18 Amazing Things to Do On Magnetic Island

(Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

Last Updated on April 20, 2024 by sydabroad

Planning a trip to Australia and looking for the best things to do on Magnetic Island? Then keep reading! 

Magnetic Island, also referred to as Maggie Island, is a beautiful island off the coast of Queensland, near the city of Townsville. This picturesque destination is known for its diverse wildlife, pristine beaches, and gorgeous coastline. 

This is seriously the perfect place for a relaxing getaway. I spent a week traveling up the East coast of Australia and after the most amazing time in the Whitsundays, we headed to Magnetic Island. There are so many fun spots to visit around the island and I love that everything is so accessible, especially if you have a car!

It’s a small island, but there’s lots to see. In this guide we are chatting about the best things to do on Magnetic Island, how to get around, where to eat, where to stay, and more! I’ve also included a map near the end of this guide with all of the best spots on Maggie Island. 

Looking for more Australia guides? 

• The Ultimate Guide to Sailing the Whitsunday Islands 
• The Best Magnetic Island Tours
• How to Get From Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach
• The Best Things to Do in Byron Bay, Australia

Keep reading to discover the best things to do on Magnetic Island. 

Getting To and From Magnetic Island 

To get to and from Magnetic Island, you’ll take a 20-minute ferry from Townsville. At the Townsville ferry terminal, you can purchase round-trip tickets for as little as 38 AUD. You can also purchase them ahead of time here. 

Purchase your round-trip ferry tickets from Townsville to Magnetic Island here.   

As far as getting to Townsville, you will likely either take a Greyhound bus or fly into the Townsville Airport. The Greyhound buses are great for getting around Australia. I took a three-and-a-half-hour bus from Airlie Beach to Townsville and then hopped on the ferry. 

The Best Things to Do On Magnetic Island

1. Rent a Topless Car 

You don’t need to rent a car, but if you want to hit all the fun spots and have the freedom to go whenever you want, I think a rental car is worth it. Especially if you can rent one of the iconic topless Barbie cars.

You guys, these are the cutest little cars I’ve ever seen. You can rent these from Tropical Topless Car Rentals and I believe a few other places around the island. But, keep in mind that they do tend to close in the summertime. I visited in February and because it was the rainy season, they were closed. I was so sad! 

My friends and I ended up renting a basic dad car (lol) from Arcadia Beach Guest House and Car Hire. The car did the job and got us from place to place just fine! It was just unfortunately not a pink Barbie car. I do recommend Arcadia for renting cars, it was very easy and affordable. 

2. Hike the Forts Walk & Spot Koalas! 

The Forts Walk is one of the best things to do on Magnetic Island and one of the most popular! You’ll get a glimpse into Maggie Island’s military history, and breathtaking views along the way, and maybe even spot some koalas! 

There is a parking lot near the start of the hike and the hike itself is about 4 kilometers total (2.5 miles). It’s not a hard walk but be prepared for the heat. Especially if you are here during the summer.

This walk was so freaking incredibly hot at literally 9 AM. Like insane. Bring plenty of water, SPF, snacks, and electrolytes. It’s the humidity that makes it so bad. 

Aside from the heat, the scenery is beautiful, and if you are lucky you may spot a wild koala! We saw one on the Forts Walk and he was the cutest little thing ever. 

3. Relax On The Beaches

There are over 20 incredible beaches and bays scattered around Maggie Island. Beach hopping is one of the best things to do on the island! Check out Horseshoe Bay, Alma Bay, Geoffrey Bay, and Picnic Bay. 

4. Fish and Chips at Horseshoe Bay Fish and Chips 

Get the best fish and chips on the island here at Horseshoe Bay Fish and Chips! They are seriously so delicious and you can get them to-go to take right to the beach. 

5. Local Markets and Shops

There are so many cute markets, shops, and galleries around Maggie Island! Visit local galleries and markets to pick up handmade crafts and souvenirs created by talented local artists.  

If you are here on a Sunday, there will be all sorts of markets happening on the island. Go to Horseshoe Bay and spend your Sunday morning chatting with friends and exploring the Magnetic Island Markets. 

6. Pick Up a Coffee at Arcadia Bakehouse

If you are looking for a delicious cup of coffee, check out Arcadia Bakehouse. I had a wonderful oat milk latte and they also do yummy teas! Arcadia Bakehouse is a wonderful breakfast spot on Magnetic Island. 

7. Feed The Rock Wallabies

This is hands down my favorite thing to do on Magnetic Island! You can feed the cute little rock wallabies near sunrise and sunset at Geoffrey Bay. 

These animals live on rocky cliffs and a boulder-strewn area. I’d suggest visiting around 5 to 6 PM to see them come out. Go pick up carrots at the supermarket to feed them. 

You’ll have to be patient as they may take a while to come out. But you will most likely see them and get to feed a couple of the rock wallabies! Also, look out for the cute tiny babies in their pouches! 

8. Watch The Sunset at West Point Beach 

If you are looking for the perfect sunset spot on Maggie Island, head to the western side of the island to West Point Beach. Bring some snacks and drinks to enjoy the beautiful sunset. 

Although West Point Beach is a wonderful sunset spot, don’t swim in the water here, the west side of the island is known to have crocodiles and tiger sharks in the area. Scary right. 

RELATED POST: The Ultimate North Island New Zealand Itinerary

9. Happy Hour at The Wine Bar by Sandi’s 

If you are a wine lover, you’ll have to stop by the Wine Bar by Sandi’s in Horseshoe Bay. The ambiance is perfect – I love their outdoor patio with scenic beach views. 

Their prices are great and they also have a wonderful happy hour! We ended up getting 3 AUD prosecco. It was the best happy hour spot. 

