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Magnetic Island is just a 25 minute ferry ride from Townsville. Sealink Ferries depart Townsville to Magnetic Island 12 times a day. Bookings not necessary.
Easily accessible from Townsville, Magnetic Island presents a striking landscape of massive granite boulders, towering hoop pines, scenic
HORSESHOE BAY
Horseshoe Bay is the largest bay on Magnetic Island and is ideal for water sports. Almost every watercraft imaginable is available for hire. It is also a departure point for sailing, cruising, fishing and kayak trips. You can experience swimming on horseback in a new, safe swimming enclosure. Horseshoe Bay Beachfront is considered the tourist strip of the Island, with a substantial array of restaurants, cafes, and bars with live entertainment. The area is also great for families with playground facilities and sheltered picnic tables.
ARCADIA AT MAGNETIC ISLAND
Arcadia is the smallest of the four main bays around Magnetic Island. It surrounds two of the Island's prominent bays; Alma Bay and Geoffrey Bay. Geoffrey Bay is a Marine National Park Zone that is great for exploring during low tide. The old barge jetty located on the left side is a great spot for feeding rock wallabies at dusk. Alma Bay is a very popular swimming spot for local and visitors and the beach is patrolled on weekends and public holidays. There are also gas barbecues, picnic tables, playgrounds, changing areas and toilets - making it a perfect location for groups and families.
NELLY BAY
Nelly Bay is the Island's passenger ferry arrival point from the mainland (Townsville).and is a great place to go for that early morning run or a leisurely walk. Good too for swimming, wind-surfing, sailing a catamaran, or snorkelling on the fringing reef.
Towards the northern end of the beach is a sheltered, coin-operated Barbeque area and a children's playground.
PICNIC BAY
Picnic Bay is located at the south end of Magnetic Island. There are a number of shops and restaurants situated throughout the Picnic Bay Mall, as well as a selection of accommodation, including hostels and hotels. Situated in the middle of the bay is the old jetty, which is no longer used, but a great spot for fishing.Towards the back streets of the township is a popular golf course often used to improve the skills of Greg Norman. The two bays either side of Picnic Bay are well worth visiting. To the west is Cockle Bay where you will find the wrecked City Of Adelaide. To the east is Rocky Bay, which is a local hotspot for sun-lovers and one of the Island's top beaches for swimming and snorkelling.
Magnetic Island is just a 25 minute ferry ride from Townsville. Sealink Ferries depart Townsville to Magnetic Island 12 times a day. Bookings not necessary.
The Townsville airport is only 10 minutes to Townsville CBD and the ferry and barge terminals. You can catch a bus or book a taxi.
Sun Bus operates buses on Magnetic Island, you can learn more here http://www.sunbus.com.au/magnetic-island/
