The ultimate travel guide to visiting Magnetic Island (Yunbenum)

Travelling the Australian East Coast is incomplete without a trip to Magnetic Island. Just 8km off the coast of Townsville, this island is easily accessible via a 20-minute ferry and has stunning natural wildlife, bushland, marine life and a great climate; why wouldn’t you visit? Affectionately known to the locals as Maggie, you will feel worlds away from the stresses of life while driving around in a Barbie Car on the lookout for the iconic Australian marsupial, the koala. Located in the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the underwater life surrounding the island is incredible, making the island another perfect location for diving and snorkelling. Oh, and did I mention the number 1 wreck dive in Australia is off the coast of Magnetic Island? Find out everything you need to know, including how to get here and things to do, in this ultimate guide to Magnetic Island!

We pay our respects to the traditional owners of this land, the Wulgurukaba people.

History of Magnetic Island:

Magnetic Island’s traditional owners are the Wulgurukaba (‘canoe’) people, and Magnetic’s traditional name is Yunbenum. The Wulgarukaba people lived on Yunbenum for thousands of years before European Settlers colonised Australia in the late 1700s. During low tides, they would canoe or wade to the mainland for trade or ceremonies, among other things. They were able to continue living on Yunbenum until the mid-1890s when the Townsville Port was established. Due to the influx of European settlers, the traditional owners were forced to leave their land. 

Magnetic Island was named after Lt. James Cook believed that the island somehow affected his compass on his ship, the Endeavour. Throughout the 1800s, the island was a popular picnic spot, and in the late 1890s, the first resort was built in Picnic Bay. The early 1900s brought a significant boom in tourism as Townsville became a major city in the North of Queensland. During the second world war, Magnetic Island became a part of the war effort, with a signal station and coastal battery being built to control shipping and defence of the harbour. At Horseshoe and Florence bays, two 3,000,000 candlepower searchlights could detect aircraft at 30,000 feet.

Moreover, high in the hills above Arthur Bay, there was a radar screen. From 1943 until the end of the Pacific War in 1945, the Forts complex (now a stunning hike and history walk) was managed by the Australian Coast Artillery Units. The Queensland Heritage Act of 1992 currently protects the remnants of the Forts.

How to get to Magnetic Island:

Magnetic Island is easily accessible via ferry from Townsville. There are two ferry options which are outlined below:

Magnetic Island Ferries:

Ferries operate at least six times per day, starting at 5 am (or 7 am on weekends and public holidays) and finishing at 6 pm (8 pm Fridays). Magnetic Island Ferries can also transport vehicles (bookings essential)! Book here.

Price:

Adult – $32 return (online), $36 in house

Student (university or 15-17yrs with Queensland Student Cards) and defence – $24 return (online), $28 in house

Child (4-14yrs) – $18 return (online), $20 in house

Pensioner and Senior – $18 return (online), $20 in house

Infants travel for free

Family (2 adults and up to three children) *cannot be booked online* – $79 return.

Car prices:

The cost of putting your car/vehicle on the ferry is based on seasonal pricing (high and low season) and includes up to five people in the car. For the best price and guarantee you can get on the ferry, make sure you book online! 

Moreover, check out their Seymour Sale for reduced-rate sailings! Click here to find out more.

Vehicle rates (low season):

Car – $222 online; $256 in house

6m car – $246 online; $282 in house

Vehicle rate (high season*)

Car – $246 online; $282 in house

6m car – $258 online; $296 in house

*High season is Christmas (16th December through to 2nd January; Easter 2023 6th April through to 10th April)

Longer vehicles and trailers:

Up to 3metres (measured from tow ball and includes any overhangs) – $78 one way; $156 return.

3.1m to 5m -$100 one way; $200 return

Per metre over 5m – $27p/m one way; $52 p/m return

Motorcycles:

With Rider and Passenger – $32 one way online; $64 return online; $37 one way in-house; $74 return in-house.

With Rider and Sidecar – $37 one way online; $74 return online; $43 one way in-house; $86 return in-house.

