Local guide
Magnetic Island Guide
A local guide to Magnetic Island, the granite-and-bay island a short hop from Townsville. Ferry options, beaches, walks, wildlife and the practical tips you need before you cross Cleveland Bay.
Why Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island sits 8 kilometres off the Townsville coast. Half the island is national park, the rest is a string of small bays linked by a single ring road and a local bus. Wild koalas live in the eucalypts along the Forts Walk, fringing reef grows just metres off the beach at several bays, and the island stays warm and walkable through winter while the southern states freeze. Locals call it Maggie.
Getting there: the Magnetic Island ferry
There are two ferry services from Townsville. The passenger ferry, run by SeaLink, leaves the Breakwater Terminal on Sir Leslie Thiess Drive and lands at Nelly Bay in about 25 minutes. It runs roughly hourly from early morning until late evening, with extra services on Friday and Saturday nights.
The vehicle ferry, run by Magnetic Island Ferries, leaves from Ross Street in South Townsville and takes about 35 minutes. It carries cars, 4WDs, caravans and bikes, with 8 to 10 sailings each way per day. Foot passengers can use either ferry.
Adult return passenger fares sit around the mid 40 dollar mark. A standard car return on the vehicle ferry is a little over 200 dollars with the driver included. Both operators sell concession and child fares, multi-day passes and online deals, so check current pricing before you book. Parking near the Breakwater Terminal is paid but plentiful; the South Townsville vehicle terminal has dedicated queueing.
The best beaches and bays
- Horseshoe Bay — the largest bay, with a wide swimming beach, kayak and paddle board hire, cafes and pubs along the foreshore, and a stinger net in season.
- Alma Bay — a sheltered cove with shade, a kiosk, lifeguards on weekends and clear water for snorkelling around the headland.
- Florence Bay — quieter and reached by a short drive off the main road, with healthy coral close to the southern rocks.
- Geoffrey Bay — easy walk from Nelly Bay, with a snorkel trail and good chances of seeing turtles at high tide.
- Radical Bay — a postcard bay reached by a 25-minute walk or 4WD track. Few people, big payoff.
- Balding Bay — clothing-optional, secluded, reached via a walking track from Radical Bay.
Things to do on Magnetic Island
- Walk the Forts Walk — a 4 kilometre loop through eucalypts and World War II command posts. Wild koalas are commonly spotted in the canopy. Allow two hours and bring water.
- Snorkel the fringing reef — the marked trails at Geoffrey Bay and Nelly Bay are designed for self-guided snorkelling. Hire gear at the bay or bring your own.
- Hire a topless car or scooter — the iconic Maggie experience. Topless car hire from Nelly Bay lets you loop the island in a day.
- Wildlife encounters at Bungalow Bay — hold a koala, feed a snake or meet lorikeets at the koala park in Horseshoe Bay.
- Sunset on West Point — a 4WD-only track leads to the island's western tip for the best sunset over Cleveland Bay.
- Sail, kayak or jet ski — operators in Horseshoe Bay run half-day sailing trips, sea kayaking around the headlands and jet ski tours of the bays.
Getting around the island
A regular bus runs between Picnic Bay, Nelly Bay, Arcadia and Horseshoe Bay and connects with every passenger ferry. Day passes are cheap and the route covers the most popular beaches. For Radical Bay, Florence Bay or West Point you will want a car, scooter or hired e-bike. Walking and cycling between the closer bays is comfortable in the cooler months but tough in summer heat.
Where to eat and stay
Horseshoe Bay has the broadest spread of cafes, pubs and beachfront dining. Nelly Bay is handy for the ferry and has supermarkets and a few good eateries. Arcadia is quieter, with a couple of pubs and the Alma Bay foreshore close by. Accommodation ranges from beachfront resorts and apartments to backpackers, holiday houses and campgrounds. Book ahead for school holidays, long weekends and the dry-season months from May to October.
When to visit
May to October is dry, warm and the peak window. November to April is the wet season and stinger season; swim at netted enclosures and wear a stinger suit when snorkelling. The island is sunny and warm year round, but cyclone watches do happen in summer.
Practical tips
- Buy ferry tickets online for the best fares and to lock in busy sailings.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water on every walk.
- Snorkel at high tide for better visibility and easier reef access.
- ATMs and supermarkets are limited; stock up in Townsville for big grocery shops.
- Mobile coverage is good in the main bays and patchy on the walking tracks.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Magnetic Island?
Two ferry services run from Townsville to Magnetic Island. SeaLink runs the passenger ferry from the Breakwater Terminal on Sir Leslie Thiess Drive to Nelly Bay in about 25 minutes, with services roughly every hour from early morning to late evening. Magnetic Island Ferries (Fantasea) runs the vehicle ferry from Ross Street in South Townsville to Nelly Bay in about 35 minutes, with around 8 to 10 sailings each way per day. Foot passengers can use either service.
How much does the Magnetic Island ferry cost?
Adult return fares on the SeaLink passenger ferry sit around the mid 40 dollar mark, with concession and child fares discounted. Vehicle ferry return fares for a standard car with driver are typically a little over 200 dollars, with extra passengers charged on top. Check the operator websites before you travel for current pricing, multi-day passes and online discounts.
What are the best things to do on Magnetic Island?
Walk the Forts Walk for almost guaranteed wild koala sightings and World War II history. Snorkel the fringing reef at Geoffrey Bay, Nelly Bay or Florence Bay. Hire a topless car or scooter and loop the bays. Spend a quiet afternoon at Horseshoe Bay, paddle board at Picnic Bay, or take a sunset stand-up paddle at Alma Bay. Wildlife tours at Bungalow Bay let you hold a koala or feed lorikeets.
How long should you spend on Magnetic Island?
A day trip from Townsville comfortably covers one or two bays, the Forts Walk and lunch. To enjoy the island properly, plan two to three nights so you can mix walking, swimming, snorkelling and a slower pace. Many visitors base themselves in Horseshoe Bay or Nelly Bay and use the local bus or a hire car to explore.
Is Magnetic Island good for families?
Yes. Sheltered bays at Picnic Bay, Nelly Bay and Alma Bay suit younger swimmers, and the local bus is easy with prams. Stinger nets are set up at popular bays during the November to May stinger season. The Forts Walk is achievable for primary-school aged children at a steady pace, and kids tend to love the koala spotting.