MAGNETIC ISLAND

Magnetic Island was named for the mysterious "magnetic" effect it had on the ship's compass of Captain Cook as he passed the island in 1770. Magnetic Island is just twenty minutes offshore from Townsville, by fast catamaran. Two thirds of the island is National Park. But Magnetic Island is much more than just a tourist destination; it's home to over 2000 residents... and that's not counting the koalas!

FEATURING 23 SPECTACULAR BEACHES AND A DRAMATIC COASTLINE DOTTED WITH MASSIVE GRANITE BOULDERS AND SUPERB HOOP PINES, MAGNETIC ISLAND IS THE "NATURAL DESTINATION" FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR A NATURAL EXPERIENCE.

Magnetic Island, within sight across the beautiful crystal blue waters of Cleveland Bay from Townsville, is a spectacular spot for those who love nature. A classic for both locals and visitors, Magnetic Island, with more than 300 sunny days per year, is one of the most spectacular sceneries in Australia.

Over half the island is a national park, protecting both the abundant wildlife and the diverse scenery: granite hills, rainforests, eucalypts, pines… More than 100 species of birds inhabit the area, such as Kookaburras, Cockatoos, etc, converting the island on a paradise for birdwatching. Magnetic Island is also home to Australia's largest and most northerly colony of wild koalas, which can be seen on the Forts Walk. Koalas can also be viewed in captivity at Bungalow Bay Koala Village. Bungalow Bay has a boutique wildlife park featuring Australia's native animals. Koalas, pythons, crocodiles and lizards can be handled. Tropical fish and all sorts of marine life are abundant in the coral reefs that surround the island.

Although it is only eleven kilometres across at its widest point, the island has more than forty kilometres of coastline and dozens of gorgeous bays and beaches, many of which are secluded and are often accessible only by foot or boat.

ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO DO - MAGNETIC ISLAND

Activities on 'Maggie', as locals fondly refer to it, are numerous and will suit everyone. Water sports are popular all year round: discover the beautiful fringing coral reefs either by snorkelling or diving, take a guide kayak tour to see dolphins, turtles, and sea eagles, practice jet skiing or waterskiing or, if what you want to do is relax, hire a yacht or go fishing. There are nine ship wrecks located around the coastline of the island that can be explored. Feel part of the nature horse riding on the beach at Horseshoe Bay or experience the island from a bird's eye view skydiving. Or get ready for the Full Moon Party that takes place every month on the Friday closest to full moon.

NATURAL SITES

MAGNETIC ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
The Magnetic Island National Park covers just over half of the island (2,533 hectares). The park features dramatic landscapes and seascapes, with 23 spectacular beaches and a wide number of coral reefs surrounding the island. Within the island there also are mangrove communities important as fish nursery areas and seagrass beds which support an important dugong population. Some of the beaches are home to turtle nesting areas.

The park is abundant in wildlife, including some rock-wallabies, a significant community of koalas, seabirds, waterbirds and forest birds. Fishing is also popular in the park, although with restictions in certain areas. Bushwalking is another interesting pastime when in Magnetic Island. A network of walking trails, from easy to moderate, allows you to discover the island's natural environment.

The island is the traditional home of the Wulgurukaba (canoe) people, who can still be traced down thanks to the shell middens, stone tools and art sites that still remain in Magnetic Island.

For more information about Magnetic Island National Park, please visit our NATIONAL PARKS page.

GREAT BARRIER REEF
Magnetic Island is surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef National Park, offering beautiful scuba diving and snorkelling. If you want to learn more about the Great Barrier Reef, please visit our GREAT BARRIER REEF page.

BUSHWALKING

There are more than 25 kilometres of walking tracks through National Park that will allow you to see the wildlife in its natural habitat as well as to enjoy breathtaking views from the different lookouts. The fort walks, passing through forts that were built in 1942, just after the Japanese bombed Townsville, to protect the island, are highly recommended. Keep your eyes open, Koalas inhabit the area and you may even spot one.

But if you want to discover the island on wheels, rent a Mini Moke, the island traditional way of transportation, a Harley Davidson, a scooter, a bike, or a four wheel drive if you are more adventurous and want to explore the off the beaten track. Please visit our CAR HIRE page for an obligation-free quote (you may be amazed at the prices we can get for you).

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

AQUASEARCH AQUARIUM
6-10 Elena Street, Nelly Bay
Phone / Fax (07) 4778 5096
This fantastic lab and aquarium, open to the public, features 21 year old aquacultured giant clams, weighing more than 60 kilos, among other marine fish and invertebrates. If you make it to Aquasearch, you will see something unseen in nature due to competition between fish species: clownfish swimming amongst giant clams.

