WILDLIFE

The island boasts an impressive two-thirds coverage of pristine National Parks, making it a haven for a wide array of wildlife on land and in the water. Among its inhabitants are numerous vulnerable and endangered species, including the koala and green turtles. Magnetic Island is home to the largest known colony of koalas in Northern Australia and is a significant site for seasonal turtle nesting and whale watching. To enhance your holiday experience and provide valuable insights into the island's wildlife, we have curated the following points to guide your trip and educate you about the encounters you may have during your visit.

KOALAS ON MAGNETIC ISLAND

The largest colony of free-roaming koalas in Northern Queensland call Magnetic Island home, they are often found sitting in branches and eating eucalyptus leaves or snoozing through the day…

WALLABIES

Allied Rock Wallabies live in the rocky terrain and dense vegetation of the Island. Their subtle colouring camouflages these animals, making them difficult to see among the rocks…

OCEAN FRIENDS

Magnetic Island is located within the world heritage Great Barrier Reef and with that title comes great and amazing ocean animals including, whales, dugongs, dolphins, rays, and turtles…

BIRDS

The island is home to over 180 species of birds; some live on the island permanently while others are migratory visitors…

SNAKES

Several species of snakes inhabit the island including the non-venomous common (tree) snake, and the venomous death adder…

POSSUMS, BATS, AND ECHIDNAS

The island has around 40 species of mammals living in its parks, including near-threatened bats and the adorable short-beaked echidnas…

OUR WILDLIFE LIKES

  1. To sleep and have quiet time during the day to conserve their energy,

  2. Native trees and flora as this is the safest place for them to be,

  3. You to keep your dogs and other pets locked in at night,

  4. You to keep an eye out and take it easy on the roads, especially at night,

  5. Foraging for food,

  6. When you stay calm, quiet, and keep your distance when you come across them in the wild, they like their personal space, so use the zoom on your camera if you’d like a photo!

OUR WILDLIFE DISLIKES

  1. Your pets or feral dogs and cats, they frighten or may even attack wildlife if uncontrolled or allowed to roam,

  2. Garden pesticides – wildlife can absorb chemicals through their paws, in runoff water, or through their food in the leaves they eat,

  3. Fast traffic – animals usually take their time as they cross the road so PLEASE drive slowly

  4. Rubbish – contaminates their habitat and food sources so find a bin and recycle where you can

  5. Nets and fishing lines – marine life can get caught in these which often leads to death

  6. Being fed by humans – in some cases can result in death or unnatural behaviours if they become reliant on being fed outside their natural diet.

The above information is part of the Sealink Magnetic Island Wildlife and Trails Guide, pick up your copy at the ferry terminal.

WILDLIFE CONTACT NUMBERS

Magnetic Island Veterinary Clinic

P: 07 4778 5977

Magnetic Island Koala Hospital

P: 07 4778 5977

Magnetic Island Wallaby Refuge

P: 07 4778 5977

Magnetic Island Fauna Care Organisation (MIFCO)

P: 0457 634 732

Licensed snake catchers:

Rod Thorne

P: 0403 292 295

Sally O’Connor

P: 0437 705 885

Stuart Evans

P: 0438 953 656