Magnetic Island car hire: Do I need a car on Magnetic Island?

There is a bus service on Magnetic Island, and you can bring your own car on the Magnetic Island ferry. However, there are a handful of car rental firms on Magnetic Island – most of which rent out topless cars.

The question of whether to hire a car on Magnetic Island, Queensland, largely depends on how you get there and what degree of freedom you would like.

If you are bringing your own car over on the Magnetic Island car ferry from Townsville, then of course you don’t need to hire one on the island.

If you are coming over as a foot passenger, however, there is a decision to make.

Do I need a car on Magnetic Island?

It is not essential to have a car on Magnetic Island, although the island is too big to tackle purely on foot. Indeed, in some cases, having a car may be a hindrance.

Parking is relatively limited, and there are some parts of the island where cars are banned. The trail between Arthur Bay, Florence Bay and Radical Bay is pedestrian-only, for example.

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.

Magnetic Island bus service

There is also a Magnetic Island bus service, which connects Picnic Bay, Nelly Bay, Arcadia and Horseshoe Bay.

The 250 route buses are run by Sunbus. Unfortunately, the Magnetic Island bus timetable is somewhat erratic, and you’ll often be waiting at least 35 minutes – often more – between buses.

That’s where hiring a car comes in.

Can I hire a car on Magnetic Island?

It is possible to hire a car on Magnetic Island, although you’ll not find the international chains here. Isle Hire is a long-established operator, but it is not cheap. Checking a month ahead, renting a Mitsubishi ASX costs $110 a day.

Other operators include MI Rentals.

Topless cars on Magnetic Island

However, it has become something of a tradition on sunny Magnetic Island to hire a topless or convertible car, then drive around with the breeze in your hair.

You’ll be able to rent a topless car on Magnetic Island from most of the operators. As a price guide, the dummy booking for a Daihatsu Mira a month in advance with Isle Hire cost $126.50 a day.