MAGNETIC ISLAND GOLF COURSE
Picnic Bay
Phone (07) 4778 5188 / Fax (07) 4758 1189
Open from 8:00am daily
This is a spectacular nine hole golf course and rumour has it that it is where GREG NORMAN first played golf.

For more information about other golf courses in Tropical North Queensland, please visit our GOLFING page.

MAGNETIC ISLAND BOWLS CLUB
18 Marine Parade, Arcadia
Phone (07) 4778 5290 / Fax (07) 4778 5209
Open Sunday, Tuesday and Friday except public holidays
All visitors are welcome. If you want to play on a Friday, you should register your name before 10:00am. The rest of the days it is enough to have your name registered at 1:00pm. The games start at 1:30pm.

VAN BEMMEL FINE ART STUDIO
Corner of Hayles Avenue and Appian Way, Arcadia
Phone (07) 4758 1299 / Fax (07) 4778 5944
Open Sunday, Tuesday and Friday except public holidays
Vonnie is a local artist who can often be seen around in the bush, painting. Most of her subjects are a direct reflection of the surroundings; the wildlife, views characters, flora and fauna, all magnificently available in its natural form or habitat.

TOURS

ADRENALINE DIVE
9 Wickham Street, Townsville
Phone (07) 4771 6527 / Fax (07) 4771 6527
Adrenalin Dive specialises in day trips to the wreck of the SS Yongala, only for certified divers, and Wheeler Reef, catering for intro divers as well. These daily day trips depart from Townsville and Magnetic Island.

ADRENALIN JET SKI TOURS
89 Gifford Street, Magnetic Island
Phone (07) 4778 5533
Adrenalin Jet Ski Tours are Australia's first self-drive jet ski company. Based in Magnetic Island, the tours will take around the whole island - 85 kilometres of thrilling adventure while taking in the beautiful scenery and amazing wildlife.

HORSESHOE BAY RANCH
38 Gifford Street, Horseshoe Bay
Phone (07) 4778 5109
Horseshoe Bay Ranch offers bush or beach rides, depending whether you to discover the island's rugged interior or feel the clear water of the Coral Sea surrounding you and your bridle. An unforgettable experience.

MAGNETIC ISLAND SEA KAYAKS
Magnetic Island
Phone (07) 4778 5424 / Fax (07) 4778 5457
With Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks, you can discover the magnificence of Magnetic Island from the quiet of your own kayak. This is the best way to learn about the island's wildlife, ecology and history at your own pace.

SEA QUEST ISLAND CRUISING
Horseshoe Bay
Phone (07) 4778 5952
Sea Quest is a 11m (36 foot) Steber motor cruiser, a purpose built recreational vessel designed for comfort and space with extended shade to keep you cool. Go sightseeing with lunch or afternoon tea provided, boomnetting, snorkelling, fish and bird feeding, swimming with the fish, or watch the sunset.

JAZZA SAILING TOURS
Magnetic Island
Experience the thrill of authentic sailing around Magnetic Island on a one day sailing adventure or on a sunset tour. Jazza visit the secluded beaches and bays of the island.

MI WHEELS
13 Pacific Drive, Horseshoe Bay
Phone (07) 4778 5491 / Fax (07) 4778 5104
The 'Leyland Mini Moke' has become a part of the Magnetic Island lifestyle and you too can enjoy the wind breezing through your hair as you tour around beautiful Magnetic Island in your colourful Mini Moke.

MOKE MAGNETIC
112 Sooning Street, Nelly Bay
Phone (07) 4778 5377 / Fax (07) 4778 5660
The 'Leyland Mini Moke' has become a part of the Magnetic Island lifestyle and you too can enjoy the wind breezing through your hair as you tour around beautiful Magnetic Island in your colourful Mini Moke.

PLEASURE DIVERS
10 Marine Parade, Arcadia, Magnetic Island
Phone (07) 4778 5788
Pleasure Divers is Magnetic Island's only PADI 5 star centre. Specialising in courses ranging from beginner to instructor. Certified divers can explore the fringing reefs or even discover a shipwreck on a one day trip or a 2 day 2 night live-aboard. Snorkellers also catered for.

REEF ECOTOURS
Magnetic Island
Phone (07) 4778 5539
Catering for beginners, advanced scuba divers, families and educational groups, Reef Ecotours provide safe and informative snorkelling excursions on the coral reefs of the island.

TROPICANA TOURS
Kirwan
Phone (07) 4758 1800 / Fax (07) 4773 7096
Let Tropicana Tours take on a unique jeep tour around some of the most magnificent beaches and most remote areas of Magnetic Island. There are different tours to choose from, depending of what you feel like doing or visiting.

