14 Best Things to do on Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island is the perfect destination for a day trip, a weekend, or a week-long holiday. This small island with over 23 stunning bays and beaches is something special.

It’s a short 20-minute ferry from the mainland city of Townsville and ferries run regularly each day.

14 Best Things to do on Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island is the perfect destination for a day trip, a weekend, or a week-long holiday. This small island with over 23 stunning bays and beaches is something special.

It’s a short 20-minute ferry from the mainland city of Townsville and ferries run regularly each day.

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We’ve visited every country in the world and want to help you get the most out of your travels!

Whether you need an expertly planned itinerary, some experienced hints and tips, or just craving a delicious food adventure, we’ve got you covered!

Hi, we’re Rach & Marty!

We’ve visited every country in the world and want to help you get the most out of your travels!

Whether you need an expertly planned itinerary, some experienced hints and tips, or just craving a delicious food adventure, we’ve got you covered!

Hi, we’re Rach & Marty!

We’ve visited every country in the world and want to help you get the most out of your travels!

Whether you need an expertly planned itinerary, some experienced hints and tips, or just craving a delicious food adventure, we’ve got you covered!

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Best Things to do on Magnetic Island

You’ve come to the right place if you’re after rugged nature, wildlife, beaches, snorkelling, and chilled vibes.

Here are the best things to do on Magnetic Island

1. Hike to different beaches 

Best Things to do on Magnetic Island - Hiking
Best Things to do on Magnetic Island – Get your hike on!

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.

2. Brunch at Nourish – One of the top things to do on Magnetic Island

Best Things to do on Magnetic Island
Best Things to do on Magnetic Island – Brunchtime

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.

3. Hire a Barbie car

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.

4. Hawkings Point Lookout

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.

5. Visit Radical Bay & Florence Bay

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.

6. Go koala spotting

best things to do on magnetic island
Best Things to do on Magnetic Island – Look for koalas

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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7. Arthur Bay Lookout

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.

8. Picnic at Rocky Bay

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.

9. Coffee at the Early Bird Cafe

If you’re anything like me, you need a good coffee to start the day.

One of my favourite things to do on Magnetic Island is enjoy a good coffee at Early Bird Cafe, which is super popular in the bustling area of Horseshoe Bay.

If you’re also craving great food, stop by here – you won’t be disappointed.

10. Snorkel the reef

Best Things to do on Magnetic Island
Best Things to do on Magnetic Island – So many beaches, so little time.

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)

11. Cuddle a koala

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 in an outdoor area amongst native trees, which is a scene typical of outback Australia. CLICK HERE to learn more.

12. The Forts Walk

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, especially once you reach the top.

Don’t forget to keep your eyes open for koalas!

13. Enjoy an epic sunset

Best Things to do on Magnetic Island sunset
Best Things to do on Magnetic Island – Sunset at Horseshoe Bay

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 daily.

14. Join a sailing trip around the island

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 and have a chance to view the underwater world, too. This fantastic day of fun includes snorkelling gear, drinks, and snacks.

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.

Travel Tips for Australia

We have many travel guides and tips for Australia—what a diverse country!

Australia is ideal for exploring with two wheels! If you plan to explore Oz, check out our best tips for doing the Big Lap of Australia 

Our complete guide to Great Keppel Island is all you need for the perfect island stay.

If you head back to the coast, we recommend that you visit Yeppoon and the Capricorn 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, our detailed Guide to Camping in Karijini National Park and the Ultimate Guide to Carnarvon Gorge.

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 five reasons why you need to Reefsleep on the Great Barrier Reef will do it.

If you’re visiting Australia on vacation, try these 12 classic Australian foods while you’re here and see if you can visit these iconic 30 Best BIG Things in Australia.

Do you plan to visit the Pacific islands? You’ll need our ULTIMATE guide to visit every country in the Pacific.

Furthermore, if you plan to travel longer after visiting Australia, these 21 cheapest countries to visit will make your hard-earned dollars stretch a bit further.

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Check out our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience.

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