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Welcome to paradise!

Just 8km from Townsville within the UNESCO Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area in tropical North Queensland, you’ll find Magnetic Island - a very beautiful and special place, and a 'must do' on your bucket list trips. Break free from the resort-style holiday and discover the natural beauty and unique landscape of what we call 'Maggie'.

Most of the Island’s 5,184ha land area is protected - 78% is national or conservation park.

With 23 stunning beaches and bays, a wide array of wildlife, and a small and friendly residential population of over 2,300, you'll find you'll nestle into "Island Time" in no time!

Flip through the latest issue of The Ultimate Magnetic Island Guide!

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Afrekete 2024

Afro-Cuban Dance, Music & Culture Festival Fri 7th - Sun 9th June 2024 At Amaroo On Mandalay This will be a fantastic weekend of dance and music workshops, and performances from the Afro Cuban roots to modern day interpretations by Australia's most esteemed Cuban artists. Don't miss out!

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An Island of beautiful bays

There are more than 23 bays and beaches around Magnetic Island , each one has its own special appeal ... and it's not uncommon to have a beach to yourself.

The four main residential beaches and bays on Magnetic Island are Nelly Bay, Arcadia, Horseshoe Bay and Picnic Bay (see below for more information on each bay). These four main bays include:

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This is where you'll arrive from either the passenger ferry or the vehicle barge. Nelly Bay is the main shopping and service centre for Magnetic Island. In addition to the above list, you will also find two supermarkets, a doctor's surgery, a petrol station, two bottle shops, a clothing store, a gift store and art galleries.

One step over the hill to the east and you come to Geoffrey Bay with Alma Bay (a favourite for families) at the furthermost end. Both bays fall under the suburb of Arcadia. Here you will find a delicatessen and petrol station, a pub with a bottle shop, the bowling club, a clothing store and art galleries.

Horseshoe Bay is the biggest bay on the Island, and  water sports central. With a number of restaurants within easy walking distance of each other, it also has a small supermarket, a bottle shop, a home and giftware store, and a clothing store. Horseshoe Bay is often a buzz especially on Sundays when the markets are on from 9.00am to 2pm (Easter to mid January).

HORSESHOE BAY

At the other end of the Island from Horseshoe Bay you'll find Picnic Bay. This is a great place for a spot of fishing off the iconic jetty, or a quiet stroll down the beach. It also has breakfast and dinner dining options, a bottle shop, the Maggie Island Brewery, the Golf Club, the Magnetic Island Museum, and easy access to Hawkings Point, Rocky Bay and Cockle Bay.

Lose yourself for a day, a week, or forever on Magnetic Island. You will notice that it's like no other island getaway.

Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) - Wulgurukaba Country

We acknowledge the wulgurukaba people as the traditional custodians of magnetic island. we recognise their continuing connection to the land and waters, and thank them for protecting this coastline and its ecosystems since time immemorial. we pay our respects to elders past and present, and extend that respect to all first nations people present today..

A sincere thanks to the advertisers who make the free distribution of this publication possible. PLEASE MAKE THEM YOUR PRIORITY WHEN MAKING YOUR HOLIDAY CHOICES.

“Not all those who wander are lost.”

J.R.R. Tolkien

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A Guide to Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island is a laid back, tropical island paradise, located only a short 20 minute ferry ride from Townsville.

Situated within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Magnetic Island is loved for its natural beauty, stunning palm lined beaches, fringing coral reefs, granite boulders, hoop pines and amazing coral sea vistas. Magnetic island is the perfect holiday destination with quality accommodation options, delicious cafes and restaurants, kilometres of golden sandy beaches and warm tropical waters. 

Is Magnetic Island worth visiting?

On the island you can sink into private sparkling crystal bays, hiking paths and nature walking trails with so much to see and explore. Magnetic Island is a place for adventure with lots to do and even more to experience.

And if we still haven’t convinced you, here are more reasons why you should visit Magnetic Island.

Enjoy an affordable vacation: There are not many places where you can enjoy the full vacation experience for such a competitive rate. Resorts, villas and listed properties on Magnetic Island offer so much beautiful features and amenities. With careful attention to design as well as features like full suite air conditioning, swimming pools and beachfront views to keep us happy. While being on offer for incredibly affordable rates.

You can enjoy charming listed properties or bungalows for around $150 per night, while both getting to stay close to the beach as well as the shopping part of town.

Take great pictures: Whether it’s wide panoramic views of the island, wide-sweeping azure coastlines, or all the tropical trees, animals and plant life there’s a lot to see and capture in your memories forever. With over 800 koalas estimated on the island, it’s a great time to say hello to one if you haven’t in the wild. You can hire a topless car to drive around and better take clear shots of the island, as well as really experience the fresh salt air breeze as you go around the coast.

