Things to do on Magnetic Island, Queensland

The best things to do on Magnetic Island, Queensland, include spotting koalas in the Magnetic Island National Park, sailing tours, snorkelling at Florence Bay and watersports at Horseshoe Bay.

Magnetic Island is one of the most popular holiday islands in Australia. That’s partly because it’s only a short ferry journey from Townsville, Queensland. But it’s mainly because there are plenty of things to do on Magnetic Island.

The Magnetic Island ferry pulls in at Nelly Bay, where you’ll find Tropical Topless Car Rentals. This outfit specialises in renting out small, roof-free cars to explore the island with. It’s fun, and cute, but not entirely necessary. Sunbus runs a bus service on the island.

Things to do on Magnetic Island: Walking tracks and wildlife

Magnetic Island got its name in 1770, when Lt James Cook passed aboard the Endeavour, and the ship’s compasses went funny. Nobody really knows why, but there’s plenty of granite on the island that could be the culprit. Explore the granite boulders around Geoffrey Bay these days, however, and you’re more likely to see wonderfully cute rock wallabies. Safe swimming beach Alma Bay lies just to the north.

If nature is your thing, there’s plenty to explore. More than 70% of the island is covered by the Magnetic Island National Park, and there are around 36km of walking tracks lacing through it.

The most popular walking track on Magnetic Island, however, is the Forts Walk. This 4km return walk head up to World War II defences in the north-east of the island. It is a notorious koala hang out, so if you want to see koalas on Magnetic Island, look up in the trees.

Things to do on Magnetic Island: Bungalow Bay Koala Village

For an absolute guarantee of seeing koalas, however, go to the Bungalow Bay Koala Village. This is a weird combination of three star resort, backpacker accommodation and wildlife park. If you’re not staying at the Bungalow Bay Koala Village, the primary attraction is being able to hold a koala.

Magnetic Island boat tours and watersports

There’s plenty of animal life to be seen under the water, too. Magnetic Island is not on the Great Barrier Reef, but there are plenty of reefs around it. You’ll find reefs at Nelly Bay, Picnic Bay and Geoffrey Bay, although quieter Arthur Bay and Florence Bay are arguably better bets for snorkelling. They can be accessed along the Radical Bay Track.

Should you wish to combine snorkelling with a bit of coastal exploration, Aquascene runs several Magnetic Island boat tours. A half day discovery tour including a snorkelling stop costs $139.

There are other Magnetic Island boat tours, although the emphasis with Pilgrim Sailing and Big Mama Sailing is on the romance of travelling under sail. These tours take yachts around the island, showing guests the art of sailing along the way.

Less elegant, but perhaps more exciting, are the watersports options available at Horseshoe Bay in the north of Magnetic Island. Horseshoe Bay Watersports offers a range of options, including tube rides, jetskiing and kayaking.

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.

More Queensland travel

Shopping at the Carrara Markets on the Gold Coast.

Dive at Wonder Reef, the Gold Coast’s new artificial reef.

Understand far north Queensland ecosystems at the Cairns Aquarium in Cairns.

Take a dip in the Innot Hot Springs near Ravenshoe in the Atherton Tableland.

Whale-watching from Urangan harbour in Hervey Bay.