5 Must Dos On The Mysterious Magnetic Island

1. Visit the Bungalow Bay Koala sanctuary

2. Greet the rock wallabies

3. Hike the Picnic Bay trail and visit the Hawkings Bay Point Lookout

4. Stop by the Forts walk at the Magnetic Island National Park

5. Snorkel the Maggie Island reefs & explore the sunken Shipwreck

How Do You Get To Magnetic island?

To reach Magnetic Island you can catch a 20-minute ferry across with Sealink from Townsville or drive your car onto the Magnetic Island ferry service. Magnetic Island is quite spaced out so it is best to have a car to get around; if you don’t have one, you can hire a convertible on the island. Having a car on Magnetic Island gives you the freedom to explore the island in depth and allow you to take your time in each destination. There is also a bus service for locals and tourists with hourly services or taxi services are also available.

Peppers Blue on Blue Magnetic Island. Image: Charlotte Wells

Where Is There To Stay On Magnetic Island?

The elegant Peppers Blue on Blue Resort rests in the heart of Nelly Bay and is walking distance from the ferry terminal and bus service. Some other options include the Bungalow Bay Koala Village where you can have breakfast with the koalas, or the Tropical Palms Resort where you can hire 4WDs, and the Base Backpackers Magnetic Island which boasts ocean views from your room. Budget with a view, how good is that!

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5 Best Places To Eat On Magnetic Island

1. Stuffed on Seafood, Nelly Bay
2. Scallywags Cafe, Nelly Bay
3. Restaurant Le Paradis Brasserie & Take Away @ Nelly, Nelly Bay 
4. Sandi’s on Magnetic Island, Horseshoe Bay
5. Marlin Bar, Horseshoe Bay

Friendly locals on Magnetic Island. Image: Charlotte Wells

Things To Do On Magnetic Island

A visit to the Bungalow Bay wildlife park is a must when visiting the island. Spend the morning or afternoon with a ranger learning about wildlife animals and sneaking in some photos with the adorable koalas! Greet the rock wallabies hiding amongst the rocks at Geoffrey Bay and make sure you bring some veggies for them! Spend the morning in Arcadia, a beautiful beach set between two rock cliffs. The area also includes a large playground, BBQ facilities and life guards most of the day so you can swim safely.  

Image: Charlotte Wells

How To Immerse Yourself In Nature On Magnetic Island

There are lots of great ways to enjoy nature on Magnetic island. Hike the Picnic Bay trail and continue to the Hawkings Bay Point Lookout where you can watch the sunrise or the sunset. Visit Magnetic Island National Park and Forts Walk to spot some wildlife and learn about WWII history and architecture.

If snorkelling is up your alley, then you must visit the Nelly Bay snorkel trail for beginners which is 100 metres off the coast and includes a wide range of beautiful corals. If you’re looking for a more advanced experience, take off from the Geoffrey Bay snorkel trail which is 390 metres off the beach and takes you to the German passenger and cargo ship which sank in 1911.

Image: Charlotte Wells

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