Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island

A 20-minute ferry from Townsville: koala-bushwalks, Horseshoe Bay and quiet national-park beaches.

7 tours
1 caravan park
8 articles
📷 9 photos
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Tours in Magnetic Island

See all 7 tours →
Magnetic Island Jet Ski Experience: Five Beach Bay in 90 Minutes

Magnetic Island Jet Ski Experience: Five Beach Bay in 90 Minutes

2h 30m
From AUD $260
Aquascene Magnetic Island Quick Dip Trip

Aquascene Magnetic Island Quick Dip Trip

3 hours
From AUD $129
Whale Watching and Wildlife Cruise Townsville and Magnetic Island

Whale Watching and Wildlife Cruise Townsville and Magnetic Island

4 hours
From AUD $175
Magnetic Island (Wulguru: Yunbenun) is an island 8 kilometres (5 mi) offshore from the city of Townsville, Queensland, Australia. This 52 km2 (20.1 sq mi) mountainous island in Cleveland Bay has effectively become a suburb of Townsville. The island is accessible from Townsville Breakwater to Nelly Bay Harbour by ferry. There is a 39.5 km2 (15.3 sq mi) national park and bird sanctuary, and walking tracks can be taken both between the populated bays and to a number of tourist destinations, such as the World War II forts. The island is a holiday destination, with many hotels and several resorts in operation to cater for all levels of service. The public facilities and infrastructure on the island are managed by the Townsville City Council. The island is part of the electoral district of Townsville in the Legislative Assembly of Queensland, and part of the federal seat of Herbert, which is represented by Phillip Thompson. There are five settlements, namely Arcadia, Horseshoe Bay, Nelly Bay, Picnic Bay, and West Point. Geographic features include Rocky Bay, Picnic Bay and Hawkings Point, around its southern extremity, a bay, Nelly Bay to the east-north-east of Rocky Bay, followed by Geoffrey Bay, with Bremner Point as its northern arm. Horseshoe Bay is on the northern coast, and Cockle Bay Reef is off the western coast. In the 2021 census, Magnetic Island had a population of 2,475 people.

Background information about Magnetic Island adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Next 7 days at Magnetic Island

Live forecast from Open-Meteo. Updated each time the page loads.

Loading forecast…

Best time to visit Magnetic Island

Based on 30 years of weather data. Sweet spot: Jul, Aug, Oct — mild temperatures, low rainfall and plenty of sun. Avoid Jan, Feb if you can — typically the wettest or hottest stretch of the year.

Jan
33°
24° low
184mm
Feb
35°
23° low
216mm
Mar
32°
23° low
143mm
Apr
30°
20° low
55mm
May
29°
16° low
34mm
Jun
29°
14° low
25mm
Jul
26°
13° low
22mm
Aug
28°
14° low
12mm
Sep
31°
16° low
13mm
Oct
31°
20° low
21mm
Nov
36°
22° low
39mm
Dec
33°
24° low
78mm
Daytime high (large) · overnight low (small) · monthly rainfall (blue bar). Climate normals: 1991–2020 from Open-Meteo's ERA5 reanalysis.

Beach & ocean conditions at Magnetic Island

Typical wave height around 0.6 m over the next two weeks. a wetsuit makes winter swims much more pleasant.

Avg wave height
0.6 m
Sea-surface temperatures from Open-Meteo's ERA5 reanalysis. Wave forecast from the GFS Wave model — check official sources before swimming, paddling or boating.

What else is around Magnetic Island

Points of interest within 25 km, pulled from OpenStreetMap. Distances are straight-line; check road access before heading out.

🔭 Lookouts & viewpoints (55)
🏰 Historic sites (18)
🦁 Family — zoos, aquariums, theme parks (2)
Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.

Drive times to and from Magnetic Island

Real road distance and driving time to other destinations in the state. Click through for fuel estimates, suggested overnight stops, and tours along the way.

