Skip to main content Skip to footer site map

Magnetic Island, QLD

Magnetic Island is the island playground of Townsville featuring prominently in the profile of the city. The island is only 25 minutes from the city centre by regular, fast cat ferries.

Magnetic Island

Two thirds of Magnetic Island is National Park with secluded but easily accessible bays and golden beaches. The Island has nearly 25 kilometres of walking tracks meandering through the protected national parks which are home to stands of eucalypts, more than 2,500 free-roaming koalas and 166 different species of wildlife.

The island comprises self-contained accommodation as well as backpacker hostels. There are a vast range of activities available including: boat trips around the island, parasailing, Harley Davidson tours, water sports, golf, diving expeditions, jet skiing, great fishing, horse riding, and moke hire are all available.

Enjoy Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island, a 20 minute fast catamaran ferry ride from Townsville, is one of those dream holiday destinations perfect for just about anyone who lands on its golden shores.

For starters, its known as the sunniest island on the northern coast with over 300 days of sunshine each year.

Magnetic Island offers more than 5,000 hectares of scenic beauty, two thirds of it national park, and is rimmed by colourful coral reefs, picturesque beaches and secluded bays.

It’s a nature lover’s paradise with over 25 kilometres of walking tracks meandering through forest and rocky headlands, providing sweeping views of Cleveland Bay and the city of Townsville. There are more than 160 species of bird plus large colonies of koalas. In fact north Queensland’s largest koala sanctuary, Koala Park Oasis is located here. In August the waters around the island become the winter playground to a pod of humpback whales.

Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island has an abundance of outdoor activities from jet skiing and sailing to snorkelling, waterskiing and parasailing. Why not hire a canoe and paddle to a deserted beach? If you want to stay on land you can try horse riding on the beach, tennis, golf and lawn bowls.

Getting around the island can be an adventure in itself – do it by Harley Davidson, mini-moke, scooter or bicycle, or take a spin on the amazing stretch jeep. You can even take your own car on the vehicle ferry.

Being home to more than 2,000 residents you can expect all the best in modern conveniences.

Nearest Airport: Townsville Airport

Where to stay?

Experiences

  • 18-35's
  • Active
  • Caravan and Camping
  • Romance
  • Eco Tourism
  • Environmental
  • Honeymoon
  • Mountain
  • Nature based
  • Relaxation
  • Remote
  • Self-Drive
  • Soft Adventure
  • Island

Popular Activities

  • Mountain Biking
  • Bird Watching
  • Bush Walking
  • Canoeing
  • Rock Climbing
  • Cruising
  • Driving
  • Golfing
  • Horse Riding
  • Kayaking
  • Sailing
  • Sightseeing
  • Skiing - Water
  • Wind Surfing
  • Swimming
  • National Park
  • Adventure
  • Fishing
  • Nightlife
  • Rainforest
  • Wilderness
  • Wildlife
  • Scuba-Diving
  • Fishing - Beach
  • Beach
  • Fishing - Deep Sea
  • Diving
  • Seakayaking
  • Snorkelling
  • Reef
  • Jet Boating

About Magnetic Island

  • Magnetic Island Postcode: 4819
  • State: Queensland
  • Region: Townsville
  • Latitude: -19.140232
  • Longitude: 146.833635
  • Population: 2,107
  • Area (Sq/km): 52
  • Timezone: Australia/Brisbane

Explore The Outback

Australia has a vast remote interior, much of it largely untouched. By night, the outback is deathly quiet, with the only light provided by the stars and the moon - a perfect oportunity for stargazing. Explore the isolated heart of the country, meet and connect with Aboriginal people and experience one of the oldest living cultures in the world. Go ‘walk-about’ and immerse yourself with Australia’s endless outback horizons.

Outback Experiences

Luxe Accommodation

Enjoy a distinctly Australian luxury experience, such as the unforgettable reefs, islands, beaches and coast; rugged mountain ranges, rainforests and vast national parks; and the many vibrant food and wine regions. Take a once in a lifetime adventure and discover the sheer indulgence of experiencing the wonders of Australia in style and stay in total luxury.

Australia has wide variety of accommodation options to suit most budgets and travelling preferences. Choose from luxury lodges, boutique hotels, serviced apartments, motels, bed and breakfasts, caravan parks as well as youth and backpacker hostels.

Accommodation

Glasshouse Mountains

The Glasshouse Mountains in the hinterland of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast are actually the cores of 20 million year old volcanoes. The sides of the volcanoes have eroded away leaving only the hardened rock spiremountain cores we see today. Learn more about this awe-inspiring landscape.

Glasshouse Mountains