If you’re spending your vacation close to Townsville, or you’re a local who just needs a weekend getaway, Magnetic Island is the way to go. Only a ferry ride away from Townsville, the 52-square kilometer island holds a full spectrum of activities for everyone. From the fact that Maggie has around 320 sunny days a year to being home to 23 stunning beaches, visiting the island is a must-do for everyone who sets foot on North Queensland’s coast.
Get your daily dose of koala cuddling
When you’re visiting Magnetic Island, you cannot miss out on taking a looksie at Australia’s most cuddling creatures – the adorable koalas. Australia’s wildlife is truly diverse, but koalas are one of the must-sees when on Magnetic Island.
It becomes an even greater experience when you find out that Maggie has the highest population of wild koalas in the northern part of the Land Down Under. If you visit the Bungalow Bay Koala Village, you’ll have the chance to tour the Koala Park for 1h 30m. Aside from the encounter with koalas, you can count on spotting snakes and many other animals.
Walk to explore the island
Walking across the island is a lovely way to explore all the wonders that Maggie offers to its visitors. With almost 25 kilometers worth of walking trails, Magnetic Island will have plenty of hiking opportunities for those who like to explore on foot. The Forts Walk is one of the most-recommended walks and highly rated ones too. Witness some of the most majestic viewpoints and check out koalas if you missed out on Koala village. Make sure you head down the road from The Forts carpark to come to some of the most Instagram-worthy places in Australia. The road will take you on Radical Bay Road that leads to Balding Bay, where the iconic spots are located – Balding Bay, Radical Bay, Florence Bay, and Arthur Bay lookout.
Snorkelling is a must
What’s a trip to an island without a snorkeling adventure, right? That’s why when on Magnetic Island, we recommend you go snorkeling to explore all the wonders of the underwater world.
Florence Bay is one of the popular snorkeling spots due to the large concentration of fish you can come across during your dive. Follow snorkeling trails at Nelly Bay if you’re a beginner, and Geoffrey Bay to spot more fish. Alma Bay is another well-known snorkeling spot where you can potentially see blue spotted rays. For those who’re in for a quick snorkeling trip, we suggest you go to Arthur Bay.
See the rock wallabies
After koalas, rock wallabies are the second most adorable and sought-after animals for tourists in Australia. Geoffrey’s Bay is home to these adorable furry hoppers, so head down for a day of excitement. While the wallabies tend to be tame, we recommend you always follow the guidelines for behaving around them. No petting and feeding will be allowed, and you should take those rules seriously.
Go to the underwater museum
When talking about the unmissable experience on Magnetic Island, The Museum of Underwater Art is one of them. Dive deep in the Great Barrier Reef for an experience of a lifetime. Spectacular works of art by Jason de Caires Taylor are carefully exhibited underwater, offering a one-of-a-kind touring journey for everyone who loves to explore the depths of the ocean. You won’t find such an opportunity anywhere else in the Southern Hemisphere, so if you happen to be on Magnetic Island, make sure you cross this item off your bucket list.
Horseshoe Bay kayaking and jet ski adventures
You’ll find Horseshoe Bay up north on Magnetic Island. The Bay is well-known for sailing and other water activities. You won’t find a better place to rent a jet ski or a kayak on all of the island. If you’re coming off-season, the prices will probably be more affordable, but no matter the cost, it’s an experience worth paying for. Set out to have some fun on the water and if you have time, plan for a quick stop in White Lady Bay. It will be a great opportunity to head out there with your boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse for a spectacular sunset for two.
Visiting Magnetic Island will be an experience like no other. Going to the Land Down Under offers a full spectrum of activities, and if you happen to find yourself in the northern part of Queensland, hopping to Magnetic Island will be a must. Spend time with koalas, check out wallabies, go jet skiing and kayaking and don’t miss a chance to dive underwater and visit the iconic underwater museum. Magnetic Island is filled with bucket list activities, so plan for more than a weekend over there to make sure you have enough time to see everything and go everywhere you wanted.