EVENTS

MAGNETIC ISLAND RACE WEEK
2007 will be the first year to see the Magnetic Island Race Week, Australia's richest Sailing Regatta. Attracting some of the country's leading mariners and yachts to the pristine waters of Cleveland Bay, the regatta will attracts more than 60 yachts, competing for prize money of at least $10,500.

Apart from the regattas scheduled for the weekend, social events will take place on the island and mainland in order to keep visitors, sailors, crew and accompanying families entertained.

MAGNETIC ISLAND RUN
Every September, the Townsville Roadrunners meet on Magnetic Island for their annual island run. Magnetic Island is the perfect location for a spectacular run because of its blend of national park, rugged mountain tracks, charming bays and perfect weather all year round.

GREAT TROPICAL JAZZ PARTY ON MAGNETIC ISLAND
Ten bands and over 40 leading overseas, interstate and local musicians present three nights and two days of exciting Jazz from Mainstream to Contemporary in a program of concerts and jam sessions in a relaxed and intimate atmosphere and beautiful tropical resort setting.

For more details about these and other events in the region, visit our TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND EVENTS CALENDAR.

ACCOMMODATION - MAGNETIC ISLAND

Magnetic Island has long been a favourite family holiday destination, and that is evident in the number of holiday homes on the island. But there are also holiday units and villas, modern resorts, and guesthouses offering bed and breakfast accommodation. The young and young at heart may choose to stay of one of the Magnetic Island backpackers hostels. Scroll down to view the range of Magnetic Island accommodation, or use the buttons on the right to find holiday accommodation in a particular part of Magnetic Island; Horseshoe Bay, Nelly bay, Picnic bay or Arcadia Bay.

HORSESHOE BAY

BUNGALOW BAY KOALA VILLAGE
40 Horseshoe Bay Road, Horseshoe Bay (MAP)
Phone (07) 4778 5577 / Fax (07) 4778 5781
Tollfree 1800 285 577

www.bungalowbay.com.au

The real island experience!

Bungalow Bay Koala Village backs onto national park in Horseshoe Bay and is a YHA resort with 25 private and 5 dormitory style bungalows. Camping in either powered or non powered sites in a bush setting with native free ranging wildlife is just a bonus along with the Koala Sanctuary and Learn to Dive opportunities. The resort features an open deck bar with restaurant, internet facilities, tour desk and landscaped pool. Bungalow Bay Koala Village is an Advanced Eco Certified Tourism product and winner of Australia's Best Backpacking Accommodation in the 2007 Australian Tourism awards.

SAILS ON HORSESHOE
13-15 Pacific Drive, Horseshoe Bay (MAP)
Phone (07) 4778 5117 / Fax (07) 4778 5104

www.sailsonhorseshoe.com.au

Experience life in the tropics.

These modern, fully self contained, villa, townhouse and studio style apartments are located directly across from the beach at Horseshoe Bay, which is the largest of the 23 bays on Magnetic Island.

All apartments are fully self contained. Both villas and townhouses are two bedroom and will comfortably sleep a family of six. Studio apartments are one bedroom and especially designed with the romantic getaway in mind. The property is set around a pool, spa and barbecue area. All townhouses are air conditioned with ceiling fans as well as a private balcony with sea views.

APJOHN HOLIDAY HOUSE
21 Apjohn Street, Horseshoe Bay
Phone 0419 771 867 / Fax 07 4778 5797
A very pleasant private holiday home equipped with all the comforts, located in a closed street and close to restaurants and shops as well as Horseshoe Bay, where you can enjoy your favourite sport.

HORSESHOE BAY RETREAT
90 Horseshoe Bay Road, Horseshoe Bay
Phone (07) 4778 5530
Fantastically located for those who love water sports, this three bedroom accommodation is equipped with barbeque area and a tennis table. The residence is surrounded by a beautiful gardens and it is within a stroll from the beach.

'SHAWS ON THE SHORE'
7 Pacific Drive, Horseshoe Bay
Phone (07) 4758 1900 / Fax (07) 4758 1911
All the units are self-contained, with ocean views from the balconies and a swimming pool. All apartments have a double bedroom featuring a queen size bed and a twin room with extra trundle bed, plus a sofa-bed in the living room.

NAUTILUS BEACH HOUSE
18 Somerset Street, Horseshoe Bay
Phone 0439 768 148
Nautilus Beach House has 3 bedrooms to sleep up to 6, air-conditioning, full cooking facilities, ceiling fans in all rooms, and a large outdoor deck for entertaining.

