Magnetic island affectionately called “maggies” by the locals is a small island located just a short ferry ride off the coast of Townsville, QLD. Despite the islands small size there are plenty of things to see. The island has 23 stunning beaches and bays, plenty of hiking trails, breathtaking lookouts and lots of wildlife. This island is home to the largest colony of koalas in northern Australia. Keep your eyes peeled for these guys when hiking.
Magnetic island is the only self-contained island within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and two thirds of the island is protected national park.
This island has plenty to offer and no matter if you are here for a week, a month or even just a day trip these are my top 5 best things to do on magnetic island.
How to get to Magnetic Island
The ferry from Townsville to Magnetic Island only takes roughly 20 minutes via Sea Link QLD. The ferry operates all day from 5.30am to 9.20pm* (ferry runs until 10.30pm wed-fri). Generally, you can just show up at the terminal and purchase a ticket for the next ferry.
The cost of the ferry for a single adult is $20.50 each way. If you buy a return ticket online, you get a discount, and it comes to $36 return. The timetable can change throughout the year so it’s worth checking the current timetable before heading to the terminal.
1. Hire a topless car and explore the island
This was the thing I was most excited about when heading to magnetic island and it was definitely one of my highlights of the entire trip. It is such a unique way to get around and I have never seen these anywhere but on the island. There is nothing better than feeling the salty air and sun on your skin as you explore this stunning island.
The business that hires the brightly coloured barbie style topless cars is called Tropical Topless and they were closed for a period during the pandemic and since reopening can be very hard to get in contact with if you are not on the island and they don’t have much of an online presence. I recommend just heading to the office when you get off the ferry as it is only a short walk from the terminal if you arrive before 11 am. Alternatively, you can call them on (07) 47581 111 they are open from 8 am to 11 am daily.
Most of the cars are manual although they do have a few automatics, but they rent out quickly. If you can I would highly recommend it, as I said this was one of the highlights of my entire trip and definitely one of the best things you can do on Magnetic Island.
2. Spot Koalas in the wild
This was another of my highlights during this trip. As an Australian I have never actually seen a Koala in the wild (I have lived in 2 states, visited 4 more and 1 territory) so this is a pretty special experience. The best hike to do to see Koalas is the Forts Walk. This is one of the most popular walks on the island. It runs between Horseshoe Bay and Arcadia, as well as offering stunning views of the island, the chance to spot some furry friends this walk is also home to lots of WWII history.
Keep an eye out for arrows drawn in the sand or made of sticks as you walk the path as fellow hikers usually leave markers of where they have spotted Koalas earlier. We were lucky enough to spot 3 adults and a baby on our walk.
Along the walk you will see views of the Palm Island Group in the north and Bowling Green Bay National Park in the south. The 360-degree views from the fort lookout at the end of this hike makes it all worth it. This spot is only accessible by walk with no car access and it takes roughly and hour and a half to complete the 4km return track.
3. Hike to the top of Hawking’s point
Hawking’s point has stunning 360-degree views of the island looks over Picnic Bay and Nelly Bay from the top of the large granite rock where the final lookout is located. You can even see all the way back to the mainland if it’s a clear day.
It is the perfect hike to complete in the late afternoon so you can enjoy the golden hour before the sun sets. Just be aware to either leave enough daylight to be able to hike back or bring a head torch as the path that leads down from the lookout is full of trip hazards in the dark.
This a 1.2km return hike and is not a paved trail, with stone steps and steep sections, it takes roughly 30 minutes to complete. You can find the beginning of the path at the end of picnic street in picnic bay or if you are walking from the Base Hostel walk up the sidewalk heading over the hill to picnic bay and you will see a trail once you get just over the crest of the hill and then there are some local made sign you can follow.
4. Have a meal at Horseshoe Bay
Horseshoe Bay is on the northern side of the island and has some of the best dining options on the island. The bay itself is the largest on the island and it is famous for its stunning sunsets.
Noodies on the Beach
A great place for lunch or a cocktail. A small Mexican restaurant with great serving sizes and prices. They give you a Sombrero to wear when you order a margarita. They do lunch and drink specials most days. I had the fajitas and a margarita and there was so much flavour and so much food for under $35
Café Nourish
A huge variety of choices and the best breakfast in the area. They also offer vegan options and healthier options, smoothies and organic snacks you can takeaway. Roughly $20 to $40 for a meal and drink.
Sandi’s on Magnetic
This is a great spot for dinner, and they have great seafood options. They also hold plenty of events, regularly have live music, and have meal specials most nights. Roughly $20-$40 for a meal.
5. Feed the rock wallabies at Geoffrey Bay
See some cute little rock wallabies hanging out by the rocks near the old jetty at Geoffrey Bay. If you look it up on Google Maps, it literally says “rock wallabies” at the right location so you will be able to locate it no problems.
You can buy Wallaby food from the newsagency, but you can just purchase a fresh carrot or red apple and use these to feed them.
Where to stay on magnetic island
I stayed at Nomads Magnetic Island – Base in a private bungalow over the water and I would highly recommend. If you are on more of a budget, they also have various dorm options and even have a few small campsites available.
This hostel is located right on the beach and has a bar and restaurant on site. They also have a games room, swimming pool, BBQ facilities and nightly activities.
I didn’t have any disturbances or noise complaints from my bungalow and woke up to the most beautiful sunrises each morning. The bungalows do not have their own bathrooms, so you do share facilities with the other guests.
The Comments
Gay
Wow how cool that there are koalas there!
2 Week Queensland Itinerary - If you seek Amy
[…] For such a small island Maggies has no shortage of things to do. Complete the Forts walk and see if you can spot Koalas in the wild, hike to one of the many lookouts, and one of my favourite activities hire a topless car and drive from one end of the island to the other. I have a full guide of the best things to do on Magnetic Island here. […]