatively small island, but there is so much to do. So what does “Maggie” have to offer?

Where and How to Get There

Magnetic Island – or Yenbenun to the Indigenous – is roughly 8km off the coast of Townsville, North Queensland.

We used Magnetic Island Ferries for our return trip. You can check their website for pricing and further details. Standard car prices begin at $216 return.

Check out our other article on the SS City of Adelaide Shipwreck which resides off the coast of Magnetic Island.

SS City of Adelaide Magnetic Island

What to Expect

Snorkelling, hiking, hire cars, backpackers, swimming, coral, marine life, public transport, cafes, bars, toad races, rock wallabies, unforgettable sunsets, lookouts, koalas, water activities, gear hire.

Where to Stay

As a start, you could have a look at the website Best of Magnetic. They have an extensive range from Budget to Luxury accommodation – something for everyone’s budget and style.

As for recommendations, we enjoyed our four day stay at Serenity on Magnetic. It is a very short walk to Picnic Bay, the jetty (snorkelling and fishing) the pub and also a few little shops. We enjoyed being away from the main hub of the marina.

Although we didn’t stay there, we have heard good things about Base Backpackers at the southern end of Nelly Bay. You can also check out The Beach House at Arthur Bay if you’re looking for something more secluded.

SeaLinkBoat
SeaLinkQLD

Magnetic Island - What to Do

Prepare yourself for a epic time on Magnetic Island! Following is a list of different activities, ranging from hiking to snorkelling, sunset spots and quirky cafes.

Hiking, Walking and Lookouts

  • Take a walk down Picnic Bay Jetty (easy)

An iconic photo moment along the jetty. View patches of coral and plenty of fish enjoying the safety of the pier poles. Expect people fishing at night and beautiful blue lights that illuminate the water.

  • Hike The Forts track to see koalas and old WWII fortifications (moderate 3.5kms)

An awesome and popular hike that takes you to the Artillery Command Post and Range Finder Tower. Along the way, take short side trips to see the old living quarters of the soldiers stationed here. Keep and eye out in the trees along the way for koalas!

The Forts Magnetic Island
  • Hike the Horseshoe Bay > Balding Bay > Radical Bay > Florence Bay > Searchlight Tower > Arthur Bay tracks (difficult 12km one way)

Departing from the eastern end of Horseshoe Bay, take the rough trail and old road that eventually leads to the car park of The Forts hike. There is a bus stop here.

  • Hike (or ride/drive) to West Point (moderate 18km return)

Take the gravel road to West Point (enjoyable on the dirt bikes), with some wine and cheese, and watch the sunset at West Point. This route is very flat the whole way.

  • Hike the Arcadia Loop (moderate 9.1km loop)

From Mandalay Avenue in Nelly Bay, take the track that gradually climbs the saddle between Nelly and Horseshoe Bays. At the end of this loop you will need to walk down the road to return to beginning.

Magnetic Island West Point Sunset
Magnetic Island West Point Sunset
  • Hike to Mount Cook – the highest peak on Magnetic Island (5-10 hours return, difficult)

This is for the experienced bushwalker as there is no current official track. You can follow the easiest option of Duck Creek (on West Point Road) or alternatively follow Rockslides Creek which can be accessed just off Mandalay Avenue. I’ve also heard someone say that you can get there via Endeavour Creek from Apjohn Street – though expect a full days’ hike! Up the top you’ll find a helipad, beacon tower and also Memorial Plaque for two lost kayakers.

  • Mount Paluma (difficult)

Accessed via the Old Paluma Track which branches off the northern section of the Arcadia Loop track. There is a rock cairn on the summit here.

  • Hawkings Point Lookout (easy 1km return from Picnic St, Picnic Bay)

Take a scramble to Rocky Bay as well – for the adventurous! Enjoy views over toward Picnic, Nelly, and Geoffrey Bays and back toward Townsville. Save this one for a sunset or sunrise.

  • Rocky Bay Lookout (easy)

From Nelly Bay Road, there will be a small car park just past X Base Backpackers.

Magnetic Island, Balding and Radical Bay
Magnetic Island, Balding and Radical Bay
  • Sails Rock Lookout (easy)

At the end of Yule Street, continue along the trail to Picnic Bay Water Reservoir Road (you’ll be met with a gate and a path around it). Walk up the sealed road to the large water tank. Finally turn left along a dirt track to Sails Rock Lookout. Enjoy the magnificent views of the SS City of Adelaide shipwreck.

  • Sphinx Lookout and Arcadia Lookout (easy)

These will be small side trips from the Arcadia Loop track.

