Magnetic Island National Park is one of the most beautiful features of this magnificent island holiday destination.
Covering the heartland and much of the coastline, Magnetic Island National Park is a sprawling haven of native wildlife, lush eucalypt forests, and enchanting bays of transparent blue water.
Inviting and green, the 36-kilometer network of Magnetic Island National Park walking tracks promises an exciting outdoor adventure for hikers of all levels and experience!
Balding Bay, Radical Bay, Five Beach Bay, and others teem with vibrant coral reefs and pleasant sandy shores offering both a place to unwind and get active. Being within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, the shoreline of this National Park is the perfect location for snorkellers to base themselves to thoroughly relish this natural wonder. If you’re lucky, you may even spot sea turtles and dugongs!
The inland regions are likewise host to a wide assortment of other iconic Australian wildlife, including koalas, possums, rock-wallabies, and an exciting ecosystem of over 180 species of birdlife.
With stone tools and art sites left over from the Wulgurukaba people, the island also boasts an extensive history. More recently, the island served as a significant military defence point during WWII, with the ruins of the Forts complex adding an intriguing historical artifact sure to tantalise history buffs.
How Big is Magnetic Island National Park?
Magnetic Island National Park is roughly 2,790ha and accounts for just over half of the island. It covers all of the island’s centre, along with most of the northern side excluding Horseshoe Bay.
How Do I Get There?
Being roughly 20km off the coast of Townsville, getting to Magnetic Island is a breeze! You can take the Magnetic Island car ferry or the Sealink passenger ferry from Townville, with the latter only taking 20 minutes. There are numerous services every day, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding one to suit your itinerary.
What Facilities are Available?
The National Park boasts extensive walking trails connecting many of its most famous sights dotted by lookouts, heritage sites, beaches, conservation parks, and more. Several toilets can be found on the north-east side of the park, along with a car park near the Nelly Bay ferry terminal and elsewhere. While camping is not permitted in the National Park, there are two campgrounds on Magnetic Island that are both in close proximity to the Park.
Untouched wilderness, exotic wildlife, and oodles of adventure await you at the National Park. For your next getaway, escape the mainland and relish the serenity and excitement that comes with isolated island life.
Check out the Magnetic Island online directory for more information about things to see and do, as well as places to eat and stay.