Magnetic Island Ferries also offers up to an 18% discount (off in-house prices – 6% online prices) for the following cardholders: Queensland Seniors, Australian Defence Members, Emergency Service Personnel (Fire, Ambulance, Police) and DVA. Remember to bring your card with you on the day of travel.

Sealink:

Sealink is the faster of the two ferries, taking only 20 minutes to reach the island from Townsville. Operating up to 17 times per day, you cannot go wrong here. 

Prices:

Adult Return – $39.00 ($36 online only)

Adult One way- $20.50

Concession Return* – $19.50

Concession Single* – $10.30

Child Return (5 – 14 years) – $19.50

Child Single (5 – 14 years) – $10.30

Student Return* – $26.00

Student Single* – $13.50

Family Return (2 Adults + 3 Children)** – $85.00

*A valid Australian concession or student card must be presented.

**All passengers on a family return ticket must travel together in both directions. 

Prices as of 21st September 2022.

Where to stay on Magnetic Island:

There is plenty of choice of accommodation when staying on Magnetic Island. Over 160, so there is something to satisfy every need!

We recommend Bungalow Bay Koala Village:

We highly recommend the Bungalow Bay Koala Village when staying on Magnetic Island, and it is perfect for not only budget/backpacker accommodation but also campers/caravaners. The village has a campground and camp kitchen and allows up to 6 people per site (all sites unpowered). 

Dorm rooms are $39 per person per night.

Premium Ensuite queen room for 2 – from $200 per night

Premium Ensuite bungalow (sleeps up to 5) – from $250 per night.

Unpowered campsite (up to 6 people per site) – from $20 per night.

Other budget accommodations to look out for:

Nomads (formerly Base) Magnetic Island

Arcadia Beach Guest House

How to get around Magnetic Island:

The Sunbus:

Magnetic Island is super easy to get around, even when travelling on a budget! Not only are there great walking trails that connect around the island, but the Sunbus bus service is also an excellent, effective and affordable way to get around. With services connecting Picnic Bay, Nelly Bay (the ferry terminal), Arcadia and Horseshoe Bay, you have almost the whole island covered just by bus! The bus travels within five zones. For most of the things to do on the island, you will only need to travel within zone 1-4. See the bus route map below for more details.

Tickets:

Adult (zone 1 – 4): $8.60

If you purchase a ‘hop on, hop off ticket with Sealink Ferry, you will get a $1 discount!

If you purchase the ticket on the bus, make sure you have change, as they do not accept cards!

Car hire:

Another great way to get around is by hiring a car or motorbike. There are multiple great companies to hire, making it even easier to tailor it to your needs. Some of the companies include:

• MI Car Hire; from $89 per day
• Tropical Palms 4WD hire; from $90 per day
• Best of Magnetic Car Hire; from $59 per day
• Isle Hire; from $77 per day
• Tropical Topless Car Hire; from $120 per day

Barbie Cars on Magnetic Island:

One of the most iconic things about Magnetic Island is one of these Barbie Cars. However, they can be pricey. If you are looking for one of the iconic ‘Barbie’ or ‘topless cars’, then you are looking for Tropical Topless Car Rental. Prices start at around $120 per day.

What to bring to Magnetic Island:

• Bathers
• Towel
• Hiking shoes
• Small hiking backpack to carry water
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Camera
• Comfortable walking clothes
• Snorkel gear

Best time to go to Magnetic Island:

Magnetic Island has a tropical weather climate, meaning that it experiences only two seasons – the wet and the dry season. The wet season is usually December – April, and the dry May – November. During the wet season, monsoons are frequent, and the humidity is very high. Therefore it is suggested to visit during the dry season. Very little rain is experienced during the dry, and there is lots of sunshine. Daytime temperatures usually sit between 25 degrees and 32 degrees Celsius. 

In conjunction with the wet season, November to April is also stinger season! Therefore, you will need to either swim within stinger nets (set up at selected beaches only) or swim in a full stinger suit. For this reason, we recommend visiting during the dry season, between May and October. 

