PLAN YOUR TRIP

Hooray! You’re planning your Magnetic Island adventure! We’ve gathered all the vital information covering the island essentials to ensure you make the most of your escape. Whether it’s basking in the sun on pristine beaches, immersing yourself in nature through hikes, or unwinding at a resort. You’re in for an unforgettable escape with the perfect blend of relaxation and a touch of unexpected.

BOOK ACCOMMODATION

BOOK THINGS TO DO

GETTING HERE

OUR VILLAGES

GETTING AROUND

TRAIL NETWORK

WILDLIFE AND PETS

SNORKELLING SITES

LOCAL TIP

We’re all about that slow living and balance here, so if you’re arriving after 8 pm, we suggest grabbing a bite to eat in Townsville before you jump on the ferry or have some groceries delivered to your room before your check-in, as many of the island’s kitchens shut around 8 pm.

CLIMATE

320 days of sunshine a year, year round swimming conditions, waterfalls during the wet season and perfect Winter days during the dry season. The average daytime temperature ranges from 22 degrees celsius in the Winter to 29 degrees celsius in the Summer, the water temperature varies from 21 to 31 degrees from Winter to Summer.

SUN SAFETY

Take simple measures to stay sun smart, choose protective clothing and eye ware, wear reef safe sunscreen, carry a reusable water bottle and keep it filled for island hikes and adventures.

HOLIDAY SEASONS

The island’s tourism changes in line with seasons and school holidays, our low season is February-March, our high season is June-September and December-January, our should seasons are April-May and October-November.

BEACH SAFETY

Horseshoe Bay and Alma Bay are patrolled daily by Surf Life Saving Queensland. During the summer months, Picnic Bay and Horseshoe Bay have stinger nets in place to minimise the risk of marine stingers. If you have any questions, please chat to one of the friendly lifesavers and for more information on beach safety visit Surf Life Saving Queensland.

SUPERMARKETS

IGA and Foodworks are the island’s 2 larger supermarkets, both have stores in Nelly Bay, Arcadia Store is on Bright Avenue in Arcadia, and Horseshoe Bay Store is located on the foreshore in Horseshoe Bay.

TIMEZONE

Australian Eastern Standard Time is GMT plus 10 hours. We aren’t affected by daylight savings on Magnetic Island.

ISLAND DIFFERENCE

The island has a few quirky point of differences,

  • Buses meet every ferry and only take cash, be prepared;

  • Kitchens generally stop cooking at 8 pm, make sure to book in advance if you’re unsure;

  • Supermarkets close by 8.30 pm.

MEDICAL

The island is serviced by the Queensland Ambulance Service, in case of an emergency call 000. In Nelly Bay, the island also has a doctors surgery (Clements Medical), pathology clinic (Sullivan Nicolaides), visiting physiotherapists, a government health clinic (Magnetic Island Health Service Centre) and a pharmacy.

WILDLIFE

Animals are often moving at nighttime, please slow down and drive carefully
If you accidentally hit an animal or see wildlife in trouble, please call for assistance.