To Townsville
15 km · 0h 26m
To Airlie Beach
287 km · 4h 3m
To Whitsundays
290 km · 4h 10m
To Cairns
361 km · 5h 10m
To Atherton Tablelands
365 km · 5h 13m
To Mackay
401 km · 5h 28m
To Port Douglas
426 km · 6h 14m
To Rockhampton
732 km · 9h 38m

Photos from around Magnetic Island

Coral Coast Tourist Park
Coral Coast Tourist Park
park
Magnetic International Resort
Magnetic International Resort
article
Base Backpackers Magnetic Island — Beachfront Hostel at Nelly Bay
Base Backpackers Magnetic Island — Beachfront Hostel at Nelly Bay
article
Magnetic Island Cruises
Magnetic Island Cruises
article
Magnetic Island Guide
Magnetic Island Guide
article
Magnetic Island Backpackers Accommodation
Magnetic Island Backpackers Accommodation
article
Magnetic Island Transfers
Magnetic Island Transfers
article
Magnetic Island Travel Guide
Magnetic Island Travel Guide
article
Magnetic Island Dining
Magnetic Island Dining
article

Frequently asked about Magnetic Island

Where is Magnetic Island?
Magnetic Island is in North Queensland, Queensland, Australia. The destination guide above maps the area; the drive-times panel further down lists distances to other Queensland destinations so you can pencil it into a longer itinerary.
When is the best time to visit Magnetic Island?
Based on 30 years of climate data, the most comfortable months at Magnetic Island are typically October, August, July — milder temperatures, lower rainfall, and longer sunshine hours. February tends to be the trickiest month weather-wise. School holiday weeks (Easter, late June–early July, late September, mid-December–late January) get busy and prices rise, so shoulder season is usually the sweet spot if you're flexible.
What's the weather like in Magnetic Island?
Summer daytime highs average around 35°C and winter overnight lows can drop to about 13°C. Annual rainfall sits at roughly 840 mm spread across the year. The climate panel above breaks every month down — daytime high, overnight low, monthly rain, sunny days — so you can match the trip to the weather you want.
How do I get to Magnetic Island?
Most travellers arrive by road. From Townsville it's about 15 km — roughly 0h 26m of driving via the main highway, conditions permitting. The drive-times panel above lists travel time and distance to every other Queensland destination so you can sketch out a road-trip route. Check road conditions in winter if your route crosses high country, and plan for breaks every ~2 hours.
What are the top things to see in Magnetic Island?
Well-known spots within day-trip range include Nelly Bay Snorkel Trail, Pride Rock, Rocky Bay Lookout, Rocky Bay and Picnic Bay Lookout, Mt Paluma. The "What else is around" panel above lists every named point of interest by category — lookouts, peaks, waterfalls, museums, beaches — pulled straight from OpenStreetMap. Click any name for the location, opening hours and directions.
Where can I stay near Magnetic Island?
We list 1 caravan and holiday park in and around Magnetic Island above — powered sites, cabins, glamping, and big-rig-friendly options. Pet rules, dump points and shaded sites are noted on each park's page. For hotel-style stays, the Drive Times panel makes it easy to base yourself in a nearby town and day-trip in.
How many days should I spend at Magnetic Island?
Most travellers spend 1–2 days at Magnetic Island to cover the highlights without rushing. There are 7 bookable tours and experiences, 0 attractions and 5+ named viewpoints/landmarks listed for the area on this page — plenty to fill a weekend, more if you slow down and explore the outer reaches.
Is Magnetic Island good for families with kids?
Yes — there are 17 family-friendly attractions, museums and family destinations within easy reach (zoos, aquariums, interactive museums, family-friendly theme parks). The caravan parks section above flags parks with playgrounds, kids' pools and family cabins.
Is there public transport at Magnetic Island?
Coverage varies — major destinations have train and bus links from the closest capital, but smaller regional towns rely on infrequent coach services. The most reliable way to explore the wider area is a hire car or your own vehicle. If you're using public transport, plan around the timetables and check the night before you travel; rural routes are often once or twice a day.
Is Magnetic Island accessible for wheelchair users and reduced mobility?
Major town centres, museums and built-up tourist precincts at Magnetic Island are usually accessible; bush walks and lookouts vary widely. The OpenStreetMap data underneath the "What else is around" panel records wheelchair access on individual sites — click through to any place's page for the specific accessibility info. For tours, check the operator's website or call ahead; most reputable operators publish their access details.
How much does a trip to Magnetic Island cost?
Budget travellers can do Magnetic Island on roughly $120–180 per person per day (caravan park, cooking your own, free walks); mid-range $200–350 (hotel, paid attractions, eating out once a day); higher-end $400+ (boutique stays, tours, fine dining). Fuel is the big variable — Australia's regional driving distances add up. Tours and attractions in the listings above show prices in AUD where the operator publishes them.
Will I have phone signal at Magnetic Island?
Most named destinations in Queensland have at least Telstra and Optus coverage in town. Coverage drops off quickly outside built-up areas — particularly in national parks, valleys and along long stretches of highway. If you're heading into remote areas, download offline maps before you leave, tell someone your itinerary, and consider a PLB (personal locator beacon) for serious bush walks.

