Alma Bay, Magnetic Island: Surfing, swimming & facilities

Alma Bay on Magnetic Island near Townsville, Queensland, is small but well protected from the surf – this makes it a great spot for swimming.

Where is Alma Bay?

Alma Bay is a small beach on Magnetic Island near Townsville, Queensland. It is in the village of Arcadia on the eastern side of the island. The beach is about 150 metres long and it is one beach north of the better-known Geoffrey Bay.

Can I go surfing at Alma Bay?

Alma Bay is home to the Arcadian Surf Life Saving Club, but don’t go expecting great surfing. This Magnetic Island beach is protected by two long granite headlands that jut out prodigiously into the sea. Generally, unless there’s a south-easterly wind, you’re not going to see any waves here.

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.

Can I go swimming at Alma Bay?

On the other hand, the protection offered by the headlands makes Alma Bay a really good spot to go swimming. Unless you swim out to the rocks near the ends of the headlands, you’re unlikely to encounter any difficulties here.

Facilities at Alma Bay, Magnetic Island

There is a grassy reserve behind Alma Bay beach on Magnetic Island. Here, you’ll find a small playground, public barbecues and toilets.

Getting to Alma Bay by bus

If you’re not hiring a car on Magnetic Island, or bringing one across on the Magnetic Island ferry, the easiest way to get to Alma Bay is by bus. The island’s main bus service – route 250 – stops on Armand Way opposite the beach.

Other beaches on Magnetic Island

Other beaches on Magnetic Island worth investigating include Arthur Bay, Florence Bay and Radical Bay in the north-east of the island. All three are connected by a popular walking track. 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.