Magnetic Island Island

Website: https://www.standupmagneticisland.com.au/ (tourist information)

Admission: Ferry fares from Townsville (return) approx. AUD 27-35 (variable); national park fees may apply for certain activities

Magnetic Island is an island and suburb of Townsville in Queensland, Australia, located about 8 kilometres offshore and known for its beaches, national park and wildlife. The island covers roughly 50 square kilometres and combines residential bays with extensive protected areas.

Beaches and sheltered bays are a primary draw, with around two dozen named beaches and coves used for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. The island has numerous walking tracks through eucalypt woodland and coastal heath, viewpoints over the Great Barrier Reef waters and accessible spots for seeing koalas in the wild.

The island contains World War II coastal defence installations reached by the Forts Walk, and several small settlements such as Nelly Bay and Arcadia provide accommodation, shops and ferry access. Ferries run frequently from Townsville to Nelly Bay, which is the island’s transport hub.

Magnetic Island sits in Cleveland Bay off the northeastern coast of Queensland and is administered as part of the City of Townsville. The island’s developed bays lie on the eastern side with the bulk of the interior designated as Magnetic Island National Park.

• Wildlife and protection: Most of the island is protected as a national park with walking tracks and coastal heathland, and koalas are commonly seen in several bays and forested gullies.
• Access: The island is about 8 kilometres off the coast from Townsville, with regular vehicle and passenger ferries to the main settlement at Nelly Bay.

What to See#

• Nelly Bay: Nelly Bay serves as the main ferry terminal and gateway for most visitors arriving from Townsville, with shops and accommodation nearby.
• Horseshoe Bay: Horseshoe Bay is one of the island’s popular sandy beaches, known for swimming and beach facilities close to accommodation areas.
• Forts Walk and WWII forts: The Forts Walk traverses part of Magnetic Island National Park and accesses World War II coastal defence remains and panoramic lookout points over the island and sea.

Regular passenger ferries run from Townsville (Dean’s or SeaLink services) to Magnetic Island (Circle, Nelly Bay) with crossings of about 20-30 minutes. From Nelly Bay, local buses and taxis connect to other parts of the island. Private boats and charters operate from Townsville marina.

• Book the Sealink ferry from Townsville to Picnic Bay (Magnetic Island) in advance during peak season.
• Hire a car or scooter on the island to reach remote beaches and lookout points-public buses are available but infrequent outside central areas.
• For wildlife, try Geoffrey Bay and Forts Walk at dawn or dusk-wallabies and koalas are common along those routes.