  • Olympus Lookout (easy)

Just 50m off Olympus Crescent near Alma Bay.

  • Arthur Bay Lookout (easy)

This is located on the northern end of Arthur Bay off Radical Bay Road, and is one of the most popular places for Magnetic Island photo shoots!

Magnetic Island, Searchlight Tower
Magnetic Island, Searchlight Tower
  • Searchlight Tower Lookout (moderate)

Again off Radical Bay Road, in between Arthur Bay and Florence Bay, you’ll find this 1km return track. Take the ladder up to the tower and soak in the views.

  • Horseshoe Bay Lagoon (easy)

Horseshoe Bay Lagoon is a popular area for bird watching. The short track begins on Horseshoe Bay Road about 200m from the beach.

  • Butterfly Walk (easy)

Starting close to the Bungalow Bay Koala Park (look for the butterfly drawing etched into the side of one of the gumtrees), walk this 200m track that is filled with thousands of blue monarch butterflies. If you can time your visit – try during the butterfly breeding season (June-July).

Extra: for those with bushwalking experience and navigational skills – try making your way from Horseshoe Bay (heading west) to West Point. Allow the day, take plenty of water – and organise transport from West Point.

Magnetic Island, Searchlight Tower
Magnetic Island, Searchlight Tower

Snorkelling, Diving and Swimming

You’ll find plenty of places on Magnetic Island to keep you busy!

Some of the best places to explore while snorkeling and diving on Magnetic Island are found at Nelly, Geoffrey, Alma, Arthur and Florence Bays.

The Island has two marked snorkel trails, one in Nelly Bay and another in Geoffrey Bay. Snorkel Trail maps can be purchased at various locations around Magnetic Island for a $5 donation to the upkeep and maintenance of the trails and other reef areas on Magnetic Island.

*If you prefer to do a tour – Aquascene comes highly recommended!

Also check out Magnetic Adventure Hire if you don’t have your own gear 🙂

Magnetic Island Snorkel Map - Magnetic Adventure Hire
Magnetic Island Snorkel Map - Magnetic Adventure Hire

Do: wear stinger suits between November to April as stingers (marine jellyfish) are around.

Do not: stand on coral or hold onto the sub-surface numbered floats. Water clarity is poorer during and after south-east winds and avoid very low or high tides during new or full moon phases.

Arthur Bay

I put Arthur Bay first for snorkelling – due to the ease and safety. Some other areas on Magnetic Island require a higher level of swimming ability and less protection from the wind and currents.

You can walk to Arthur Bay from The Forts walking track car park and bus stop, or take the steep and pot-hole littered road to the gravel car park of Arthur Bay (bike, motorbike or 4×4 recommended).

Our favourite part of Arthur Bay was the immense amount of colourful coral. Sticking towards the northern half of the bay, we spotted a lot of coral and marine life only a short swim off the beach. We couldn’t believe how vibrant some of the colours were!

Nelly Bay

Nelly-Bay-Trails
SeaLinkQLD

In front of the XBase Backpackers, you’ll spot yellow buoys (which also serve as a place to rest) which mark the snorkel trail for Nelly Bay – roughly 100m off shore. Though this is a preferred spot for beginners, it may worry some with less confidence as it isn’t protected like the smaller bays up north.

This trail includes 8 Giant Clams!

From Queensland.com:

When you get to Nelly Bay, wrap the swim card on your wrist, walk straight off the beach and follow the numbered yellow surface floats that outline the trail (and also offer a good spot to take a rest). On a calm day you will see an amazing array of fish species, and the giant clams that can get up to a metre long planted by scientist Dr. Rick Braley who runs Aquasearch on Magnetic Island.”

Florence Bay Aquascene Barrier Reef Australia
Florence Bay Aquascene Barrier Reef Australia

Florence Bay

Florence Bay is rated as one of the best places to snorkel on Magnetic Island. Here you’ll have the opportunity to see so many species of fish and marine life. From angelfish to reefsharks and all forms of colourful coral – there’s something to impress anyone.

At low tide you may find it a bit challenging to avoid the coral in some spots – so plan your route carefully. At the same time, this will allow you to get up close and personal with it.

Florence Bay has swim throughs, bombies, caves and lots of coral cover. With depths ranging from 3- 15 meters it can be one of the deepest sites on the island with the best time to dive being early in the morning or in the afternoon.

Geoffrey Bay

Geoffrey-Bay-Trail
SeaLinkQLD

Geoffrey Bay commands respect from snorkellers and divers. It may take a bit more effort to access and navigate, but the rewards are truly worth it.

There is an abundance of marine life here and a chance to spot green sea turtles.