Grocery Stores on Magnetic:

If you don’t have time to shop in Townsville before heading to the island, you do not need to worry. Magnetic Island has everything you need.

IGA (located next to the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal) is open 6 am – 8:30 pm Monday – Saturday; 7 am – 8:30 pm Sundays.

Foodworks (Nelly Bay) is open seven days from 7 am to 7 pm.

Magnetic Island Cellar Doors (a bottle shop in Horseshoe Bay, Nelly Bay and Picnic Bay) is open daily from 10 am to 8 pm. 

If you don’t like cooking, you can head to one of Maggie’s fabulous restaurants or cafes! 

Things to do on Magnetic Island:

Hikes:

The Forts Walk:

Distance: 4km return; allow 2 hours

Moderate; Grade 3 walking track.

The Forts Walk is Maggie’s most popular walking trail. With stunning lookouts, interesting World War Two facts and relics, and some koalas, what more could you want? Easy to access, with a carpark and bus stop both available. Toilets and drink bottle re-fill stations are also available. Keep your eyes out for koalas!

Nelly Bay to Arcadia:

Distance: 6.3km one way, 12.6km return; allow 2.5 – 3 hours one way.

Difficulty: Moderate

Starting at the end of Mandalay Ave in Nelly Bay, this walk has stunning views of Horseshoe Bay! Passing through the rainforest and alongside Gustav Creek, this walk gradually climbs to the saddle between Horseshoe Bay and Nelly Bay. After the ridge, the trail branches into two tracks – one leading to Horseshoe Bay, the other to Arcadia (which also passes the Sphinx lookout).

Gabul Way – Nelly Bay to Arcadia:

Distance: 1.5 km return; allow 30 minutes.

Difficulty: easy, has disability accessibility.

This scenic walk is perfect for all fitness levels and is disability compliant, with plenty of breakout platforms to stop and enjoy the views. It is also suitable for cyclists. Running adjacent to Arcadia Road, the trail is made up of two different sections that connect Nelly and Geoffrey Bay. 

Hawkings Point Track:

Distance: 1.2km return; allow 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Difficulty: Easy; steep in places.

If you are looking for a fantastic view, but feel like a manageable hike, this is the trail for you! From Picnic Bay, the trail winds up to the top of a large boulder, giving exceptional views across the island and back toward Townsville!

Picnic Bay to West Point:

Distance: 16km return; allow at least 5 hours. 

Difficulty: Easy (but remember the distance).

You will need lots of water, snacks and suitable footwear for this walk! The trail links the two western bays through a bush track with tidal wetlands and exceptional flora and fauna that you will not see anywhere else on the island. This trail is perfect for any nature lovers!

Arcadia to Horseshoe Bay:

Distance: 4.6km one way (9.2km return); allow 1.5 hours each way.

Difficulty: Moderate, with some steep sections.

With some of the same sections of trail as the Nelly Bay to Arcadia walk, this trail has some fantastic views! Starting at Endeavour Road, the trail gradually climbs to the saddle between Nelly Bay and Horseshoe Bay through stunning native flora and fauna. Follow the track after the Spinx lookout, veering to the right at the ‘Forts Junctions’ along the ridge line. After descending to the car park, continue 2km along the track (adjacent to Horseshoe Bay rd) to the beach! 

Arthur Bay:

Distance: 1.4 km return; allow 30 minutes.

Difficulty: easy; some steep sections.

Starting at the Forts Walk car park (located on Horseshoe Bay Road), follow the path down to Arthur Bay. Make sure to bring your bathers and snorkel!  

Florence Bay:

Distance: 3.6km return; allow 1 hour.

Difficulty: Easy, some steep sections.

Starting at the Forts Walk car park (located on Horseshoe Bay Road), follow the path past Arthur Bay to Florence Bay. Another great snorkel and swimming spot!

Radical Bay:

Distance: 6 km return; allow 1.5 hours.

