Radical Bay, Magnetic Island: Travel guide
Radical Bay on Magnetic Island, Queensland, offers a gorgeous protected beach for snorkelling. But getting there requires a 3.7km return walk along the Radical Bay Track from Horseshoe Bay.
Where is Radical Bay?
Radical Bay is at the north-eastern tip of Magnetic Island, Queensland. The island, which is a short ferry ride from Townsville, is not quite on the Great Barrier Reef, but offers good snorkelling nonetheless. Radical Bay is close to the holiday settlement of Horseshoe Beach.
7 Magnetic Island experiences to book in advance
- Sort out your return ferry ticket from Townsville.
- Get the best of the coastline on a five hour boat tour with snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding.
- See the sky change – on a sunset and shipwrecks cruise.
- See all the island highlights – on an afternoon island tour combining heritage, culture and nature.
- Cram it all in on a five hour comprehensive island tour.
- Take to the water on a lunchtime sailing cruise.
- See subaquatic creativity – on a Museum of Underwater Art and Great Barrier Reef day trip.
Why visit Radical Bay, Magnetic Island?
Radical Bay is a small but beautiful beach. It’s about 250 metres long, and is backed by green-topped granite hills. It’s also one of the best places on Magnetic Island for snorkelling, along with nearby Florence Bay and Arthur Bay.
Radical Bay Track
There’s also a sense of achievement in getting to Radical Bay. Even if you hire a car on Magnetic Island, you’re going to need to park it in Horseshoe Bay, then walk to Radical Bay.
The walk along the Radical Bay Track from Horseshoe Bay to Radical Bay is about 3.7km return. It is occasionally steep and has a few steps. Underfoot conditions are usually pretty good, but nonetheless, this is not a perfectly smooth track.
6 Townsville experiences to book in advance
- Magnetic Island ferry tickets – head over to one of the most beautiful islands in Australia.
- SS Yongala wreck dive – sea how coral and marine life have made the shipwreck home.
- Great Barrier Reef and Museum of Underwater Art cruise – witness the extraordinary underwater art project up close.
- Helicopter ride along the coast – get amazing views from above.
- Sunset sailing cruise – watch the colours over the water, with alcoholic drinks included.
- Jetski tour to Cape Pallarenda – whizz past beaches and giant boulders.
Is it safe to swim at Radical Bay, Magnetic Island?
Radical Bay is pretty well protected, meaning swells are low and swimming is relatively safe. However, there are no surf lifesavers patrolling the beach, so swimming is at your own risk. Between October and April, in particular, you should beware of marine stingers which are more prevalent at this time of year.
Other great Magnetic Island beaches include wallaby hangout Geoffrey Bay and swimmer-friendly Alma Bay in Arcadia. You shouldn’t worry too much about crocodiles on Magnetic Island beaches – this is Croc Country, but they don’t like to hang out on beaches and the rare ones spotted are quickly targeted for removal.
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