Are there crocodiles on Magnetic Island?

There are potentially crocodiles on Magnetic Island. However, they are rare, and targeted for removal if they show up at one of the island’s beaches.

Magnetic Island in Queensland is one of Australia’s most loveable holiday destinations. Just off the coast of Townsville, Magnetic Island is not on the Great Barrier Reef, but it offers fantastic snorkelling at the likes of Geoffrey Bay, Florence Bay and Arthur Bay.

However, before getting in the water from one of Magnetic Island’s beaches, you’ll probably want to know what’s in there with there? Are there crocodiles on Magnetic Island?

Crocodiles on Magnetic Island

The answer that you’re probably not going to want to hear is that there may be crocodiles on Magnetic Island.

Magnetic Island is in Croc Country, which the Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Science defines as north of the Boyne River in Gladstone.

There have also been several crocodile sightings around Magnetic Island in the past. We are talking once every couple of years rather than every couple of weeks.

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.

Is swimming safe on Magnetic Island?

Because Magnetic Island is in Croc Country, you can never be absolutely certain that Magnetic Island’s beaches are free from crocodiles. However, you almost certainly won’t encounter crocodiles here, and there are a few reasons for this.

Firstly, saltwater crocodiles don’t like hanging out on beaches. They prefer the murky, still water of creeks to the clear, swell-prone water of the sea. If the water’s murky, it’s harder to see crocodiles, making it much easier for them to catch prey.

Secondly, if crocodiles are sighted around Magnetic Island, they are reported pretty darned quickly.

Are crocodiles removed on Magnetic Island?

The Queensland Crocodile Management Plan divides areas up into six zones. The eastern side of Magnetic Island, where all the development and main beaches are, is in Zone D – the transitory zone.

This means it is not core habitat, but crocodiles are sometimes seen passing through. Any crocodiles longer than two metres, or those displaying dangerous behaviour, are targeted for capture and removal.

The western side of Magnetic Island is in the general management zone, where only crocodiles displaying dangerous behaviour are targeted for removal. However, barely a soul goes to the western side of the island, and you should be more worried about the bull sharks if you get in the water there.

Other Magnetic Island beaches include Radical Bay and Alma Bay. You can get to the island on the Magnetic Island ferry then hire a topless car.

Radical Bay on Magnetic Island, Queensland. Photo courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.

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.