There are only some things you will see on Magnetic Island:

Not everyone sees the North Eastern region of Queensland, which means there will be some sights that only you and fellow vacationers will have really gotten to see. If you are lucky you might be able to see endangered Rock Wallabies. The island is also home to some abandoned forts and other historic relics to discover.

We think it’s what makes visiting Magnetic Island in Townsville both such a rewarding and immersive experience.

What to do on Magnetic island?

Located off the sunny city of Townsville,  Magnetic Island  is an island getaway dream destination with no shortage of things to do, natural wonders to explore and places to stay. Our top attractions and activities include:

• Hire a car  and take a day trip exploring Magnetic Island’s most scenic beaches and historical hiking trails
• Ride a jetski or enjoy a day of snorkelling on Horseshoe Bay
• Brave the scenic Nelly Bay to Arcadia Trail
• Enjoy a Pro Dive experience off Magnetic Bay’s coast
• Enjoy Nelly Bay’s shopping and tourist district
• Spend the nights on the waterfront in one of 160  Magnetic Island accommodation options .

How to get to Magnetic island?

The best way to get to Magnetic Island is to take a ferry from Townsville. You have two ferries available to you. The Magnetic Island ferry takes just 25-minutes (for passengers only) or 45-minutes if you wish to take your car. Meanwhile, the Sealink ferry also gives you the option to travel from Townsville to travel as a passenger. Simply leave your car on the mainland at Breakwater Ferry Terminal in Townsville.

Where is Magnetic island?

Magnetic Island is an island 8 kilometres offshore of Cleveland Bay from the city of Townsville, Queensland, Australia. It is considered a suburb of Townsville.

How big is Magnetic island?

Magnetic Island is 52 sq. km (20.1 sq mi) of mountainous island.

Who owns Magnetic island?

As a suburb of Townsville and only 10km north of the city, Magnetic Island is administered by the Townsville City Council.

How did Magnetic island get its name?

Magnetic Island is steeped in history. When Captain Cook had passed the island on his voyage in June 1770, the island had a magnetic effect on the ship’s compass. He then dubbed it ‘Magnetical Island or Headland’ in his journal. He dictated that the compass “‘would not travis well when near it”.

Why choose Best of Magnetic for Magnetic island accommodation and hotels?

With over 160 scenic shoreline holiday units and villas on offer, you’re bound to find magnetic island accommodation that satisfies your requirements. Our diverse range of accommodation range from romantic beachside apartments for couples, magnetic island hotels, isolated luxury villas, budget holiday lets to spacious family homes with all the modern amenities to keep the kids entertained.

We are Magnetic Island’s No.1 accommodation provider, overseeing properties exclusively managed by our experienced hospitality team. As Magnetic Island experts, we not only have the best accommodation on offer, but can provide you with a wealth of knowledge to get you where you need to be. Our head office is only meters from the ferry, and provides free transfers to your accommodation.

For more information about our COVID-19 cancellation policy, don’t hesitate to contact us.

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Guide to Townsville & Magnetic Island

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Townsville is one of the major gateways to the Great Barrier Reef, with the natural wonders of Magnetic Island a short boat ride away.

The coastal hub of Townsville is an ideal base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the southernmost rainforests of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and the Queensland outback. Take the time to explore this vibrant city before joining a Great Barrier Reef tour or taking the 25-minute ferry ride to Magnetic Island, where secluded beaches and abundant wildlife await.

You can fly directly into Townsville Airport from Brisbane, Sydney, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Melbourne airports. 

• Townsville Airport (TSV) is 5km (3mi) from the city
• To continue on to Magnetic Island, catch a ferry with  SeaLink Queensland or Magnetic Island Ferries (pre-booking is essential)

Getting around Townsville and Magnetic Island is made easy with both destinations providing public transport, car hire services, scooters, bicycles, taxi services and local tours ready to show you around.

Many Aussies flock to Townsville during winter and spring (June to November) to escape the cold, as the city and Magnetic Island have incredible sunny weather all year round. The best time to visit would be autumn (March to May) as there is less rain than the summer but the waterfalls are still teaming with water and wildlife from the rainfall. 

• High season: Winter (June to August)
• Low season: Summer (December to February)

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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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An Essential Travel Guide To Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island, affectionately known as Maggie by the locals, is a perfect island paradise found only eight kilometres off the coast of Townsville in Tropical North Queensland.

With some of the most perfect weather conditions in Queensland, Magnetic Island boasts 320 days of sunshine every year, an abundance of wildlife around the island, dozens of tiny little bays and beaches, hiking trails to keep you busy at all times and some epic snorkelling opportunities.

To help you plan your adventure to this perfect little holiday destination, here’s our travel guide with everything you need to know about Magnetic Island.

In this post:

Where is Magnetic Island?

Found just eight kilometres off the coast of Townsville in Tropical North Queensland, Magnetic Island follows the Australia Eastern Time Zone UTC +10.

