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You’ve come to the right place if you’re after rugged nature, wildlife, beaches, snorkelling, and chilled vibes.
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There is around 26 km of walking trails on Magnetic Island, which take you through Magnetic Island National Park and across beaches and bays.
So there are plenty of options for fantastic walks and they’re well sign-posted too.
If you’re starting in Picnic Bay, a short but scenic hike to Rocky Bay is one of the best things to do on Magnetic Island. The views at the end are spectacular.
Another option is to take the Nelly Bay to Arcadia walk. This 5 km walking track will take you around 2 hours.
A bright, airy cafe is right across Horseshoe Bay’s beach. Make sure you stop by Nourish for breakfast or brunch to set you up for a day of hiking, swimming and beach time on the island. This place has a great menu and the coffee is top-notch.
Don’t miss our top 10 best places to eat on Magnetic Island.
Eating out is one of the best things to do on Magnetic Island.
Be it a gimmick or not, these cars look like lots of fun to explore the island. Known as topless or Barbie cars due to the striking similarities to the toy Barbie’s convertible, you can hire one and drive topless around Maggie Island.
The Barbie car can fit up to four people, so grab some friends and get out there! More information can be found at tropical topless car rentals.
This is one of the things to do on Magnetic Island that is good for a laugh.
Hawkings Point is a picturesque spot in Picnic Bay to watch the sunset over the island. The 30-minute walk up there isn’t difficult and will reward you with beautiful views over Nelly and Picnic bay.
This is the perfect place to bring a few cold drinks and watch the sunset after another blissful day on the island.
These were two of our favourite beaches on the island (along with Arthur’s Bay). You’ve got to be prepared to walk there to get to them, but they’re totally worth it. The best thing about them was how empty they seemed to be, we almost had them all to ourselves.
I recommend this as one of the things to do on Magnetic Island to provide you with lasting memories.
Alternatively, if you’ve got a 4WD, you can tackle the huge potholes and drive here too.
We hiked to these beaches from our accommodation in Horseshoe Bay and didn’t find it difficult at all.
Did you know that Magnetic Island is home to the most koalas in northern Australia? Yes, so chances are high that you can spot them easily while you’re here.
The best place to spot koalas is on the Forts Walk; more about this recommended walk below.
The best time to see a koala is in the early morning or late afternoon. This is one of the best things to do on Magnetic Island, I mean, who doesn’t love koalas?
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Hands down, this was our favourite lookout on Magnetic Island. It’s a 5-minute walk away from Florence Bay, so make sure you come here to see these views.
Oh, and the turquoise colour of that water is something else! There are some great snorkelling opportunities here, too.
You can follow a trail from Picnic Bay, or make your way over the rocks from Nelly Bay. Pack a picnic or a cooler with some snacks and drinks and aim to spend at least half a day here. Sure, this beach is a little difficult to get to, but highly worth it once you arrive.
You need a good coffee to start the day if you’re anything like me. One of my favourite things to do on Magnetic Island is enjoy a good coffee at Early Bird Cafe. This place is super popular in the bustling area of Horseshoe Bay.
If you’re also craving some great food, stop by here – you won’t be disappointed.
While in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, you must explore the underwater world at least once.
Some options are to snorkel the Nelly Bay and Geoffrey Bay self-guided Snorkel Trails (easy access). Alternatively, snorkel the island’s fringing reefs in Arthur or Florence Bays (more remote access)
One of the best things to do on Magnetic Island! Get up close and personal and hug a koala at Bungalow Bay Koala Village. Or better yet, try a bush tucker breakfast!
The ranger cooked breakfast is set within an outdoor area amongst native trees and a scene typical to outback Australia. CLICK HERE to learn more.
The most popular bushwalking track is the Forts Walk, which takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete. The walking trail begins at the Forts Car Park and is roughly 2.8km and moderately difficult.
It’s home to intact WWII forts, gun emplacements, and 360-degree panoramic views of the Coral Sea. Look forward to some fantastic views along the way, especially once you reach the top.
Don’t forget to keep your eyes open for koalas!
There are many places to catch a gorgeous sunset on the island, but our favourite spots are at Horseshoe Bay, West Point, or the end of Picnic Bay Jetty.
It’s one of the free things to do on Magnetic Island every day.
Sail around the island to discover its 23 hidden bays and beaches on this Half Day Discovery Tour.
See some of the best parts of Magnetic Island as well as a chance to view the underwater world too. Snorkelling gear, drinks, and snacks are included in this fantastic day of fun.
We hope you enjoy exploring this gorgeous place. Let us know what you’d add to our list of the best things to do on Magnetic Island.
You might also enjoy reading our 9 Best Tips for the Big Lap Of Australia and the complete guide to Great Keppel Island – Everything you need to know.
We recommend that you visit Yeppoon and the Capricorn Coast if you head back to the coast. Check out the 15 Best Things To Do in Yeppoon and don’t forget about the food. We’ve got you covered with the best places to eat in Yeppoon.
Our comprehensive itineraries for travelling in Australia include this Brisbane to Cairns Road Trip – the Best 14-day itinerary and our detailed Guide to Camping in Karijini National Park. We’re all about the food too! Don’t miss these 12 best cheap eats in Cairns.
We highly recommend you visit the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands in Queensland; this is a special place! If you’re after a unique experience, these 5 reasons why you need to Reefsleep on the Great Barrier Reef will do it.
If you’re visiting Australia on vacation, these 12 classic Australian foods you must try while you’re here and see if you can visit these iconic 30 Best Big Things in Australia.
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3 Comments. Leave new
Oh I didn’t know about the island… I think the first thing I need to do is to put this into my list.. thanks for sharing…
Peaceful easy going No Rush island.
Its great to recharge your body batteries.
Exactly! The perfect island to recharge the batteries.