Magnetic Island has been endowed with a name that is truly representative of its ability to attract tourists with ‘magnetic’ beauty. Other idyllic names also endorse the island’s charm with Arcadia, Lovers Bay, Florence Bay and Orchard Rock. While most of the island’s unspoiled national park is inaccessible to visitors, the outer fringe of parkland tracks and bays and beaches offer more than enough enchanting sites to capture the delight of visitors.
Magnetic Island in a Day
Magnetic Island is brilliantly organized (in sharp comparison to Townsville) for tourism comfort, with a generous Sunferries timetable and a convenient Sun Bus schedule.
However, it is advisable that you work out what you are doing before you get to the island, because when you get off the ferry, buses will already be there waiting to take passengers to Picnic Bay and Horseshoe Bay destinations.
Day Trip, Suggestion One: Catch the Horseshoe Bay bus to the last stop, get off and walk to the right of the beach, cross the river bed, then hike up the small mountain pass, visiting Balding Bay, Radical Bay and then Florence Bay.
Take your time, sunbaking at the various beaches or go for a snorkel and have a picnic.
When you are done, retrace your steps back to Horseshoe Bay.
Day Trip, Suggestion Two: Catch the bus to Horseshoe Bay and get off at the Forts, explore the Fort Walk, looking out for koalas in the eucalyptus trees (as they are known to inhabit the area) and take some spectacular pictures from the WWII forts, before following the loop track back to the main road.
Then, either take the bus or walk to Horseshoe Bay and eat fish and chips on the beachfront for lunch.
Things to do at Magnetic Island
- The must-do item on the Magnetic Island agenda is go walking and exploring the numerous bays, beaches and tracks weaving the south-eastern shoreline
- Snorkeling is recommended at Geoffrey Bay, Arthur Bay or Florence Bay (taking your own gear, or renting before you get there – i.e. at Nelly Bay or Horseshoe Bay)
- Play Golf at Picnic Bay
- Go fishing in this marine rich haven known for its great sea life. The Picnic Bay jetty and the rocks off Bright Point are the most accessible popular fishing spots (However, first review the Marine No-Take Zones)
- Jetskiing and Kyaking is popular at Horseshoe Bay – rentals can be found on the beachfront
- Dive with one of the two local dive companies - Pleasure Divers or Adrenalin Dive
- If you are looking for a wild night out, buy a ticket for the monthly full moon party at the Base Hostel
Staying over at Magnetic Island
The cheapest accommodation option for budget travelers is the YHA or Base Hostel. More upmarket accommodation includes Magnetic Island B & B, Magnetic Retreat, Oskar’s Rainforest Retreat and Arcadia Beach House. Alternatively, there are plenty of holiday rentals, prices accommodating all budgets and group sizes.
Magnetic Island Transport Details for Ferry, Bus, Car and the Moke
Sunferries first depart Townsville for Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island, at 5.35 a.m Monday-Saturday. The last return ferry to the mainland from Magnetic Island departs at 6.40 p.m Monday-Saturday. (There are fewer ferries on Sunday, with the last departing ferry from Magnetic at 1.00 p.m.)
There is also a car ferry with FantaSea, which arrives at the same ferry terminal as Sunferries. They too offer a regular service. All buses are linked up to the ferry. The bus stops provide both bus and ferry schedule information to ensure optimal transport link-ups.
At the Nelly Bay ferry terminal, there is a tourism desk where you can rent cars, scooters and the popular moke buggy vehicle. However, it is very easy and much cheaper to catch a bus.
Certainly, if you truly want to be mesmerized by Magnetic’s spell, it is worth walking between the beaches with your beach towel over your shoulder, hiking through incredible scenery, whilst admiring sparkling ocean views.
If you bus and hike it, you are much more likely to be trapped by this alluring magnetic attraction.
Read other Australian travel articles: Townsville, Australia's Overlooked Travel Destination; Cairns Beaches and Waterhole Hopping and Garie Beach, Outer Sydney's Little Beauty