Difficulty: Easy; with some steep sections.

Bring your bathers and snorkel! Best to do all three bays in one walk! Again, starting at the Forts car park, follow the track past Arthur Bay and Florence Bay to Radical Bay.

Horseshoe Bay to Balding Bay and Radical Bay:

Distance: 3.4 km return; allow 1 hour.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate.

From the east end of Horseshoe Bay Beach, follow the steep track through the forest to open eucalypt woodland (make sure you keep your eyes out for koalas!). Here, the trail will branch off, one continuing onto Balding Bay while the other heads to Radical Bay. Make sure to bring your bathers! If you want to extend the walk, continue onto Florence and Arthur Bay, to the Forts car park, and then back to Horseshoe Bay via the track adjacent to the road. 

*Please note that Balding Bay is a nudist beach.

Horseshoe Bay Lagoon:

Distance: 200 meters return; allow 15 minutes.

Difficulty: Easy.

This is a great short walk for all abilities. Heading off the main road near Horseshoe Bay Beach, this short track leads to a secluded lagoon where you can spot many wild waterbirds! 

Horseshoe Bay to Forts Walk via Balding, Radical, Florence and Arthur Bay:

Distance: Approx. 6.5 km one way; allow 2 hours.

Difficulty: Easy, some steep sections.

Follow the trail from Horseshoe Bay to Radical Bay from the eastern end of Horseshoe Bay beach. Then, continue on the same track (via Florence and Arthur Bay for a swim) to the Forts Car Park.

If you still have plenty of energy, complete the Forts Walk, then head back to Horseshoe Bay via the track adjacent to the road. This will take you to an approx. 10.4 km walk in full back to Horseshoe Bay.

Nelly Bay to Horseshoe Bay via Arcadia (Gabul Way):

Distance: 6.1 km one way; allow 2 hours

Difficulty: East to moderate

Starting at Nelly Bay, head towards Arcadia using the Gabul Way. Then, from the end of Endeavour Road, take the track to Horseshoe Bay from Arcadia. For an even longer hike through bushland, consider taking the longer route between Nelly Bay and Arcadia (4km more than the Gabul Way).

Sails Rock Track – Tom Thumb Lookout trail:

Distance: 1km return; allow 30 minutes.

Difficulty: easy

Beginning at the end of Yule Street, follow the trail to Picnic Bay Water Reservoir Road. Just past the gate, turn left up the sealed road that leads to a water tank. At the tank, take another left onto the dirt trail that takes you to the lookout! Stunning views await you of Cockle Bay and the SS Adelaide!

Olympus Lookout:

Distance: 50 meters return; allow 10 minutes.

Difficulty: easy

At the end of Olympus Crescent in Arcadia, turn right onto a short track that leads to the rocky Olympus lookout. This is an excellent spot for sunrise!

Rocky Bay Rock

Distance: 250 meters return; allow 20 minutes.

Difficulty: easy

This trail starts on Nelly Bay Road and leads down to a large rocky outcrop with views across both Rocky and Cleveland Bays. 

Searchlight Tower:

Distance: 1.1km return; allow 30 minutes.

Difficulty: easy

This is the perfect side track between Radical and Arthur Bay. Starting on the road between the two bays, this short track follows a ridge to the historical Searchlight tower with magnificent ocean views from the top. 

Butterfly Forest Walk:

Distance: 200 meters; allow 10 minutes

Difficulty: easy

This hidden track cannot be missed starting next to the Bungalow Bay Koala Park. You will be surrounded by thousands of blue monarch butterflies and utterly blown away. It is best to visit in the mid-afternoon between April and September. Please walk slowly and quietly during June and July, as it is butterfly breeding season.

Nudist beach – Balding Bay:

Balding Bay beach is a nudist beach on Magnetic Island and is perfect for anyone looking for a more ‘into nature’ swim experience! To get here, see the trail information above from Horseshoe Bay! 