10. Book a Sunset Cruise 

A sunset cruise is one of the best things to do on Magnetic Island! Enjoy a relaxing boat ride around the island and soak in the amazing sunset.

Book a sunset cruise on Magnetic Island here!

11. Visit Bungalow Bay Koala Village

Another one of the best things to do on Magnetic Island is the visit the Bungalow Bay Koala Village at Selina! Three daily tours are offered where visitors will have the opportunity to learn about their unique wildlife – small crocs, a python, and of course Koalas. 

These educational tours take place at 10 AM, noon, and 2:30 PM. Currently, rates are $29 per person. 

12. Water Activities on Magnetic Island

There are all sorts of water sports you can do around Magnetic Island. Rent a kayak or paddle board and explore the island’s pristine coastline. If fishing is your thing, consider joining a fishing charter to catch some of the region’s abundant marine life. 

13. Feed The Birds at Selina 

At the Selina on Magnetic Island you can feed lorikeets every day at 4:30 PM. It’s not guaranteed that they will be there every day but it’s a fun activity! 

Unfortunately, while I was here, they took forever to come eat, and we got impatient and left. But I think a few birds came to eat out of people’s hands eventually. 

14. Snorkel Trip 

If you are looking for some fun Magnetic island tours, consider booking a snorkel trip! This is a great way to spend a hot afternoon on Maggie Island. You’ll be able to discover the island’s vibrant coral, tropical fish, and possibly even sea turtles!  

15. The Secret Waterfall on Magnetic Island 

If you are visiting in the summer and would like to get into a body of water without a sting suit, you’ll have to visit this wonderful waterfall on the island! The waterfall is just a five-minute walk from the town of Arcadia. 

There’s a makeshift parking area to leave your car and then you’ll walk around the gate and head up the hill along Endeavour Road. Once you hear water flowing, head towards the waterfall. Be careful because it is steep and can be quite slippery. 

This is a great place to spend a hot afternoon on Maggie Island. And you don’t have to worry about crocs or stingers! 

16. Have a Beer at Maggie Island Brewery

If you are looking for a place to relax and unwind, stop by Maggie Island Brewery for a drink. All of their beers are brewed onsite and there are all sorts of delicious options! 

If you can’t decide, opt for a flight of 4 hand-crafted beers. Maggie Island Brewery also has wines available. They are open every day of the week aside from Mondays. 

17. Arthur Bay Lookout 

For panoramic views of Arthur Bay, you have to visit the beautiful Arthur Bay Lookout! The lookout point is situated on the northeast side of Magnetic Island and is accessible by car or by hiking along the Arthur Bay Track. 

18. Take a Nature Walk to Hawkings Point 

Another great scenic lookout on Maggie Island is Hawkings Point. This lookout point is situated on the southwestern side of the island and is accessible by car or by hiking along Hawkings Point Track. 

The walking track starts near the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal and it is a pretty short and easy walk. It’s suitable for all ages and one of the best things to do on Magnetic Island! 

The Best Magnetic Island Tours 

See below for the best tours on Magnetic Island! 

Check out my guide here with all of the best Magnetic Island tours. I’ve included a summary of each tour which includes the price, duration, and more details!

Magnetic Island Map

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Magnetic Island

Where to Stay on Magnetic Island?

Selina Magnetic Island | I’ve always been a fan of Selina’s. I spent some time at the Selina on Magnetic Island while I was feeding the birds and it looked so much nicer than Nomads. So, in my opinion, if you are looking for good budget accommodation, I’d suggest Selina Magnetic Island. Check rates here. 

Nomads Magnetic Island | I stayed here and not going to lie, it was just alright. For a budget hostel, it had what I needed. I will say the nightlife is fun here and the food is great. However, the rooms are just alright, nothing special at all. 

Peppers Blue on Blue | Looking for something a little more luxurious? Peppers Blue on Blue is a 4-star resort on Magnetic Island. Prices are also very reasonable! Check rates here. 

Best Time to Visit Magnetic Island?

The best time to visit Magnetic Island is during the dry season, from May to November. You should have nice weather and won’t have to worry about stingers in the water. 

However, I did visit in February and had a wonderful time. It did rain on and off and we couldn’t get into the water without a sting suit, but was such a fun weekend! 

RELATED POST: The Ultimate Hostel Packing List

How Do You Get Around Magnetic Island? 

There are a few options when it comes to getting around Magnetic Island. You can walk, bike, take the bus, or rent a car. As mentioned above I suggest renting a car so you have the most freedom. It’s also really affordable. 

On the other hand, there is a regular bus service on Maggie Island operated by Sunbus which connects the main bays and attractions around the island. Taxis are also available on Magnetic Island and there are bike rental shops near the ferry terminal in Nelly Bay. 

Do You Need to Rent a Car On Magnetic Island?

No, you don’t need to rent a car to get around Magnetic Island. As mentioned above there are plenty of transportation options. However, the most convenient option is to rent a car. 

Can You Swim at The Beach on Magnetic Island?

You can swim on Magnetic Island but there are a few things to keep in mind beforehand. First off, avoid swimming on the west side of the Island, there are crocs and tiger sharks here. 

On the other hand, stinger season is during the summer months. From January to April, the deadly Irukandji jellyfish can be in the waters. It’s extremely rare to get stung but people do die from these stingers. During the summer, it’s recommended to wear a sting suit every time to get into the sea. 

If you are swimming here during the summer, stick to Alma Bay where the stinger nets are deployed, and wear a sting suit.  

I hope you enjoyed this post all about the best things to do on Magnetic Island! If you have any questions about visiting Australia, comment below or DM me on Instagram.

Recommended Tours on Magnetic Island

Like this post? Pin it to save for later!