NELLY BAY

ISLAND LEISURE RESORT
4 Kelly Street, Nelly Bay (MAP)
Phone (07) 4778 5000 / Fax (07) 4778 5042

www.islandleisure.com.au

Home away from home on beautiful Magnetic Island.

The rooms are a fully self-contained studio bure, with the queen bed, triple single bunks, kitchenette, dining table and armchairs within the one area, along with a separate bathroom and private patio. An additional single bed can be placed in your room for twin share, without using the bunks.

The Resort has a lovely lagoon style swimming pool, with spa and gas BBQ area. This area is lit at night, enabling you to eat outside and enjoy our lovely evenings. The Resort is only 50 metres from the beach, with the Nelly Bay beach stretching for nearly one kilomete. There are restaurants within walking distance of the resort, along with two grocery shops, pizza shop, cafés and bakery.

BASE BACKPACKERS
1 Nelly Bay Road, Nelly Bay
Phone (07) 4778 5777
Free pickup from Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal. Free Island Tours and Dive School on site. Stunning pool and decking for sun bathing.

'HARBOUR VIEW HOUSE' HOLIDAY HOUSE
108 Sooning Street, Nelly Bay
Phone (07) 4758 1805 / Fax 040 401 0504
Located just a few minutes away from the Ferry Terminal, spectacular Nelly Bay beach and within walking distance of shops and restaurants. Fully equipped.

'KAREEKA'
3 The Esplanade, Nelly Bay
Phone (07) 4758 1135 / Fax (07) 4758 1135
Polished timber floors all over the place, one queen bedroom, an open plan lounge, dining and kitchen and a bathroom.The house has a beautiful verandah overlooking Cleveland Bay and a barbecue

'LORIKEET HAVEN' HOLIDAY HOUSE
8 Arcadia Road, Nelly Bay
Phone 0402 123 900
With magnificent sea views over Nelly Bay, the new harbour and the surrounding hills, this unique two bedroom holiday home is fitted with a landscaped pool and spa, two double bedroom each with their own private balcony and a huge, shaded deck.

MAGNETIC HARBOUR LUXURY TOWNHOUSE
Unit 1, Corner Warboys and Kelly Street, Nelly Bay
Phone (4) 2527 2824
This luxurious townhouse features three levels with three bedrooms and three bathrooms. This air-conditioned accommodation is fully self-contained, with a spa bath and a huge lockup garage.

MAGNETIC INTERNATIONAL
Mandalay Avenue, Nelly Bay
Phone (07) 4778 5200 / Fax (07) 4778 5806
All the units have air-conditioning, kitchenettes with microwaves, television, balconies, in-house movies, telephones, en-suites, and are strikingly decorated. Pool, gym, tennis court and games room.

MAGNETIC ISLAND TROPICAL RESORT
26-56 Yates Street, Nelly Bay
Phone (07) 4778 5955 / Fax (07) 4778 5601
Winner of the 'Best Tourist Restaurant and Best Unique Accommodation', this multi-award winning resort features a relaxed tropical atmosphere. The resort contains individual private chalet style accommodation, all with private ensuite and balcony.

MAGNETIC WAVES APARTMENTS
Corner of Kelly and Warboys Streets, Nelly Bay
Fax (07) 4778 5348
The apartments are located in Nelly Bay. Equipped with air-conditioning and ceiling fans, a modern kitchen, TV, DVD, a home stereo system. Three bedroom apartment, the main bedroom as its own ensuite with spa bath.

MANTRA ONE BRIGHT POINT
1 One Bright Point, Nelly Bay
Phone 1800 809 533
Comprising four distinct buildings, the resort offers facilities such as 4 swimming pools, spa, BBQ, equipped gym and boardroom. One, two and three bedroom luxury beachhouse style apartments with uninterrupted views of the Coral Sea.

'MANYANA' HOLIDAY HOUSE
3 Opalia Court, Nelly Bay
Phone (07) 4778 5077 / Fax (07) 4778 5244
Located only a short stroll from beautiful Nelly Bay beach, 'Manyana' Holiday House is fitted with polished timber floors, a large deck with a barbecue, two air-conditioned bedrooms plus a loft sleeping area with spectacular sea views.

'PEPPERMINT HOUSE' ISLAND HIDEAWAY
8 Murray Street, Nelly Bay
Phone (07) 4778 5570 / Fax (07) 4778 5868
This renovated island cottage features two bedrooms and four poster beds with air-conditioning and fans throughout. There is a secluded lagoon pool and private and shaded verandahs and an entertaining area.