Snorkel:

Being situated in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, there is stunning marine life to explore! There are a few great spots to visit with your snorkel, so make sure you leave enough time for them all! Below is a list of some of the best snorkel spots on Magnetic Island:

• Nelly Bay
• Geoffrey Bay (includes Moltke shipwreck and WW2 Propellor)
• Florence Bay
• Arthur Bay
• Alma Bay (great for taking children)

Dive the SS Yongala wreck with Pro Dive:

Dive the number 1 wreck dive in Australia from Magnetic Island! The SS Yongala Wreck is voted one of the top 10 wreck dives in the world, so you must take advantage of this if you are a certified diver! The Yongala sank during a cyclone in 1911, taking 122 passengers and crew down with her. It was re-discovered in 1958 by divers and became a protected wreck site. The wreak starts at 14 meters below the surface and continues to 28 meters! There are 100 meters of the ship to explore, with excellent, vast schools of fish, turtles, sharks, and so much more to see! To book, click here.

Prices (Pro-Dive Magnetic):

Certified Diver (Tanks & Weights): $285

Certified Diver (Full Gear Hire): $325

Mooring Fees and Levy: $25

Optional Extras:

Nitrox Course Add-On: $149

Nitrox Tanks: $25 each

Check out the SS Adelaide:

One of the more iconic Magentic Island photo backdrops, you can’t miss the SS Adelaide! It is located in Cockle Bay, just a short drive from Picnic Bay! Just 300 meters off-shore, you can even wade out to the wreck at low tide! You probably have even seen a photo of the SS Adelaide without realising it – there are not many wrecks with trees growing out of them!

Koala spotting:

There are copious numbers of koala bears on Magnetic Island. One of the best places to spot them is on The Forts Walk, so keep an eye out whenever you are hiking! Please do not disturb or wake them up – they need at least 20 hours of sleep daily! Furthermore, please do not attempt to hold them; their sharp claws will dig into you like you are a tree. 

Cane Toad Races at the Arcadia Hotel Pub:

As random as it sounds, you have to watch the Cane Toad Races at the Arcadia Hotel Pub. Held on every Wednesday night, it is an event you will never forget and a must-do for any traveller while on the island.

Bungalow Bay Koala Village Experience:

The eco Accredited Bungalow Bay Koala Village is a resort and a wildlife park! The park operates two daily tours showcasing Magnetic Islands’ fantastic wildlife. The tour allows you to interact and learn about turtles, lizards, pythons, crocodiles, wombats and koalas! There are currently three koalas in the wildlife park – Pebbles, Thor, and Amaroo. Please note there are no koala photos available, as the park prioritises education and the care of its animals. Tours depart at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm. You will need to allow at least 90 minutes for the tours.

Prices:

Wildlife Park tour $40

Breakfast with koalas – $70

This includes breakfast and an educational wildlife experience with special koala guests!

Parrot feeding at the Koala Village:

Make sure you are back at the village at 4 pm to feed the incredible colourful parrots! This experience is free of charge and an absolute must-do if you are in the Horseshoe Bay area!

Hang with the Rock Wallabies:

Down at Geoffrey Bay, you have a fantastic opportunity to spot some other incredible Australian animals – the rock wallabies! These guys are much smaller than other wallabies and much smaller than kangaroos, so make sure you look hard for them! You will be able to get up close and personal with them as they are pretty accustomed to human interaction, but please do not feed them!

Important things to know before coming to Magnetic Island:

• On the west side of Magnetic Island is a significant Tiger Shark breeding ground, in which saltwater crocodiles also frequent. It is strongly recommended not to swim on the west side of the island.
• Be croc-wise and aware. While it is uncommon for crocodiles to come to the island’s east side, it has happened before. It is best to swim at patrolled beaches. Horseshoe Bay is patrolled by lifeguards every day. Alma and Picnic Bay are patrolled on weekends and during school holidays from September to May.
• Stinger season is from November – April!
• Balding Bay is a nudist beach.
• Be aware of school holiday times, as, during these periods, the island can be bustling, thus making it harder to book accommodation!

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