Things to Do On Magnetic Island, Australia- Experience Island Life!

The first thought that will come to your mind when you step foot on Magnetic Island is that it is small. It is 11 KM at the widest part of the island. But, the island has Great Barrier Reef as you look right ahead of it, and Magnetic Island National Park right behind it. It is a popular option for a laidback and exciting day trip from Townsville. Find below the top things to do on Magnetic Island.

Things to Do On Magnetic Island

1.Head out for a walk

Magnetic island may be small but it has almost  25 kilometres (15.5 miles) of walking tracks to enjoy. The paths take you through the scenic bays and through the Magnetic Island National Park. The most common bushwalking path to check out is the Forts Walk. This path takes roughly 1.5 hours to finish on the whole. You will find WWII forts, gun emplacements, and picturesque views of the Coral Sea as you go by this path.

In picnic bay, you can opt for Rocky Bay and Hawkings Point. These are scenic but short hikes you can take. The other choice in hand is to go into the national park through Nelly Bay to Arcadia walk. This track is a six-kilometre (3.7-mile) trail that takes you through the lovely Endeavour Falls. The tracks will keep you mesmerised and is one of the best things to do on Magnetic island

2.Explore the reef by snorkelling

The Magnetic island has the most convenient location to access the glorious Great Barrier Reef. It’s almost as if the Great Barrier Reef is right on its doorstep. There are snorkel routes you can take from both Nelly Bay (close to Base Backpackers) and Geoffrey Bay. If you’re a beginner, we would suggest starting off with Nelly Bay path as it is closer to the shoreline. The Geoffrey bay lets you see more of the marine animals and gets you close to Moltke shipwreck as its much further away from the shoreline.

The way to follow these paths is to follow white surface floats that outline the route. Additionally, these white surface floats also offer space to rest when you get tired midway snorkelling. If you’re looking for other reef options then there’s fringing reef positioned in Florence and Arthur Bays. Given the amazing location of the reefs, snorkelling is one of the best things to do on Magnetic island.

3.See some cute koalas

Guess what? Magnetic island holds the highest population of koalas in northern Australia. It is home to about 800 koalas that all reside all over the island. Head on to  Bungalow Bay Koala Village if you would like to click a photograph holding up a koala in your arms to keep as an amazing souvenir. Forts Walk is one of the best places to head to see more of the koalas in their natural environment. Make sure you reach there around late afternoon or early morning as they’re more likely to be spotted at that point of time.

4.Go on a boat tour

One of the top things to do on Magnetic Island is to tour the island on a boat or by sailing around it. Aquascene Charters is a family run business who know the island in and out as they have lived on it for over 35 years now. The business has also won several awards for its service. Their Discovery Tour incorporates snorkelling, swimming, fishing, and touring the island’s numerous isolated bays and hidden beaches. Big Mama Sailing takes people on half and full-day trips of the island. These tours include the usage of their boom net, snorkels, paddleboards, and kayaks. Lastly, Pilgrim Sailing does sunset and lunchtime sails. This is particularly relaxing as you can lay on a floating inflatable mat and enjoy the gorgeous views in all directions.

5.Go bay hopping around

Magnetic Island has close to 23 stunning bays. Horseshoe Bay, Alma Bay/Arcadia, Nelly Bay, and Picnic Bay are the central bays where people reside on the island. During the summers, there are stinger nets placed on the beaches of Horseshoe, Alma, and Picnic Bays. You can go into Radical and Florence Bays by foot or four-wheel drive vehicle. These bays are if you’re looking for quieter alternatives. Balding Bay is unofficially recognised as Magnetic Island’s naturist choice. Added four-wheel-drive alternative is West Point. This area is especially sought after for witnessing lovely sunsets. Visiting the bays is one of the best things to do on Magnetic Island.

6.Interact with other native Australian wildlife

Looking to explore more of the Australian wildlife than just spotting koalas around the island? Do not worry. The island has so much more to offer in terms of wildlife. You can easily spot and hand-feed cute little wallabies and rainbow lorikeets. There is a huge rock-wallaby population that exist between the rocks at Geoffrey Bay. local service station provides food you can buy to feed them when you see them. These creatures will gladly peck on fruit and vegetables, too. Make sure to carry some carrots and apples as they most likely feed on them.

Moltke shipwreck is home to a lot of aquatic animals and especially a large population of fish that you can feed. Bungalow Bay Koala Village also holds a rainbow lorikeet feeding session every day at around 4:15 pm. You do not have to be staying at the resort to take part in the program. It is open for the public to come in and join the sessions.

7.Enjoy a game of golf at Picnic Bay

Magnetic Island Country Club is the island’s single golf course. It has a scenic background view of the rugged landscape and hills of Magnetic Island National Park. Guests can rent golf clubs and carts at the club during your time here. Additionally, there is night golf open with a nine-hole golf course too. You can spot a lot of animals while playing here such as koalas, kangaroos, and local birds. These animals usually live in and around the club premises.

In conclusion, there are lots of things to do on Magnetic Island. Check out and pick from the Australia vacation packages offered by PickyourTrail. If you need more help, you drop a Whatsapp to know more options!