Nestled along the coast of Townsville lies the enchanting Magnetic Island, a tropical haven celebrated for its irresistible allure and breathtaking landscapes. With its secluded beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and verdant national parks, this island paradise presents an irresistible fusion of tranquillity and excitement, appealing to both nature aficionados and sun-seeking adventurers.
Magnetic Island is readily accessible from Townsville, thanks to the reliable services of Magnetic Island Ferries and Sealink. Sealink's passenger ferry provides a hassle-free and convenient option, streamlining your island adventure with ferry deals and tour packages to optimise your getaway experience. Alternatively, Magnetic Island Ferries swiftly transport both you and your vehicle to the island in just 40 minutes, granting you the freedom to explore at your leisure.
Once you’re on ‘island time’, make sure to check out these activities.
Play A Round Of Golf
Whether you're an individual looking for a leisurely round or a large group seeking a memorable outing, Magnetic Island Golf Club welcomes you every day of the week. Enjoy a game at the club’s friendly and picturesque nine hole course where everyone is welcome regardless of golfing ability. The clubhouse is fully licensed, ensuring you have access to refreshments throughout your visit. Set amongst the rolling hills and green trees, the Golf Club is the perfect place to spend a day on Magnetic Island.
Get Arty
An island of such beauty and tranquillity can only inspire one’s creativity, so why not visit the local art galleries or get your hands dirty with a painting, weaving, mosaic, pottery class or any number of workshops? Whether you want to see a particular artist at work, or browse through a selection at a local gallery, you can find it on Magnetic Island.
Wet A Line
Whether you want to hop in a tinny and head out for the day, take a cruise on a selection of great charter boats, or simply throw in a line from the beach, Magnetic Island has a great selection of fishing options to choose from. Boat ramps can be found at Horseshoe Bay, Nelly Bay Harbour, and Picnic Bay, and the island has plenty of fishing charter operators to make sure you make the most of your day on the water. For those who’d prefer to fish from dry land, popular fishing spots include Nelly Bay harbour near boat ramp, Nelly Bay breakwater, Picnic Bay jetty, West Point, Horseshoe Bay near boat ramp and Horseshoe Bay at Endeavour Creek mouth (1km west of boat ramp). The tropical waters surrounding Magnetic Island host an abundance of sought after fish species including Coral Trout, Barramundi, Grunter, Mackerel and many more. It's important to note that Magnetic Island is located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which means there are specific Marine Park zoning regulations in place to ensure the protection and sustainability of the delicate marine ecosystem.
Explore The Wrecks
With over 20 known shipwrecks around Magnetic Island, the shipwreck trail circles the island guiding visitors on a historical tour of the rich maritime landscape. Land based display boards in each of the bays tell the stories of the wrecks while the Magnetic Island History and Craft Centre in Picnic Bay holds additional and in-depth information from helpful staff. These shipwrecks reflect the local maritime history that has seen boats plying between the mainland and the island for more than 100 years and their stories reveal much about the island's history and development. There are also a number of tour and hire operators that will get you out on or in the water to explore these wrecks more intimately.