All tours in Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island Jet Ski Experience: Five Beach Bay in 90 Minutes
Magnetic Island Jet Ski Experience: Five Beach Bay in 90 Minutes
★ 5.0 · from AUD $260
Aquascene Magnetic Island Quick Dip Trip
Aquascene Magnetic Island Quick Dip Trip
★ 5.0 · from AUD $129
Whale Watching and Wildlife Cruise Townsville and Magnetic Island
Whale Watching and Wildlife Cruise Townsville and Magnetic Island
★ 5.0 · from AUD $175
Magnetic Island Jet Ski Tour
Magnetic Island Jet Ski Tour
★ 5.0 · from AUD $400
Townsville Departure Maggie Discovery Tour including Guide
Townsville Departure Maggie Discovery Tour including Guide
★ 5.0 · from AUD $189
Magnetic Island Sailing Cruise ex Townsville
Magnetic Island Sailing Cruise ex Townsville
★ 5.0 · from AUD $279
Glamping Resort on Magnetic Island
Glamping Resort on Magnetic Island
from AUD $220

Caravan parks nearby

Coral Coast Tourist Park
Coral Coast Tourist Park
Mount Saint John · Townsville City
★ 4.3

Nearby destinations

Townsville
Townsville
North Queensland
Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef
Queensland coast
Bedarra Island
Bedarra Island
Cassowary Coast / Family Islands
Mission Beach
Mission Beach
Cassowary Coast
Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach
Whitsundays
Whitsundays
Whitsundays
Central Queensland

Magnetic Island travel articles

Magnetic International Resort
Magnetic International Resort
Property Information: Located just 8km off the coast of Townsville, Magnetic Island International Resort on Magnetic Island strikes a perfect balance between the seclusion of an island paradise and modern comfort. Set amongst 10 acres of lush tropical gardens and manicured lawns, the Resort adds a t
Base Backpackers Magnetic Island — Beachfront Hostel at Nelly Bay
Base Backpackers Magnetic Island — Beachfront Hostel at Nelly Bay
Base Backpackers Magnetic Island is the large beachfront hostel at Nelly Bay — dorms, private rooms, a beach bar, a pool, and quick access to the wild koala population in the island bushland behind it.
Magnetic Island Cruises
Magnetic Island Cruises
» Click Here For Accommodation Information Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island Guide
Magnetic Island Guide
As there is no product in this category, please call us on our free call number 1800 815 378 and we will help you with your inquiry, or alternatively, you can email us Here. Australian Travel Wholesalers welcome inquiries from potential advertisers on this site. Contact us on our free call number 18
Magnetic Island Backpackers Accommodation
Magnetic Island Backpackers Accommodation
When it comes to backpackers, Magnetic Island has a lot to offer, Magnetic Island Backpackers' accommodation has a highly likely chance that there will be some available throughout the year. Townsville backpacker Airlie Beach backpacker Magnetic Island accommodation
Magnetic Island Transfers
Magnetic Island Transfers
» Click here for Magnetic Island accommodation Information
Magnetic Island Travel Guide
Magnetic Island Travel Guide
» Click here for Magnetic Island accommodation Information
Magnetic Island Dining
Magnetic Island Dining
» Click Here For Accommodation Information Magnetic Island