Where is all the fanfare of Magnetic Island?

A huge part of Magnetic Island’s popularity pertains to its exceptional accessibility being located approximately 8 kilometers off the coast of the sizeable city North Queensland city of Townville. Offering a true tropical paradise just a mere 20 minutes ferry ride form the heart of Townsville this 52km2 mountainous island in Cleveland Bay has effectively become a suburb of Townsville boasting over 2000 local residents and thousands more day trippers and holidaymakers at any given point.

Do not let the crowds put you off however and with over 75% of the island been covered by national park and bird sanctuary there is plenty of un-spoilt beauty to be explored whether its rugged or idyllic palm tree lined tropical beaches alike, buewitful hitnerland, quintessential Australian bushland and wildlife or mymarid of walking trails to suit wide ranges of abilities and interests. History lovers will also be fascinated by the World War 2 history of the island as it served as defensive position for the nearby military establishments of Townsville with walks such as the Fort Walks an absolute must to see all the military hertiage of island.

Putting aside the sheer natural beauty of the island , it is also no surprise that the masses are attracted to the island to holiday, eat, relax and play with no shortage of accommodation, dining, drinking and leisure options present to ensure a memorable visit to the island whether just for the day or longer.

How to get to Magnetic Island

The beauty of Magnetic Island is that it is hassle free to get to and doesen’t require much advance planning, if not at all. There are three main ways to get to Magnetic Island on a commercial basis which include by passenger or car ferry or by Helicopter

Sealink Ferries

For day trippers and holiday makers travelling over to the island without there own car perhaps the easiest and most convieent way to get there is via the frequent Sealink Magnetic Island Ferry service which operates up to 17 daily services operating on generally a 45m to 1.5hour basis depending on the time of the day.

Standard ferry fares cost $20.50 one way or $39 when purchased at either its Townsville or Nelly Bay terminals or onboard (when they are closed). You can however save yourself a few dollars purchasing a return ticket online for $36. The beauty of this Ferry service is that they don’t take bookings for each individual service so you are free to rock up and go which is perfect if your are unsure exactly how much time you might need on the island on the day. If you have purchased your tickets online you will need to redeem them at the customer service counter or onboard (if closed) for boarding passes when you arrive.

Magnetic Island Ferries

This ferry service is best suited to those taking their own private vehicle over to Magnetic Island however they also gladly accept walk on passengers with tickets being slightly more affordable than Sealink at $16 when brought online or $18 at the terminal (double this for return) although keep in mind the service at 35-40 minutes is nearly twice as long as Sealink and the terminal is further away from the center of Townsville.

Prices to take a car over start at $222 online or $256 during the high season whilst at the terminal expect to pay from $256 or $282 respectively. Bigger cars will cost slighly more whilst there are also options for motorcyles and trailers. Island residents get access to significantly discounted tarrifs aswell.

How to get around Magnetic Island

Despite the majority of Magnetic Island being declared national park and is largely inaccessible by road fear not in the knowledge that all the settlements and main attractions of the island are linked by a sealed road which links all the villages of Nelly Bay, Acadia, Horseshoe Bay and Picnic Bay with a number of excellent walking trails such as the Forts Walk also seeing there trail heads accessible form the main road. Once you do get on the island the primary modes of transportation include walking (for those with lots of time), the affordable public bus service, car, scooter or bicycle hire, an organized tour or with your own car.

Walking

Walking between the main settlements is certainly possible although Magnetic Island is by no means a compact island and if you wish to cram as much as possible into a daytrip it is probably better at a minimum to utilize the very affordable local Sunbus service to get you between the main settlements in air conditioned comfort. One way walking distances range from 45 minutes (3.7km) between Nelly Bay and Picnic Bay or around 1.5 hours (7km) on the steep and winding road between Horseshoe Bay and Nelly Bay.

Public Transport – Sunbus

If you are not familiar with Magnetic Island it could be easy to overlook the fact that Magnetic Island actually has a resident population and with that Townsville’s local public transport operator Sunbus have quite sensibly established a local public transport network on the island. Whilst it certainly won’t get you anywhere of the beaten track it will certainly get you to the 4 main settlements and anywhere along the main road and includes a stop where you can access the Forts Walk. Even more conveniently it is usually timed to meet each arriving and departing SeaLink ferry making the journey to and from the mainland seamless.

Frequency varies throughout the day between half hourly and and 1.5hourly so as long as you plan your stops accordingly its a hassle free way to see the main settlements of the island. The best part is that a single ticket only cost $2.40 or a day pass for unlimited trips around the island only $4.80. Just be sure to bring some cash from the mainland however as card isn’t accepted.