'THE LIFESTYLE HOUSE'
44 Barton Street, Nelly Bay
Phone (07) 4758 1805 / Fax 040 401 0504
Stylish, fully equipped holiday home, located in beautiful Nelly Bay. Featuring four bedrooms, with Balinese style showers, air-conditioning and fans throughout, in ground pool and an open plan living area.

PICNIC BAY

ISLAND LIFE HOLIDAY HOUSE
14 Yule Street, Picnic Bay
Phone (07) 4778 5343 / Fax (07) 4778 5348
Big enough for 2 families or for those who like a lot of space and quality. It has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms upstairs and 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom downstairs. The three bedrooms upstairs open onto verandahs through french doors.

MAGNETIC ISLAND HOLIDAY UNITS
16 Yule Street, Picnic Bay
Phone (07) 4778 5246 / Fax (07) 4758 1503
The 4 x 1 bedroom and 2 x 2 bedroom units are all on the ground floor, are fully self-contained with kitchen, fridge etc. and have ceiling fans, colour TV, laundry facilities, under cover carpark and airconditioning available.

TRAVELLERS HIDEAWAY
32 Picnic Street, Picnic Bay
Phone (07) 4778 5314 / Fax (07) 4778 5314
With all day funky tunes and friendly staff it's a great place to chill out and relax. Take a break from your busy backpacker's life and recharge at Hideaway for a while, before you move on to the next party place…

TROPICAL PALMS INN
34 Picnic Street, Picnic Bay
Phone (07) 4778 5076 / Fax (07) 4778 5897
Luxury accommodation with fully self-contained and air-conditioned rooms. Set in a peaceful, tranquil and relaxed atmosphere, equipped with a barbecue area and saltwater swimming pool.

ARCADIA BAY

ARCADIA HOTEL & FAMILY RESORT (MAGNUMS)
7 Marine Parade, Arcadia Bay
Phone (07) 4778 5177 / Fax (07) 4778 5939
Arcadia Hotel & Family Resort (Magnums on Magnetic) is located on two of Magnetic Islands most popular beaches and all rooms have an ocean view.

ARCADIA BEACH GUESTHOUSE
27 Marine Parade, Arcadia Bay
Phone (07) 4778 5668 / Fax (07) 4778 5816
With two open air BBQ areas, you can enjoy quiet evening meals sitting on the front deck listening to the sea lapping onto the beach, or on the back patio amongst the tropical garden

BECKY'S ON THE BEACH
14 Marine Parade, Arcadia Bay
Phone / Fax (07) 4788 6769
Well appointed, three bedroom, fully self-contained house at Arcadia Bay. Becky's on the Beach is absolutely beachfront, with magnificent views of Geoffrey Bay

BROOK HAVEN HOLIDAY UNITS
5 Hordern Avenue, Arcadia Bay
Phone / Fax (07) 4778 5262
Beautiful two bedroom self-contained units, surrounded by tropical gardens and close to all the facilities. Swimming pool and spa, barbecue area and a games room.

FORESTHAVEN TROPICAL RESORT
11-13 Cook Road, Arcadia Bay
Phone / Fax (07) 4778 5153
Located in the National Park in Arcadia, Foresthaven Tropical Resort is surrounded by magnificent tropical gardens. The units are fully furnished and are equipped with swimming pool and barbecue.

MAGNETIC RETREAT HOLIDAY UNITS
Units 1-4, Cnr. Hayles Avenue and Rheuben Terrace, Units 5-7, 11 Rheuben Terrace, Arcadia Bay
Phone (07) 4728 5502 / Fax (07) 4728 5502
Magnetic Retreat offers three star fully self-contained one and two bedroom units and a four bedroom house with air-conditioning throughout, fully self-contained, swimming pool, barbecue area and undercover parking.

MARSHALL'S BED AND BREAKFAST
3-5 Endeavour Road, Arcadia Bay
Phone (07) 4778 5112
A large country style home, built for the tropics. All the four bedrooms and equipped with ceiling fans and the house features a large guest's lounge area with a TV, board games and a library.

'RETRO PARADISE'
15 Marine Parade, Arcadia Bay
Phone / Fax (07) 5598 7604
This delightful beachfront holiday cottage is fully equipped with all the necessities. Located on the beachfront in Arcadia, the cottage has fantastic ocean views out accross Geoffrey Bay.

DINING - MAGNETIC ISLAND

There are dozens of great restaurants and takeaways on Magnetic Island. To make it easier for you, we have grouped them here according to their location at the island's four main bays: Nelly Bay, by the ferry terminal; Picnic Bay, on the southern tip of the island; Arcadia Bay, just north of the ferry terminal; and Horsehose Bay, on the northern side of the island. If you need to familiarize yourself with the layout of the island, CLICK HERE to open a map in a separate, smaller window.