Getting To Magnetic Island

The closest domestic airport to Magnetic Island is Townsville (TSV), on the mainland of Australia. From Townsville Airport it’s just a short 10 kilometre drive to the Breakwater Ferry Terminal, where you can jump on the SeaLink ferry to Maggie. You can get to the ferry terminal either by taxi (approx. $22 AUD for the trip) or there is a shuttle bus that runs between the airport, the ferry terminal and most major hotels in Townsville which is around $10 AUD per person or $15 AUD for a couple when you book in advance (check out Townsville Shuttle Services ).

From Breakwater Ferry Terminal, SeaLink QLD offers a regular ferry service between Townsville and Magnetic Island. The ferry takes about 25 minutes and costs $33 AUD per adult for a return trip. Return trips are valid for 30 days from the day you buy your ticket and do not need to be booked in advance. You can park your car at the ferry terminal for just $7.50 AUD per 24 hours.

If you arrive after hours you can pay for your car park on the ferry – just make sure you know the licence plate number! Check out the ferry timetable HERE . You are able to take your car over to Maggie if you would live via Fantasea Ferry Service – you can find out more  HERE .

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Climate in Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island is sitting on the fringe of Tropical North Queensland, so it does begin to get a little more humid and tropical weather. The weather is generally sunny and warm most days of the year (there is literally 320 days of sunshine every year here), with little stormy or rainy weather, and a yearly average temperature of 29°C.

Getting Around Magnetic Island

There are a couple of different ways to get around Magnetic Island. The cheapest is by public bus, which runs daily around the island between 6am and 10pm. Buses will meet each ferry to take you around to your accommodation. It cost us just $2.50AUD to travel by bus from the ferry terminal to our accommodation in Horseshoe Bay on the other side of the island. Bus fare prices may differ depending on your journey.

The other options include bicycle (if you’re prepared for an intense incline ride) or renting a car. Rather than a normal car though, I would definitely suggest renting either a Topless Barbie Car or an Open Top Suzuki 4WD! Both offering the ultimate island vibes, these cars have no tops or sides and are super cute to get around in.

While they might be a lot more fun, the Topless Barbie Car are unfortunately only allowed to go on sealed roads and are not permitted to drive on the bumpy pot-hole filled roads down to the beaches. If you’re planning to spend a lot of time at the beach consider the Suzuki 4wd instead – still topless, cute and little but able to get to all those hard to reach places! Barbie Cars and Topless Suzuki’s are available to rent from both Isle Hire (call 0417 649 869) and  Tropical Topless .

Currency in Australia

There are ATMs in the main towns on the island, but the majority of hotels, restaurants, cafes, shops, tour companies, etc, will accept credit and debit card. (Except the bus – make sure you have cash if you are planning to jump on the bus!).

Internet Access in Magnetic Island

Free wifi is often hard to come by in Australia. Most hotels and accommodation will offer free wifi in public spaces but do not cover the rooms (even if you want to pay). Make sure you load up on maps and information when you find some wifi – or alternatively, purchase an Australian sim card for access to 4G internet.

Many BYO plans (where you use your own phone) offer generous data limits for prepaid customers, which gives you internet wherever you are!

Explore all of the experiences you can have on Magnetic Island

The Main Towns of Magnetic Island

Arcadia, Horseshoe Bay, Nelly Bay, Picnic Bay and Florence Bay. Everything is within close driving distance (less than 10-15 minutes from one side of the island to the other), so it doesn’t really matter where you chose your accommodation.

Nelly Bay is where you can find the biggest town which includes the ferry terminal, an IGA, pharmacy, major hotels, car rental companies and even an aquarium.

Check out the best places to stay on Magnetic Island

Best Time To Go to Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island is truly a year round destination – with mostly warm sunny days and very little rain throughout the year. However, it is on the fringe of Tropical North Queensland, which means the winter months are technically the dry season, with the summer months being more susceptible to wet weather. The average temperature year round though is between 27 – 29°C. To dodge the crowds try to avoid Australian school holidays year round.

Can’t Miss Experiences in Magnetic Island

• Drive a lap around the whole island in a topless Barbie Car or 4WD Suzuki.
• Check out all the little beaches, bays and hideaways.
• Jump on the Maggie Discovery Tour with Aquascene for the complete Magnetic Island experience.
• Watch the sunset at Horseshoe Bay.
• Hike to Hawkings Point.
• Visit the Rock Wallabies in Geoffrey Bay.
• Snorkel the Nelly Bay & Geoffrey Bay self-guided snorkel trails of the island’s fringing reefs in Arthur and Florence Bay.
• Cuddle a koala and get up close and personal to countless turtles, lizards, crocodiles and birds at Bungalow Bay Koala Village.
• Take The Forts Walk to see koalas in the wild, World War II Ruins, and epic views of the Coral Sea, Cape Cleveland and Palm Island.

