Australia travel guideMagnetic island: Australia's koala paradiseCoral sea, Australia
Last updated on 11/05/2025 at 11:52 PM
Magnetic island lies just 5 miles off the Australian coast near the city of Townsville in northern Queensland. The island sits at the northwestern entrance to Cleveland Bay.
Although the Great Barrier Reef is still some distance offshore at this latitude, it gradually starts getting closer to the coast.
Many marked hiking trails crisscross Magnetic island, most of them through the National Park
A bit of history and geography
Originally inhabited by the Wulgurukaba Aboriginal people, also known as the « canoe people », the island was called « Yunbenun ». Today, it owes its name, Magnetic island, to Captain Cook. While sailing past in 1770, his compass went haywire, leading him to believe the island was magnetic. The phenomenon never happened again, but the name remained.
Magnetic island is a mountainous, vegetation-covered island, with more than half of its surface protected as the « Magnetic Island National Park ». With its four main settlements — Picnic Bay, Nelly Bay, Arcadia, and Horseshoe Bay — the island has a population of about 2,500 people.
With its many white-sand bays, the island has become a popular tourist destination. The smaller coves — Five Beach Bay, Arthur Bay, Florence Bay, … — remain pristine, while tourism has developed in the larger ones like Picnic Bay, Nelly Bay, Geoffrey Bay in the south, and Horseshoe Bay in the north.
A few homes can also be found at the far western tip of the island, at West Point and Cockle Bay.
Things to do
Even though « Maggie », as locals affectionately call it, isn't a place of grand spectacles, it's worth a visit for its tropical charm and relaxed, peaceful vibe.
Many well-marked trails cross the island — about 15 miles in total — most of them winding through the National Park. The « Forts Walk » trail is a must ! Besides leading you to World War II military ruins that hint at the island's strategic past, it also passes through the largest wild koala colony in Queensland — a magical encounter if you're patient and keep your eyes open !
With its many white-sand bays — some still untouched — Magnetic island has become a popular tourist destination.
The Forts Walk trail on Magnetic island crosses the largest wild koala colony in Queensland — a magical encounter if you keep your eyes open !
Once at the top, you can enjoy a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view over the many bays and the Coral Sea.
You can also explore the island by bus, four-wheel scooter, or bicycle (available for rent locally). Don't overlook hitchhiking — locals are very friendly, just like most Australians.
Magnetic island is also known for its lively nightlife — each month, more than 3,000 people come to dance all night on the beach during the famous « Full Moon Party ».
A sunset over the Coral Sea from the heights of Magnetic Island!
Magnetic island also offers amazing scuba diving sites, including the wreck of the HMAS Yongala — considered the best wreck dive in Australia and one of the top five in the world.
And that's not all — other activities include birdwatching, spotting the rock wallabies, strolling along the heritage-listed Picnic Bay Jetty (the island's historic mainland connection for over 100 years, until 2003), or sailing and anchoring in one of the island's many hidden bays !
How to get there ?
Located just 5 miles off the coast, Magnetic island is a quick 25-minute ferry ride from Townsville, with multiple daily crossings. The trip costs around $10.
Two main ferry companies operate the route — one for passengers and another that can also transport vehicles. Ferries depart from the Breakwater Terminal in Townsville and arrive at Nelly Bay, the island's main port.
Once there, you can easily reach the island's beaches and villages by local bus, taxi or rental scooter. For those driving, vehicle ferries run several times a day, allowing you to explore Magnetic island at your own pace.
Top places to visit in Australia
Dive into paradise, the Great Barrier Reef experience
Swim with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef !
Dive among the shipwrecks !
The Sydney Opera House
Where to see whales ?
The islands from coral sea
Fraser island
Hamilton island
Stradbroke island
Whitsundays islands
Explore new islands !
Cayman Brac island
Cook islands
Deception island
Easter island
Embiez island
Frioul islands
Malta island
Milos island
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