7 Great Things To Do On Magnetic Island, Queensland

Magnetic Island is one of Queensland’s many tropical island paradises. Whether you’re looking for palm-fringed beaches, historic WWII walks or to spot koalas in their natural habitat, this guide to the best things to do on Magnetic Island will help plan your visit!

Only 8km off Townsville’s beautiful coast lies the tropical island paradise of Magnetic Island. Every traveller along the east coast of Australia and those taking a break in Townsville need to hop across to the island whether just for a day or longer. Magnetic Island is tiny, just 52km², yet manages to charm visitors with its palm-fringed beaches, historic WWII walks, coral reefs and villages with plenty of bars and restaurants. The majority of the island is inaccessible, over 70% is national park, and so any trip to Magnetic Island will focus on the eastern coast!

The traditional name of Magnetic Island is Yunbenun with the Wulgurukaba people being the traditional owners. The name Magnetic Island (Maggie now to locals) came from when Captain Cook believed the island to have affected the compass on his ship in 1770.

I’m not going to rhyme off 30, 40 things to do on Magnetic Island as, if you’re anything like me, there’s no way that you could simply fit that many activities into a day trip to Magnetic Island or if even if you spent slightly longer here! There are however great guides already out there if you’re looking for a deeper insight into life on this beautiful island. This is therefore going to be a succinct guide based on my experience of spending a day on the island, zooming around in a little topless car hopping from beach to beach and walk to walk.

HOW TO GET TO MAGNETIC ISLAND

Before we dive right in however we’re going to have to get you to the island itself aren’t we? There are two options both of which require a ferry; either take the Sealink ferry as a passenger or the Magnetic Island ferry which allows you to take your own vehicle. As part of my wife and I’s failed attempt of the lap of Australia, we went across on the Sealink ferry as we didn’t need to take our campervan and planned on hiring a little car whilst we were there. The ferry operates up to 17 times per day with each journey taking just 20 minutes at a cost of $38 per adult for a return ticket (if booked online).

Sealink Ferry
Magnetic Island Ferry

HOW TO GET AROUND MAGNETIC ISLAND

So, if you’re not taking your own vehicle you might be wondering how on earth do you get around Magnetic Island? There are plenty of walking trails if you’re fit and well prepared but the reality is you’re going to have to take advantage of the hop on and hop off Sunbus, e-scooters or e-bikes, local tour companies, taxis or, my personal favourite, hire a topless car! More on that shortly.

THINGS TO DO ON MAGNETIC ISLAND

HIRE A TOPLESS ‘BARBIE’ CAR

Whilst it looks like this experience isn’t currently available on Magnetic Island (recent reviews on Google suggest the business is closed), this has been one of the most famous things to do on the island for many years. Instagram was once littered with photos of these adorable little topless cars. These pastel coloured barbie cars were the perfect way to zoom around the island with the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin. Honestly, such a great experience.

The cars have a maximum capacity of four people at a cost of $120 and there’s enough fuel included to get back and forth along the one main road.

Let me know if this experience is back up and running, fingers crossed!

THE FORTS WALK

The Forts Walk is the most popular hiking trail on the island offering incredible hilltop views and a chance to step back in time to WWII. The 4km return walk starts just outside of Horseshoe Bay and will take you through stunning eucapltus forest up to WWII-era concrete fortifications. I know Australia was at war but I’m pretty sure I would have minded being posted to man these coastal defence systems. The views from the top are incredible allowing you to really take in the beauty of Magnetic Island.

To be fair, Townsville saw an influx of 70,000 US serviceman following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour and, following a failed attack on Townsville in 1942, these fortifications were swiftly built high up on the island in-between huge granite boulders.

This is a must-do walk no matter how long you visit Magnetic Island for; you won’t be disappointed!

SPOT KOALAS IN THE WILD

The untouched landscape of Magnetic Island is actually one of the best places in Australia to spot the cuddly koala in the wild. I would say that you’re almost guaranteed to see one of these iconic marsupials especially on the Fort Walks. Magnetic Island has one of the largest colonies of wild koalas in Australia, apparently around 800 live here.

I was a little disappointed thinking there’s no way I’d be so lucky to see a koala but having kept my eyes trained on the tops of eucalyptus trees and thick branches there was one! Then another! It wasn’t the first time I’d seen a koala in the wild (that was in Port Stephens) but it definitely still filled me with joy. The best time to see a wild koala is ordinarily in the early morning or late afternoon.

If you don’t manage to spot a koala in the wild, head to Selina Magnetic Island which has a koala sanctuary on-site.

PICNIC BAY JETTY

Upon arrival at Nelly Bay, there are two simple options from which to tackle Magnetic Island; right towards all of the main activities and attractions (eg Arcadia, Forts Walk & Horseshoe Bay) or left towards Picnic Bay and the southern tip of the island. We took the Picnic Bay option to begin with and had a quick early morning wander along the foreshore and the beautiful wooden pier that was once the old ferry terminal.

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HORSESHOE BAY

Horseshoe Bay turned out to be my favourite spot on Magnetic Island with its palm-tree lined beach and main street full of cool bars and restaurants. We had a lazy hour on the beach followed by lunch at the Marlin Bar. There are however other great places to eat including Cafe Nourish & Sandi’s. If you’re able to spend a little longer on Magnetic Island, this is a great place to watch the sun go down with a beer or two!

ALMA BAY

Did you know there are 23 bays on Magnetic Island and Alma Bay is probably the most popular spot for swimming on the island thanks to the two 300m granite headlands that help protect the bay. It’s patrolled by lifeguards daily and has toilet & shower facilities as well as plenty of shade!

ROCK WALLABIES AT GEOFFREY BAY

At Geoffrey Bay, not long before sunset, you’ll find plenty of rock wallabies who love a bit of human interaction – mainly for the food that they end up getting fed! You can get specific pellets for the wallabies to eat from a nearby newsagent. Of course, these are wild animals so be careful and don’t be silly!

Well doesn’t that all just make you want to catch the next ferry across to Magnetic Island from Townsville? Whether you’re heading there for a day or looking to spend a relaxing weekend (or longer!), you’ll be amazed by the natural beauty on offer here. Hopefully this guide to the best things to do on Magnetic Island will help plan your own visit!

If you have any questions at all or need any more information, please feel free to leave a comment below.

WHERE NEXT?

Ok, let’s be honest, it’s taken me long enough to find the time to publish guides covering my time in Australia. Now though, the majority of them are linked below, so wherever you’re heading you’re likely to find what you need below!

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