Good to know about Magnetic Island

As of 2020 you can no longer drive down Radical Bay Road or out to West Point due to the terrible road conditions. Hire cars are no longer allowed there, and if you’re travelling with your own car just be very careful, because it is VERY difficult.

Read more about our adventures through Queensland

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Emma is a travel writer, photographer and blogger, chasing the sun around Australia. Travelling in her recently renovated vintage Viscount caravan, along with her husband Thom and daughter Macey, she's sharing the very best experiences from around her beloved sunburnt country.

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Magnetic Island

Sitting almost within swimming distance offshore from Townsville, Magnetic Island (Maggie to her friends) is a verdant island and one of Queensland's most laid-back residential addresses. The local population, who mostly commute to Townsville or cater for the tourist trade, must pinch themselves as they come home to the stunning coastal walking trails, gum trees full of dozing koalas and surrounding bright turquoise seas.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Horseshoe Bay

Horseshoe Bay, on the north coast, is the best of Maggie’s accessible beaches and attracts its share of young, hippy-ish nature lovers and older day…

Arcadia village is a conglomerate of shops, cafes and accommodation. Its main beach, Geoffrey Bay, has a reef at its southern end (reef walking at low…

Picnic Bay is one of the most low-key spots on the island, dominated more by a community of friendly locals than anything else. There's a stinger net…

Magnetic Harbour in Nelly Bay will be your first taste of life on the island. There's a wide range of busy but relaxing eating and sleeping options and a…

Bungalow Bay Koala Wildlife Park

Cuddle koalas but keep your distance from the crocs at this decent wildlife park.

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Nov 28, 2015 • 4 min read

With around 7000km of coastline, more than 150 islands and the Great Barrier Reef spanning it all, Queensland is Australia’s most dreamed-about tropical…

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Australia , Queensland · September 3, 2020

The Best 3-Day Magnetic Island Travel Guide

Famous for having 23 beautiful sandy bay beaches, coral reefs, and a copious amount of koalas, Magnetic Island is one of Australia’s hidden gems. Located just below the Great Barrier Reef and a 20-minute ferry from Townsville, “Maggie,” as the locals call it, tends to be off the typical traveller trail. Because of this, I’m excited to share my Magnetic Island travel guide which explores the natural playground of this tropical paradise.

Also, near the end of this post, I have included a few things to do if you have some extra time in Townsville. This Magnetic Island travel guide is perfect for couples, solo travellers, and families. It is made for people who travel to Magnetic Island for a weekend or 3-days. However, if we had the time, we could have easily done a whole week in this area, by adventuring half the day and then relaxing for the rest of it. Guess we’ll just have to come back!

What to Know Before You Travel to Magnetic Island

Where is magnetic island.

Magnetic Island is just off the coast of Townsville in Northern Queensland, Australia. More specifically it is located just below the Great Barrier Reef and a 20-minute ferry from Townsville. Most travellers tend to travel from the Whitsundays straight to Cairns, and as a result, miss this tropical paradise. So if you have the time, be sure to stop to make a stop at Magnetic Island.

Travel to Magnetic Island:   How to Get There

To travel to Magnetic Island, you can either fly directly into Townsville Airport or if you live in Queensland, you can drive here.  If you opt to fly from Brisbane, you can expect a quick 2-hour flight.

For this trip, we were previously sailing the Whitsundays , so we decided to drive up the coast to Townsville. Airlie Beach is only 3-hours away from Townsville, so this is a great road trip option if you are looking for an Australia staycation this year.

Magnetic Island Ferry

Once we arrived in Townsville, we drove onto the Magnetic Island ferry, which only took 20-minutes. There are also passenger ferries if you don’t have a vehicle. These ferries regularly sail, making travel super easy! To make your trip planning a sinch, I’ve included the links for the Magnetic Island car ferry and Sealink passenger ferry . I recommend booking your ferry ticket ahead, as they do fill up!

Getting Around on Maggie:

Although the island is small, the easiest way to explore and travel around Magnetic Island is by car. You can bring your own or rent vehicles on the island. The most popular vehicle to rent on Maggie is the Tropical Topless Cars , which looks like a Barbie convertible! Unfortunately, they are currently closed due to COVID, so call ahead to see if they are available for rent. 

If you don’t feel comfortable driving on the left-hand side of the road, you can also catch the public Sunbus. Click here for fares, schedules and more information . 

Where to Stay on Magnetic Island 

On Magnetic Island, there are a variety of accommodations at various price points, making Maggie a great holiday destination for all types of travellers! 

We stayed at Pure Magnetic Villas , which had a beautiful Balinese vibe. All the villas had kitchens, laundry, private balconies, and a shared pool. Plus, it is located right in Nelly Bay , the most central area where you’ll find the ferry terminal, grocery stores, restaurants and other businesses. We loved that the villas were affordable and had two bedrooms since we were travelling with another couple. 

Our Pure Magnetic Villa cost us around $250 per night for all 4 of us, which I thought was extremely reasonable for what we got. We loved our stay, and I would come here again!

