Welcome to Magnetic Island
Sitting almost within swimming distance offshore from Townsville, Magnetic Island (Maggie to her friends) is a verdant island and one of Queensland's most laid-back residential addresses. The local population, who mostly commute to Townsville or cater for the tourist trade, must pinch themselves as they come home to the stunning coastal walking trails, gum trees full of dozing koalas and surrounding bright turquoise seas.
Top experiences in Magnetic Island
Recent articles
Travel guides
Starting at $29.99
Magnetic Island activities
Townsville City Sightseeing Tour
You must select from one of four pick-up points at time of checkout. Start your 2.5-hour sightseeing tour with a drive through Townsville’s Central Business District. Known as the CBD, it's considered the commercial hub of North Queensland; you'll learn why as your guide points out historical landmarks and explains the revitalization of the town’s main drag on Flinders Street. You'll learn even more about the city's history from an onboard audio presentation on a ride up a narrow, winding road to the top of Castle Hill. At the summit of the uniquely shaped monolith of pink granite, stretch your legs on a walk with your guide to a viewpoint. You'll have some free time to look out at the city and Cleveland Bay from several viewing platforms. Back in town, you’ll pass the oldest of four botanical gardens en route to the historical Jezzine Barracks. Get out for a detailed tour of Fort Kissing Point, a blockhouse built on high ground in the late 1800s that today overlooks The Strand. Back down at The Strand, see why it has won awards in public development. The 1.4-mile (2.2-km) beachfront playground is studded with ice-cream parlors, cafes, beer gardens and parks. Along a walking path that hugs the coastline, you can look out to see Magnetic Island. After a refreshing stroll on the esplanade, take a short ride over to the Port of Townsville for a brief visit. The final leg of your afternoon tour includes the lower end of Flinders Street and the entertainment district of Palmer Street. Your guide points out more popular attractions — the Museum of Tropical Queensland, the Maritime Museum, Perc Tucker Regional Gallery and Reef HQ Aquarium.
Great Barrier Reef Diving from Townsville or Magnetic Island
Depart from Breakwater Marina, just off The Strand in Townsville, or board the MV Adrenalin at Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal on Magnetic Island. Your trip starts with morning tea with your fellow snorkelers and scuba divers. Lodestone Reef, chosen for its diversity of sites, great coral cover and crystal-clear water boasts colorful reef walls and large bommies that attract the likes of reef fish, sea turtles, stingrays, Maori wrasse, and white-tip and black-tip reef sharks. The reef has areas for just about anyone interested in snorkeling or diving, with the depth ranging from 3 to 65 feet (1 to 20 meters) in parts. Each option caters to different skill level; see below for more details. Ice water, tea, coffee and cordials are available throughout the day on board the 45-foot (14-meter) custom-built vessel, which provides fully shaded areas and a sundeck. Enjoy afternoon tea and a tropical buffet style lunch before you’re returned to Townsville or Magnetic Island. Option 1: Snorkel TourThe pristine coral and clear visibility of Lodestone Reef is great for snorkelers. For a closer look, follow the channels between the reef right up into the shallows. Option 2: Certified DiveCertified divers can enjoy two dives at an uncrowded dive site. Explore the reef with a dive buddy, or enhance your underwater adventure with an experienced dive guide. Unless you have 10 logged dives, it is required that you hire the certified dive guide. Explore the fringing reef and canyons around the lagoon, or head for deeper water and explore the coral columns and channels that surround the reef. Option: 3: Introductory DiveThis option includes one introductory dive and provides an opportunity for uncertified divers to explore the reef with an instructor.
Magnetic Island Round-Trip Ferry From Townsville
Enjoy a quick and easy ferry transfer to Magnetic Island with SeaLink. With up to 18 trips a day, and a short 20 minute trip across Cleveland Bay to the Magnetic Island Marina in Nelly Bay. The local Magnetic Island bus service meets every ferry arrival, and departure making it easy and affordable to explore Magnetic Island. Spend as much time as you like on the island with the flexibility of a return ticket that is valid for one month with a range of accommodation to suit every budget. With 23 bays, plus many beaches with fringing reefs and a network of shipwrecks, there's plenty to explore in the water. You can explore the island by yacht, snorkeling tours, day trips to the Great Barrier Reef, sea kayaking, fishing and jet-skiing. On land, almost 70 percent of the island is protected by national parks. You can walk along nearly 15 miles (24 km) of walking trails in varied terrain. Wildlife thrives here, as Magnetic Island is well known as the home to the largest population of Koala’s in Northern Australia. The only self-contained island in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Magnetic Island has modern conveniences such as shops, spas, hotels and banks within reach of pristine wilderness areas. After taking in Magnetic Island at your own leisure and expense, choose from up to 18 Ferry departure times to return to Townsville.
Townsville and the Australian Army History Walking Tour
Townsville might be best known as the gateway to some of Queensland's best adventure spots including Magnetic Island and the Great Barrier Reef. But did you know that the city has also been an important military location since the late 1800s?Learn all about the city’s considerable contributions to the Australian defenses in WWII, and beyond, during a 4-hour military history tour. For a comprehensive introduction to Townsville, upgrade to include a city sightseeing tour focusing on general history and iconic sites. Both options include entrance fees, morning tea (lunch if Military and Scenic option is chosen), guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off. Please see Itinerary below for more details.
Magnetic Island Round-Trip Car Ferry Ticket from Townsville
Check-in at the ferry terminal located in Ross Street in South Townsville at least 20 minutes prior to the selected departure time. Drive your car on board the ferry and relax on the 40-minute ride while taking in the stunning views as you cruise to Magnetic Island through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.There are also eight ferry times to choose from for your return journey from Magnetic Island to Townsville. This can be booked either on check-in for your Townsville or once you are on Magnetic Island.
Magnetic Island Tour: Maggie Comprehensive
The tour departs from Nelly Bay at 10:05am, meeting the 9:30am Sealink Ferry Townsville departure, although island pickups are available. After a brief introduction the tour heads to the western side of the island and includes a stop at the local free museum to learn about our early settlers.The tour then heads North and the history moves forward to the second world war, before the one hour lunch stop and free time in Horseshoe Bay where you will find many eateries and a picture perfect beach, with swimming available all year. After lunch the tour heads back to Aquasearch Aquarium to learn about Giant Clams and Anemone fish. Entrance to the aquarium is AUD3 cash only. Throughout the day there will be several stops to take in the sights and try and locate wildlife and take in the scenery, and as the situation arises. Magnetic island is a wildlife lovers paradise. There about 800 wild Koalas to find, you'll probably see some wallabies lazing in the sun. We also have over 180 identified bird species and 141 fish species locally, with whales visiting in the winter, and if you are lucky you'll spot a shy Dugong or Turtle along the shoreline.