Magnetic Island

truly a destination of choice
never a dull moment

Island Highlights

  1. Explore the endless walking tracks through the Island’s National Parks
  2. If art hopping is your thing, there are numerous art galleries to enjoy
  3. Take a horseback ride along the beach and experience a bareback swim in the Coral sea
  4. Set sail or hire a boat and find your exclusive hideaway in one of the 23 bays around the island
  5. Try your luck and place your bets on the weekly Cane Toad Races at Hotel Arcadia
  6. Snorkel the fringing reef around Magnetic Island’s most popular beaches or discover the island shipwreck trail
  7. Circumnavigate the Island by jet ski or charter boat
  8. Test your koala spotting skills on the historical Forts Walk
  9. Navigate your way around the island in a fun tropical car
  10. Bring your campervan over and enjoy a variety of tropical sites
dry tropics splendour

Walks and Wildlife

There is every opportunity to evoke your inner explorer while holidaying on Magnetic Island. Discover the extensive 25km network of walking trails which offer rare encounters and expansive views.

Magnetic Island is typical of the dry tropics. Two thirds of Magnetic Island is protected National Park so visitors are granted the rare chance to see nature in all of its unspoiled splendour. Millions of trees inhabit the Island’s landscape, including strands of sweet smelling eucalypts that are home to northern Australia’s largest colony of wild Koalas. Relish the experience of encountering these beautiful creatures in their natural environment. Many other remarkable species of wildlife also inhabit Magnetic Island, including the graceful Rock Wallaby, the shy echidna, the mischievous possum and over 180 species of bird-life. Be swept away by the charming calls of the vibrant Rainbow Lorikeets, minute Sunbirds and distinctive Curlews.

an easy escape... yet a world away

How to Get Here

Your dream tropical island escape is closer than you think. Located a mere 8km off Townsville, getting to Magnetic Island is both effortless and convenient. Townsville is the capital of North Queensland and is situated only 349kms south of Cairns and 270kms North of the Whitsundays.

Direct flights to Townsville are available from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Cairns. Also on offer are daily low fare services ex Brisbane with connections available from Darwin, Perth, Canberra and Adelaide. Bus and rail services into Townsville are also available for those who enjoy taking the scenic route.

Once you have arrived in Townsville getting to Magnetic Island is easy via high-speed catamaran or car ferry. Sealink QLD offer a fast and convenient passenger service to the Island in air-conditioned comfort taking only 20 minutes. The drive on, drive off convenience of Magnetic Island Ferries is also available providing a no fuss, efficient service with facilities to accommodate most vehicles including campers and trailers. 

Browse our online publications

Click and browse our online publications to learn even more about Magnetic Island’s many attractions, history, walking trails and community. The Informer Business Directory lists all local community businesses, services, maps and timetables making it an invaluable resource to all who live on, are thinking of moving to, or are looking at investing in our beautiful Island.

travel to and around the island

18 trips. 20 minutes.

your quickest link to the island

Sealink offer a fast and convenient passenger service to the Island in air-conditioned comfort with their high-speed catamarans taking only 20 minutes to cross the bay.

Drive to Magnetic Island

passenger and car ferry

The drive on, drive off convenience of Magnetic Island Ferries provides a no fuss, efficient service with facilities to accommodate most vehicles including campers and trailers.

Do it by bus!

all day passes and tours

Sunbus picks up from every SeaLink ferry to take you to your destination. In addition to single journeys you can purchase all day pass to tour the Island at your leisure.