Magnetic Island Holiday Ideas
Searching for that unicorn holiday full of opportunity and experience you can’t find just anywhere? Maybe Magnetic Island is just the place to make all your holiday dreams come true. Here are just a few things only Magnetic Island can offer.
Butterfly Forest
Horshoe Bay’s Butterfly Forest is Magnetic Island’s hidden gem. From April to September, thousands of butterflies migrate here. Watch out for the Blue Tiger, Common Crow and Purple Crow among many others. The Butterfly Trail is an easy 280m walk between Dent Street and Heath Street accessible by foot. Ideal for families and nature enthusiasts.
Private Beaches
Maggie has some of Australia’s most spectacular beaches. Nelly Bay is easily accessible and close to facilities, including the ferry terminal and restaurants. For safety, Alma Bay and Picnic Bay are patrolled by lifeguards and both are easily accessible by car. If private seclusion is more your thing, Balding Bay and Rocky Bay are only accessible by foot or boat, meaning you are likely to have the place all to yourself.
Walks
Magnetic Island boasts some of the most incredible walks and trails too. The Forts Walk is a uniquely historical 4km return track. See old WWII military installations including a concrete fort among the pines. The Hawking’s Point Lookout trail is a 1.2km return and you’ll be treated to amazing views of Rocky Bay, Picnic Bay, and Nelly Bay. Make sure you pack your swimmers as it will be hard to resist the pristine waters of Rocky Bay. From Horseshoe Bay, you can hike a split path to Balding Bay or Radical Bay or choose to cover the 4.7km return trail and visit both. This trail has some challenging areas like rocky steps and little shade, so this walk suits the prepared and adventurous hiker.
Snorkelling Shipwrecks
What is more unique than exploring a shipwreck? Magnetic Island has several – historical remnants from a time long gone reclaimed by the waters and sea life. The SS City of Adelaide wreck is partially visible above the water and has become an artificial island off the coast in Cockle Bay. The wreck of the Moltke in Geoffrey Bay is one of the most popular dive sites only 100m from shore and 8m down. The US Air Force used her carcass for bomb practice during WWII! That’s just two of 20.
Getting There
Getting to Magnetic Island itself is easy too. From Brisbane, it’s a three and half hour flight but other options are available like the train or a bus. From Townsville, it’s a quick 20-minute ferry ride across Cleveland Bay arriving at Nelly Bay. Once on the island, catch the bus or rent a bike or car.
Come Play!
Magnetic Island is a unique holiday spot filled with experiences you won’t find anywhere else. With easy access to the island and most attractions, it’s the ideal destination for your next holiday.