Tours of Magnetic Island

Taking a day tour of Magnetic Island is another excellent way to see a large amount of the island in a short period of time. They are certainly not as cost effective as seeing the island on your on dime with a day pass on the public bus but can be a great way to see the island under the expert insight of a local guide and the convivence of private transport could help you fit more things into the day. The Maggie Comprehensive tour for $75 which begins and ends at the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal would be one great way to see a lot of the island in a convenient half day itnerary.

Hiring a car, bicyle, or scooter

Perhaps one of the most enjoyable way to see Magnetic Island is via hiring a car, scooter or bicycle. Whilst it is certainly an expensive option compared to taking the bus how could one beat the fun of cursing around the island on your own time in an open top Jeep or even one of the iconic retro Daihastu Mira which can be frequently seen roaming around the island!

Accommodation on Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island has no shortage of accommodation options ranging from backpackers, mid range and luxury hotels and even eco-retreats and there is sure to be options to suit anyone and any budget. The most common areas for accommodation are in the main settlements of Nelly Bay, Acadia, Horseshoe Bay and Picnic Bay although there is options in more secludeded areas of the island as well. Staying in Townsville itself may be a better option if only planning to visit the island for a day or two. Accommodation prices on the island are not too incomparable to that of the mainland.

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Settlements on Magnetic Island

Nelly Bay

Nelly Bay is the largest and most populous settlement on the island with a resident population of around 1200 people. For most visitors to the island this will be the first port of call as the location of the ferry terminal and has a range of accommodation of dining options in addition to a supermarket. Nelly Bay also has some nice views back towards the mainland When arriving at Nelly Bay we recommend first getting out to other areas of the island first either via the Sunbus which generally meets arriving ferries, tour or by other means. Nelly Bay is then a great place to return after a day exploring on the island where you can enjoy a meal or drink before heading back to the mainland.

Arcadia

Arcadia is the smallest of the four main bays of Magnetic Island but don’t let that put you off as its surrounded by the prominent Alma and Geoffrey Bay. Geoffrey Bay is a Marine National Park Zone which protects its from fishing or collecting so it can be a great place to explore during low tide whilst Alma Bay is a great swimming spot with excellent public amenities. We’d recommend a quick visit after doing the Forts Walk and on the way back from Horseshoe Bay.

Horseshoe Bay

Located on the stuinning northern side of Magnetic Island and the second largest settlement on Magnetic Island Horshoe Bay is well worth a visit. Here you’ll find more great swimming and watersports options including a enclosure net during the wet season to keep the stingers at bay. You’ll also find a great selections of shops, eateries and bars at Horsehoe Bay to ensure the excellent vibe. Located at the furtherest point along the main road from Nelly Bay we’d reccomend going out here as one of first ports of call for the day before slowing meanerdering your way back to Nelly Bay.

Picnic Bay

Located at the souternmost corner of Magnetic Island you’ll find the trusty little settlement of Picnic Bay which is popular with locals and tourists aloke. Home to some of the most pictersque beaches on the island and the historic Picnic Bay Jetty, the settlement is well worth a visit and also has a good range of eateries and public amenties to ensure a memorable visit. We’d reccomend visiting here first after arriving on the Isalnd.

Our recommend day trip Magnetic Island Itinerary

10.30am-10.50am: Board the SeaLink Magnetic Island Ferry for the 20 minute journey to the island. Once arrived at Nelly Bay feel free to quickly stock up on snacks and supplies for the day from the nearby supermarket or other shops.

11am-11.20am: Take the Sunbus (leaves at 11.06am to be precise) from outside the terminal to Picnic Bay where the bus terminates for the first stop of the day. Here you can add more time if you please but we recommend staying around half an hour and getting back on the same bus when it starts up again at

11.40am-12.20pm Take the Sunbus to Horseshoe Bay which is a great place to get lunch and explore the bay with its pristine beaches and interesting shops.

1.05pm-1.10pm Take the Sunbus to the Forts Walking Track which is located on the road back just before Arcadia. Once arrived we highly recommend taking the full Forts Walk circuit which is one the must do things on any visit to Magnetic Island and leads to fascinating historic WWII fortifications and infrastructure whilst taking in spectacular 360 degree panoramic views of the island at the same time. This particular walk is around 4km return with a recommended walking time of 2 hours although you can certainly do it at a quicker or slower pace depending on how much time you take exploring all the military heritage sites along the way. From the Forts Junction there are also no shortage of other equally impressive walks you can take including 3km one way walk to Florence Bay whilst those feeling even more adventurous can take walking trails to Nelly Bay (6.4km, Arcadia (3km) or Horseshoe Bay (2.3km)

4pm-4.10pm Catch the Sun bus back to Nelly Bay where from here you can conveniently hop straight on the ferry back to Townsville which usually coincides with the arrival of the bus or perhaps you might want to explore all that Nelly Bay has to offer perhaps staying for sunset drinks or dinner before heading back to the mainland later on.