If you are looking at accommodation for two people, here are some other hotels we found: 

• Base Magnetic Island
• Beachside Magnetic Island Apartments
• Peppers Blue on Blue Resort

How Many Days Do You Need on Magnetic Island?

I recommend at least three days and two nights on Magnetic Island, but if you can stay three nights, that’s even better. There are so many beautiful beaches, trails and restaurants, plus there is a super relaxed vibe on Maggie, that you might as well take advantage of it. We stayed for two nights, and we did everything we came for, but we didn’t take much time to sit back and relax. 

Best Time of the Year to Travel to Magnetic Island

With 320 days of sunshine, Townsville & Magnetic Island are fabulous to visit any time of the year. We visited in July, and we loved how quiet it was; however, that might have been because of COVID. 

Keep in mind, stinger season is in the summer months (November-April), so swimming in the ocean isn’t safe.  Because of this, I recommend visiting between May-October to snorkel and swim at the beaches without a worry.

Wifi Signal on Magnetic Island?

Although you are on a tropical island, wifi and data are available in this area and are free at most of the hotels and Airbnbs. So if you’re thinking about working remotely on Magnetic Island or just need to Facetime your Mom or partner, no worries here. 

Is there a Grocery Store on Magnetic Island?

Yes, there is an IGA, seafood shops, and liquor shops on the island. So if you don’t have time to shop on the mainland, you can buy everything you need once you come over to the island. Keep in mind things are a bit cheaper in Townsville versus on Magnetic Island.

What to Do on Magnetic Island 

When you travel to Magnetic Island, you are absolutely spoiled with how much there is to see and do! If you enjoy being outside, seeing wildlife and swimming or snorkelling, then you Magnetic Island will blow you away. Here is a list of all the wondering things you can do while visiting Maggie!

Snorkelling

Magnetic Island is right below the Great Barrier Reef, which means it has the most fantastic snorkelling. They even have a snorkel trail , that you can explore on your own. Unfortunately, we forgot all about the snorkel trail and followed the recommendations from locals. To discover which beaches we had the best luck for snorkelling, scroll down to my ‘Best Beaches to Visit’ section.

In the end, we saw some beautiful coral, but if we went back, I would definitely hop on this guided boat tour to explore some more secluded areas with better coral.

Sunset Sailing

The only thing better than being on a tropical island like Magnetic Island is sailing around one. Spend the day sailing around Maggie, and get the chance to see some of the more remote bays of the island. On this tour, you also get to snorkel off the boat and they treat you to a yummy lunch and tea. This is one thing we missed, as we just spent 3-days sailing the Whitsundays , but when we go back, this is one activity I’d jump at doing.

*Update: After Covid-19 this sunset sailing tour stopped running. But if you are keen to sail, definitely head to the Whitsundays ! Here you will find tons of day or overnight sailing trips.

Koala Village Experience:

The Bungalow Bay Koala Village is a park where visitors can learn and get up close and personal with local Australian wildlife with the guidance of a ranger. It was fascinating to learn about reptiles, wombats, and crocodiles, but my favourite experience was getting to pet Pebbles, one of the three resident Koalas. If you’re visiting Magnetic Island with kids, I highly recommend visiting as it’s super fun and educational! 

Butterfly Garden:

After finishing at the Koala Village, our guide mentioned we should walk over to the butterfly garden . This place is a local’s secret since it isn’t any signage; however, you can find it on Google . 

When we walked through the unmarked path, we were unsure if we were in the right place. I’m not exaggerating when I say we were met with thousands of blue butterflies ! It was the most magical experience!

Cane Toad Races:

We were lucky to visit Magnetic Island during a Wednesday, which is when their famous ‘Cane Toad Races’ take place at the Arcadia Hotel Pub . Yep, you heard that right, and it’s as hilarious as it sounds. Wednesday nights, this event is entertaining for travellers of all ages, and honestly was one of the highlights of our day. A must-do on ‘Maggie!’

Hike to The Forts (Look for Koalas)

One of the most talked-about activities on Magnetic Island is the WWII Forts hike. You can expect beautiful views of the island, and fascinating WWII history shared on plaques along the trail. 

As you hike, keep your eyes peeled for koalas in the trees. Locals guaranteed we’d see Koalas, which we thought was a bold promise, as they can be hard to spot. BUT, she was right! On our way back from the forts, we noticed a few people crowded below a tree, and we saw an active koala was munching on some leaves. Seeing animals in their natural habitat always blows me away.

The Forts Walk is the most popular hike on the island and one that I would recommend. They say to give yourself 3 hours, but we were able to do it in 2 hours, including breaks to take photos, admire koalas, and drink water. 

Tip: Do this in the morning before it gets too hot! Afterwards, hit the beach for a swim to cool down and relax after this (not so challenging) hike.

