OUR VILLAGES
Magnetic Island is a destination with everything - from world-class operators to breathtaking natural beauty and a thriving islander community. Take the time to discover each of our laid-back villages, each with unique character and experiences. Each of our villages will transport you to a simpler, more relaxed way of life; let us show you.
HORSESHOE BAY
Laid back holiday vibes are here! Whether you want to lay on a beach or get a rush of adrenaline…
ARCADIA
This chilled village is home to one of Queenslands top beaches, Alma Bay…
PICNIC BAY
This sleepy seaside village went from a farm to the busiest bay of the island…
NELLY BAY
Your welcome to Maggie and the perfect base for your island adventures, Nelly is the hub of services…
WEST POINT
If you’re a fan of sunsets and fishing you’ll need to make the trek along the West side of Maggie…
DISCOVER MORE BAYS AND BEACHES
Explore a diverse range of natural wonders on Magnetic Island, from tranquil bays and inviting beaches to hidden coves and rugged rocky outcrops. Uncover the island's well-kept secrets as you discover these captivating coastal gems, each with its own unique charm.
GEOFFREY BAY
Our snorkel trails are ranked in the TOP TEN snorkel sites in Queensland, and Geoffrey Bay is home to one. Spend some time and meet the Bremner Point Rock Wallabies or take a walk over Gabul Way and appreciate the sweeping views.
GOWRIE BAY
A favourite destination for snorkeling enthusiasts. While it may not boast a sandy beach, it offers a vibrant underwater world teeming with activity, all within a serene and relatively unspoiled bay.
RADICAL BAY
Discover the island's most iconic palm trees in this spot. Once a bustling resort, it has since transformed into a tranquil, hidden expanse of sandy shore flanked by rock formations at either end. Embark on the hike and be rewarded with a refreshing swim and unparalleled views.
LOVERS BAY
As you journey westward from Horseshoe Bay, your first encounter will be with Lover's Bay. This secluded haven, shielded from commercial activities, boasts a pristine beach and is one of the least frequented bays on the entire island.
JOYCE BAY
The third of Five Beach Bay, Joyce Bay is well-loved for it’s clear waters and swimming opportunities. Protected by prevailing winds it’s a beautiful spot for a sup and a picnic.
YOUNG BAY
Well known as West Point, Young Bay is one of the island’s most popular beach fishing spots and the clear front runner for the island’s best uninterrupted sunset.
ROLLINGSTONE BAY
In a spot which is hard to get to and comprising of mostly rocky terrain and boulders, it's arguably the island’s least disturbed bay.
ALMA BAY
Ranked in Surf Life Saving Club’s top ten beaches is sweet family-favourite Alma Bay. Framed by beautiful rocky headlands, vibrant coral gardens, and teaming with marine life, there’s a great playground and plenty of picnic space.
ARTHUR BAY
A local favourite, relatively easy to access, and best known for being the island’s most Instagrammable bay. Even if you can't arrive by water, a few hiking trails reach this picturesque location. The fringing reefs and abundant marine life make the journey well worthwhile.
BALDING BAY
The walk into Balding Bay from Horseshoe is a short but steep walk with the option to stay or venture further into the island’s secluded bays. Best known for being one of the island’s two nudist beaches and for the prominent rock formation perched on the headland.
MAUD BAY
The first of the famous Five Beach Bay, Maud Bay, has a residential property and a fair stretch of sand. There are some small patches of coral out the front and vibrant clear waters due to the location of the bay.
WILSON BAY
The smallest and fourth bay of Five Beach Bay absolutely packs a punch. Its discreet location might easily go unnoticed unless you're actively seeking it out. This hidden gem ranks among our top choices for a refreshing swim if you have access to your own watercraft.
BOLGER BAY
Bolger Bay is situated within a Nature Reserve on the western side of the island. It is characterized as the largest, least disrupted, and most ecologically diverse lowland habitat on the island.
ROCKY BAY
Between Nelly and Picnic Bays is the typically quiet Rocky Bay. Choose your tide wisely as anything too high will mean this little stretch of sand disappears for a few hours. Clothing is optional at Rocky, so don’t be surprised by what you may see!
WHITFIELD COVE
Tiny Whitfield Cove is best known for its rocky headlands and remote location, best accessed from the ocean. The locals will argue whether it’s Whitfield Cove or Fisherman’s Cove.
FLORENCE BAY
Famous Florence, a popular secluded beach with boaties on the weekends, but a weekday could see you have the whole beach to yourself. Mermaid Cove is nestled in the wing of the bay, and there’s abundant coral and marine life. If you don’t fancy a swim, the beach is lined with shady casuarinas.
WHITE LADY BAY
Nestled within the East Wing of Horseshoe Bay, it's quite forgivable if White Lady Bay has escaped your notice. This hidden gem was once home to an old oyster farm and boasts a shoreline composed of millions of tiny coral fragments. Travel to this sweet little spot via kayak or boat.
NORRIS BAY
The second of Five Beach Bay, Norris Bay is popular with commercial yachts but limited access means it’s still relatively undisturbed, the beautiful mountain range behind the bay is truly mesmerizing.
HUNTINGFIELD BAY
Arguably the most popular of Five Beach Bay, Huntingfield is sure to captivate you during the wet season with the island's most iconic waterfall and enchanting rock pools overlooking the ocean. In the dry season, the bay's tidal characteristics create an ideal setting for stand-up paddleboarding and swimming.
COCKLE BAY
On a low tide day, Cockle Bay is your gateway to the island’s most famous shipwreck, the SS City of Adelaide. A cool blue holiday house is perched on the rocks, and in the wet season, there’s a popular waterhole not far from here.