Magnetic Island


With 25 spectacular beaches and a dramatic coastline studded with magnificent hoop pines and huge granite boulders, Magnetic Island is the "natural destination" with a wide variety of environmental experiences and attractions.

Two thirds of the island is protected National Park and is home to over 100 species of bird-life including Bluewing Kookaburras, Black Cockatoos, Curlews, Plovers and Sea Eagles. Views from the winding roads or walking tracks are among the most spectacular in the world.

The Island is the most northerly point in Australia to have large free ranging colonies of Koalas. They can often be seen while bushwalking on the island, particularly on the forts walk. Rock Wallabies and Possums are also commonly sighted.

For diving enthusiasts, superb fringing coral reefs and shipwrecks provide spectacular diving sites, some just metres offshore.

If you enjoy bush walking, the island’s 25 klms of walking tracks provide an opportunity to see the wildlife in its natural environment and also enjoy the many spectacular views from several lookouts. One of the most popular walks on Magnetic Island is the forts walk. The 2 klms walk takes you back in time to World War II, where a defence base was built consisting of two gun emplacements, an observation tower and a command post. Panoramic views can be experienced from the command post over Magnetic Island and the Coral Sea.

One of the most relaxing ways to explore the island is to take a sail or cruise. Swim and snorkel in uninhabited bays and beaches, feed the resident fish and marvel at gravity defying granite boulders overhanging the shoreline.

For the little more adventurous, an adrenalin pumping jet ski tour around the island is available.

How to get to Magnetic Island Twenty five minutes by high speed catamaran, Sunferries leave from the Breakwater Terminal in Townsville. Take your own car across on the car ferry, Magnetic Island Car Ferries have several daily services from Townsville.

Magnetic Island is located 8 kilometres from Townsville’s harbour in the tropics of North Queensland. Townsville is located in between Airlie Beach and Cairns, which makes it an excellent stop in between for coastal travellers. North Queensland is a unique combination of tropical coastal areas, rainforest, bush, dry outback, and the Great Barrier Reef. For a truly Australian experience, make Magnetic Island your next holiday destination.

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