Feed the Rock Wallabies

Can’t get enough wildlife? Head to the headland beside Geoffry Bay to feed the local rock wallabies. This spot is so popular that it’s even marked on google maps here . We brought carrots and leaves, which worked well, or you can pick up feeding pellets at the Arcadia Newsagent . Everyone told us we’d have better luck right before sunset, but we went a bit before 3 pm and saw loads of wallabies. Some of them even had little joeys in their pouches and hopped right up to us to get some food! I highly recommend this adorable interaction. Plus, it’s free! 

MOUA (Museum of Underwater Art)

Snorkelers and scuba divers, this one is for you! Explore one of 4 underwater museums in the Townsville areas to see beautiful underwater sculptures. 

In order to visit, MOUA you have to hop on a crewed boat that leaves from either Townsville Breakwater Marina or Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island, and set sail towards the Central Section of the Great Barrier Reef aboard a custom-built day vessel. Begin by exploring the Museum of Underwater Art (MoUA) on the John Brewer Reef, surrounded by breathtaking coral reefs. Gain insights into reef conservation, restoration, and education, with a special focus on indigenous culture. Dive into other sections of the reef, encountering diverse marine life such as colorful reef fish, turtles, stingrays, and sharks. Learn about reef management and preservation efforts while being returned to the marinas by a friendly crew.

Unfortunately, this re-opened after Covid-19 the day after we left, or we would have loved to check this out.  Just another reason to head back to Townsville!

SS Adelaide

A shipwreck located off the coast of Cockle Bay. At super low tide, you can walk out to it, or if you have a drone, it is a great spot to take photos. 

Beaches to Visit on Magnetic Island

If you’re a water-baby like me, you will LOVE Maggie for all 23 bays and beaches around the island! 

Snorkelling at Alma Bay 

The moment we touched down on Magnetic Island and checked into our villa, we eagerly took off to explore. To take advantage of the last light, we drove to Alma Bay for a quick snorkel, and managed to see a blue spotted ray and some fish! Alma Bay is beautiful for a swim, but to be honest, we only had a quick snorkel. So if you are short on time, check out Arthur Bay for snorkelling instead.

Sunset at Horseshoe Bay

Afterwards, we drove onto Horseshoe Bay, one of the most popular beaches on the island to watch the sunset. I understood what all the hype was about, once we saw the flickering palms and big sandy bay. We sat there with our friends, sipped on cold beers and watched the sky turn from brilliant orange to pink.

Arthur Bay Snorkel & Lookout

In between Horseshoe Bay and Nelly Bay, you’ll find the bumpy road that leads to Arthur Bay . We had heard great things about the snorkelling at Arthur Bay, and it didn’t disappoint! We were all blown away by the beautiful coral gardens and fish. I recommend going at mid to high tide. We went at low tide, and the coral was tricky to swim around because it was so close to the surface. And if you don’t like snorkelling, this beautiful sandy bay is lovely to relax at.

Want to see Arthur Bay from above? Hike up the road (don’t drive) and keep your eyes out for a sign that reads ‘Arthur Bay Lookout.’ From here, you can continue walking towards Florence Bay , another beautiful beach for swimming and snorkelling. I recommend walking because there are massive potholes on the road that only 4WD cars can handle. 

West Point for Sunset

On our last evening, we drove off to West Point for the sunset. This beach is at the farthest end of the island and is about a 15-20 minute drive from Nelly Bay. Here you see the lights of Townsville and some more islands along the horizon. We were so happy we made it to this spot for our final sunset, and we even made some new friends at the beach. 

Where to Eat on Magnetic Island 

Breakfast at ‘the early bird’.

Located in Horseshoe Bay, The Early Bird, has the best breakfast view on the island. We loved their smoothies, coffees and everything that came out of their kitchen looked delicious. Due to its location, this place is best to visit before the Koala Village or the Fort Walk!

Breakfast at Shaka in Nelly Bay

In front of our Villa in Nelly Bay Beach and stumbled upon Shaka Good Food stand . We first noticed funky blankets, pillows and bean bag chairs set up on the sand and then saw people were enjoying smoothie bowls and coffees from the food stand up on the road. Shaka had such a relaxed vibe and is a great place to start your morning. 

Lunch at Scallywags

Unfortunately, we never got to Scallywags , but we had multiple people recommend it to us for breakfast or lunch. Everything on their menu looks awesome and apparently the vibe is super fun. They also do a pirate-themed dinner and performance (great for kids) one night of the week, so look into this if you decide to come!

Dinner at Mama Roma

After several locals and other travellers had recommended Mama Rosa , we figured we should see what the fuss was about. Plus, I never say no to a good pizza! When we arrived, the patio was buzzing with people chatting, and we were welcomed with a friendly Italian, ‘Ciao.’ It turns out the restaurant is owned and run by an Italian family who moved to Magnetic Island – Talk about an authentic Italian experience!

