Magnetic Island Australia. Magnetic Island Tourism

Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island is eight kilometres from Townsville. It is one of the largest islands in the Great Barrier Reef and 70% of it is national park. Captain Cook named the island when he sailed past on 6th June 1770 as his compass would not work well. Magnetic Island has 16 beaches and lots of accommodation from cheap to resort style. There are more than 22km of walking tracks on the island, as well as an aquarium, a koala sanctuary and a pottery. Magnetic Island is divided into four sections Picnic Bay, Nelly Bay, Arcadia and Horseshoe Bay.

The passenger ferry arrives at the ferry terminal in Nelly Bay. The passenger ferry operates from two points on the city side of the river. The terminal is in Flinders Street. There is a second pick-up point closer to the mouth of the river, on the breakwater along the road to the Casino.The crossing takes 25mins. There is a bus service on the island that meets the ferry and can take you on a tour or just drop you at one of the locations. There is also a taxi service , moke rentals and scooter hire. You can take your car on the ferry but is often not necessary due to the good transport services provided on the island.

Picnic Bay
This is Magnetic Island's largest town and is located south of the island. This area is resort like and has shops, cafes and is the residential area of the island. The beach here is the safest one to swim in on the island as it has a stinger free enclosure.

Nelly Bay
This is the first place you see when you arrive as the ferry docks here. It is here you can book tours, hire equipment and get maps and tourist information about the island.

Arcadia
This is another settlement and is a 15minute drive from the ferry terminal. There are pristine beaches here as well as some good eateries.

Horseshoe Bay
This bay is a 30 minute drive from the ferry terminal and is the islands most northern settlement. There is a popular water sports centre here as well as some good walking tracks.