Snorkelling Geoffrey Bay gives you the opportunity if swimming over to the WWII Propellor and also the Moltke Shipwreck which is a bit further out than Marker 4. You’ll also see up to SIX of the Giant Clams in this area too!

Alma Bay

Alma Bay is a great spot – and very safe. It is generally patrolled and is protected from many of the strong winds of North and West. Although it won’t be teeming with marine life and coral – you will see a bit on the Eastern side (left).

Picnic Bay Jetty Magnetic Island
Picnic Bay Jetty Magnetic Island

Picnic Bay

Perhaps one of the underrated areas of Magnetic Island is Picnic Bay. Snorkelling under the jetty wont dissappoint – here you’ll spot all types of fish – even reef sharks occasionally. 

For those who are strong swimmers and experienced snorkellers, head out 50m or so from the end of the jetty into deeper water and you’ll find abundant reef systems and crayfish.

Orchard Rocks

Orchard Rocks are located about 200m off the Magnetic Island shoreline in between Radical and Gowrie Bays. This site is fairly exposed in a typical south easterly breeze, but it is one of the few Magnetic Island locations where you can dive deeper than 10 meters. Depth at the base of the rocks varies from around 13m on the inside to 15m on the outside.

*BONUS*

Although not on Magnetic Island – the SS Yongola dive site isn’t too far away. This is for experienced scuba divers only. Contact Yongola Dive for more information.

AND

Dive at the Underwater Museum of Art! The newly opened Museum of Underwater Art is an experience like no other. Expect to be immersed in the Great Barrier Reef with incredible art work by the world’s leading underwater sculptor, Jason deCaries Taylor.

Activities and Sight-Seeing

For the sake of not turning this post into a book haha, I’ll list these TEN activities for you 🙂

  1. Visit the SS City of Adelaide Shipwreck. This can actually be accessed by foot at low tide. A colony of cockatoos call it home. Best viewed from Cockle Bay (around the corner from Picnic Bay).
  2. Hire an open top car or dirt bike. This is a popular way for tourists to get around – especially if you don’t want to bring your car over. A dirt bike or 4WD will give you access to more places.
  3. Photograph the rock wallabies at Bremner Point (northern tip at Geoffrey Bay).
  4. Join the Aquascene Discovery Tour. Explore by boat and enjoy some fantastic snorkel spots.
  5. Horseshoe Bay Markets. Support the locals and buy some homemade trinkets.
  6. Helicopter and Sailing Tour. For those looking for a luxurious experience and a view from above.
  7. Fish off Picnic Bay Jetty. A night time fish at the end of the jetty provides a peaceful experience.
  8. Cane Toad Racing at the Arcadia Hotel. The Arcadia Hotel is home to the famous cane toad racing which takes place on Wednesday nights at 8pm.
  9. See Koalas at Bungalow Bay Koala Village. In case you missed them on The Fort Walk.
  10. Enjoy ABBA themes at the Stage Door Restaurant. Watch a show along with a three-course meal.
SS City of Adelaide Magnetic Island
SS City of Adelaide Magnetic Island

Where to Get a Good Feed!

Perhaps the most important information? If you’re anything like us, no adventure is complete without trying some of the best local cuisine! Here is a list of our TOP FIVE:

  1. Scallywags Cafe. Quirky and unique, this place is a must-do even just for the experience of the pirate theme. Good for a filling burger! (Nelly Bay)
  2. The Reef Bar Cafe. Perhaps the top rated cafe on Maggie. Locals frequent this for the good coffee and friendly service. (Picnic Bay)
  3. Mamma Roma’s Italian. For a nicer sit down meal, this is a go-to. All sauces are home made and all fish is as fresh as you can get! (Picnic Bay)
  4. Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar. If you’re looking for something a bit fancier, head to Peppers and enjoy the ocean views of the Boardwalk Restaurant. (Nelly Bay)
  5. Drop Bear Cafe. If you’re after laid-back, then this is the place for you. Enjoy the outdoor garden setting with fairy lights. (Arcadia)
Scallywags Cafe Magnetic Island

So, When are You Heading to Maggie?

Chances are, you probably don’t need any more convincing to add Magnetic Island to your #ultimateaussiebucketlist. There’s literally so much to do on such a small island – it could keep you busy for days. The beauty of this place is how laid-back it is, and the variety of activities to keep everyone in the family entertained.

If you have any more suggestions or recommendations – let us know in the comments 🙂

Ultimate Aussie Bucketlist.

About Author

Currently travelling Australia! Our dream is to complete the 'Big Lap", and we've learned quite quickly that we want to share it for all to experience. We hope this website helps you all plan your next adventure.

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