That night we dined on delicious pizzas, homemade pasta and the most insane tiramisu. We loved it so much we ordered two!

Tip : This restaurant is BYOB, so feel free to bring some wine or beers, and if you forget, there’s a liquor store around the corner.

When you travel to Magnetic Island, why not add on an extra day or afternoon to explore Townsville before you fly or drive home? If you do, here are a few things I recommend doing!

Castle Hill for Sunset:

One of the best things we did in Townsville was driving to the top of Castle Hill for sunset. The 360-degree views blew us away. In fact, you can see all the way to Magnetic Island! If your heart skips a beat when you look over the edge, it might be because Castle Hill is 286 metres above sea level.

Healthy Option : Try hiking to the top of Castle Hill versus driving it, for a leg burn. It was impressive to see how many locals were challenging themselves with this gruelling hike. 

Dinner at City Lane Arcade:

After the sun goes down, head to Townsville’s City Lane Arcade to experience a cool local vibe. You’ll find restaurants with an assortment of cuisines, live music, funky bars, and street art. I have to admit that I was amazed to discover such a trendy place here in Townsville. Since it was Friday night, everything was reasonably busy with a young crowd, but we snagged a table at The Courtyard and enjoyed drinks, American fare food and some live music! 

Seeing Townsville from atop Castle Hill and enjoying dinner at the Lane Arcade was the perfect way to end a spectacular trip and discover a bit of Townsville.

Other Places to Explore in the Area

There are so many incredible experiences you can have in Townsville, and we only scratched the surface. For example, next time we are in Townsville, we want to explore Hinchinbrook Island and Wallaman Falls . Don’t make the mistake we did and be sure to include it in your trip.

Have More Time to Extend your Trip?

Before we travelled to Magnetic Island, we sailed around the Whitsundays for three nights and stopped at Bowen before driving up the coast. Be sure to read all about our experience and check out my travel guides for Airlie Beach, the Whitsundays , and Bowen if you are looking for a fun road trip in Australia this year.

What to Pack for Magnetic Island

You don’t need to pack much when travelling to Magnetic Island. Since you’ll spend most of your time at the beach, make sure to bring a few bathing suits , sarong , a good book , a wide-brim hat for sun protection , sunglasses, comfortable shorts , two t-shirts, a light dress , and good walking shoes or sandals for exploring. We also brought along reef safe sunscreen , and 50 SPF sun protective rash guard for swimming and snorkelling.

I hope you found my 3-Day Magnetic Island Travel Guide helpful while planning your trip! If you have any questions leave them in the comments below or send me a DM on Instagram: @AmberStorie . Happy travelling. xo

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Magnetic Island National Park Townsville

Photo credit: © Queensland Government

About Magnetic Island

Park features.

Magnetic Island National Park features spectacular natural landscapes and seascapes including boulder-strewn headlands, hoop pines, sandy beaches and fringing coral reefs. A continental island composed mostly of granite, Magnetic Island was once part of the mainland before the sea level rose about 7,500 years ago.

Most of the island’s 5,184ha land area is protected—78% is national or conservation park. The island is mostly covered with open eucalypt woodland of bloodwoods, stringybarks and grey ironbarks. Hoop pines and native kapoks are found on the headlands, and vine-thicket grows in sheltered gullies. The island is surrounded by sandy beaches, fringing reefs, mangrove communities and seagrass beds.

Sandy beaches provide sea turtle nesting areas and the mangrove communities are important fish nurseries. Significant Green sea turtle and dugong populations are supported by the seagrass beds surrounding Magnetic Island. Allied rock-wallabies are found on living amongst the granite boulders while koalas can be found in most wooded areas. A variety of coastal birds, waterbirds and woodland birds can also be seen here. The bush stone-curlew is still common and conspicuous on Magnetic Island.

The island’s traditional name is Yunbenun. The Wulgurukaba people, the ‘canoe people’, have enduring and ongoing connections to the island and nearby mainland for thousands of years. Shell middens, stone tools and art sites on the island are physical reminders of their strong connection with Yunbenun. The island was named Magnetic Island by Lt. James Cook when he believed the island's landmass was affecting his compass during his 1770 voyage. The island's interesting past has included hoop pine logging, a quarantine station for the port of Townsville, early tourism in the 19th century, pineapple farming and coastal defences during World War II. Magnetic Island's WWII forts are listed on the Queensland Heritage Register and are among the best examples of such fortifications on Queensland's east coast.

• Read more about the nature, culture and history of Magnetic Island National Park.

Looking after the park

• Camping is not permitted in the national park.
• Leave your pets at home.
• Take your rubbish with you when you leave.
• Keep to the walking tracks.
• Do not damage plants.
• Do not fossick in, take from or cause damage to cultural sites.
• Feeding wildlife is not allowed—it can affect their health and alter the natural population balance.
• Everything in the park, living or dead, is protected. Please leave everything as you found it.

Be pest-free!

Our precious Great Barrier Reef World Heritage islands are among the most pest-free islands in the world. They need your help to stay this way. Please Be pest-free! (PDF, 573.6KB) before your visit.

Before you visit, please check that your boat, clothing, footwear and gear are free of soil, seeds, parts of plants, eggs, ants and insects (and their eggs), spiders, lizards, toads, rats and mice.

Be sure to:

• Unpack and clean out your luggage or backpack and hand, beach or camera bags and check them carefully before your visit, as pests love to hide in stored gear.
• Clean soil from footwear and gear as invisible killers such as viruses, bacteria and fungi are carried in soil.
• Check for seeds in pockets, cuffs and hook and loop fastening strips, such as Velcro.

While you are on the islands, remove soil, weeds, seeds and pests from your boat, gear and clothes before moving to a new site. Wrap seeds and plant material, and place them in your rubbish.

Everyone in Queensland has a General Biosecurity Obligation to minimise the biosecurity risk posed by their activities. This includes the risk of introducing and spreading weeds and pests to island national parks.

See the guidelines on caring for parks for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.

Park management

Wulgurukaba people working together on Country with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.

Magnetic Island is part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and 78% of the island's 5,184 ha is protected as national and conservation parks. The Magnetic Island National Park Management Statement 2023 (PDF, 5.0MB) guides the management of the park. The Traditional Custodians, the Wulgurukaba people, work closely with QPWS to manage and make decisions about their ancestral country known as Yunbenun.

The surrounding reefs and oceans fall within the Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park . The seascape, flora and fauna of the island, and marine life in the surrounding waters, are protected for the enjoyment of the island community, visitors and the conservation of nature.

Tourism information links

Townsville Bulletin Square Visitor Information Centre www.townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au Flinders Street, Townsville City Qld 4810 ph (07) 4721 3660 or 1800 801 902 email [email protected]

For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see Queensland Holidays .

Nature, culture and history

The natural, cultural and historical significance of Magnetic Island

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AUSTRALIA , Budget Travel Ideas , Oceania

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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Related posts.

• Driving from Brisbane to Cairns : The Perfect Itinerary
• The 10 Best Free Things to do on Magnetic Island
• Top 15 Places to Snap the Best Spots Aussie Sunsets

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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.

LIKE IT? PIN IT!

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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location. location.

Magnetic Island is located a mere 8km off Townsville, North Queensland’s capital city, situated only 349kms south of Cairns and 270kms North of the Whitsundays.

Once you have arrived in Townsville getting to Magnetic Island is easy. Reach your destination via SeaLink high-speed catamaran, Magnetic Island Ferries car ferry or water taxi. Discover each of Magnetic islands glorious bays by car, bus, taxi, scooter, bicycle or simply take a stroll.

each bay is unique in it's offerings

Magnetic Island’s four residential bays each feature stunning beaches that are all easily accessible and suitable for the whole family. Picnic Bay Beach is the quieter option, with its rustic charm and a jetty perfect for the keen fisherman. Nelly Bay Beach is ideal for a casual afternoon stroll and provides a glorious backdrop for the new Magnetic Harbour. Arcadia’s beach, Alma Bay is a favourite family swimming spot and perfect for a day out with its lush green parkland, picnic tables and playground. Horseshoe Bay Beach is famous for its array of activities and must-see sunsets. Each of the main beaches is in close proximity to a great range of restaurants and pubs to ensure refreshments are never too far away. Alternatively, pack a picnic or sizzle some sausages on the inbuilt barbeques to replenish those energy levels.

Browse our online publications

Click and browse our online publications to learn even more about Magnetic Island’s many attractions, history, walking trails and community. The Informer Business Directory lists all local community businesses, services, maps and timetables making it an invaluable resource to all who live on, are thinking of moving to, or are looking at investing in our beautiful Island.

travel to and around the island

18 trips. 20 minutes.

Sealink offer a fast and convenient passenger service to the Island in air-conditioned comfort with their high-speed catamarans taking only 20 minutes to cross the bay.

Drive to Magnetic Island

The drive on, drive off convenience of Magnetic Island Ferries provides a no fuss, efficient service with facilities to accommodate most vehicles including campers and trailers.

Do it by bus!

Sunbus picks up from every SeaLink ferry to take you to your destination. In addition to single journeys you can purchase all day pass to tour the Island at your leisure.

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� Check out your options of travelling by road or air to Townsville and then connect with one of the ferries which frequent the island daily.

Distances The following details are available on the quick reference and distances map.

Cairns to Townsville: 349 km Townsville to Magnetic Island: 8km Townsville to Mackay: 386 km Townsville to Brisbane: 1,335 km Cairns to Brisbane: 1,682 km Brisbane to Sydney: 926 km Brisbane to Melbourne: 1,691 km Brisbane to Alice Springs: 2,535 km

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