Itinerary

Catch the SeaLink ferry from the breakwater terminal in Townsville.  We are open at 8am so come over early to make the most of your day.
– NOTE: 10:30 departing Townsville is the last ferry departure time from Townsville that will get you here in time for pickup

It is a short walk from the ferry terminal to Magnetic Island Roamin

If you are coming over in a car or campervan for a few days then catch Magnetic Island Ferries.
NOTE 10am departing Townsville is the last ferry departure time from Townsville that will get you here in time for pickup

Once you get off the ferry, walk yourself around the marina walkway to enjoy the view of the boats, this will get you directly to Sooning Street where you will see us to your left.  Alternatively walk through past the IGA shopping area and turn left onto Sooning St.

Start your day with an adventure to explore some of Magnetic Island’s scenic spots. Here’s how to get there:

1. Head North from your pick up on Sooning St

As you wind your way over Garbel Way, enjoy the breathtaking views of Geoffrey Bay ahead.

2. Stop at Geoffrey Bay and the Rock Wallabies

At the end of Geoffrey Bay, along Marine Parade, you’ll come across the famous Rock Wallabies. These curious little creatures love to be photographed, but it’s best to visit them in the cooler morning or late afternoon.
This area is also a fantastic spot for snorkeling in a green zone when the wind isn’t blowing, offering a calm and clear underwater experience.
If you’re after a more relaxed morning, just around the corner is Alma Bay—perfect for swimming or simply relaxing by the beach.

3. The Forts Walk

Continue your journey up the winding Horseshoe Bay hill, and you’ll find the starting point of the Forts Walk at the top. 

• Parking: Make sure to park in the designated car park, as the road leading down to Arthur Bay is currently closed.
• Hiking Options: You can either do the Forts Walk as a return hike or, if you have extra time, complete a full loop, which includes Florence Bay and Arthur Bay.
• Wildlife & Views: Enjoy stunning views along the trail, and keep your eyes peeled for wild koalas! Walkers often leave stick arrows on the ground as “koala markers”—the Maggie way of sharing where to spot them.
• At the Forst Walk you will see WW2 Gun emplacements and historical ruins

4. Relax at Horseshoe Bay

After completing your walk, head down the hill to Horseshoe Bay. Treat yourself to a refreshing drink or meal at one of the waterfront restaurants—well-deserved after your morning adventure!

After a morning of adventure, continue your island exploration by heading towards the south end of Magnetic Island for a relaxing afternoon.

1. Return Journey from Horseshoe Bay

On your way back from Horseshoe Bay, you’ll retrace your path, passing the spot where you picked up your rental in the morning.
If you’re driving, enjoy the scenic route through Nelly Bay. For cyclists, this stretch offers a flatter, more leisurely ride through the heart of the island.

2. Stop at The Cove Road

If you still haven’t had enough of the island’s adorable wallabies, take a quick detour down The Cove Road. You’ll find lovely views and more wallabies hanging out in the park at the rock wall area, a perfect spot for a peaceful break.

3. Head Towards Picnic Bay

Continue your journey to Picnic Bay. When you reach Graite St, you’ll have a choice:

• Left for the Beach: If you’re craving some beach time, turn left for a stop at Picnic Bay Beach.
• Right for West Point: For a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, turn right and head towards the secluded West Point area.

4. Picnic Bay

Once you’ve arrived in Picnic Bay, you’ll find plenty to do:

• Picnic Bay Jetty: Take a stroll along the iconic jetty, a great photo opportunity with the calm waters stretching out ahead.
• Swimming: If it’s high tide, Picnic Bay is a lovely spot for a refreshing swim.
• Hungry:  Head over to the Picnic Bay Mall Sea Salt Arcade, where you’ll find a selection of restaurants and even a local brewery.

5. Hawkings Lookout

For those up for a little adventure, ride to the end of Picnic St and you’ll find the trailhead to Hawkings Lookout. It’s about a 20-minute walk up to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views across the island and towards West Point.

6. Picnic Bay Museum
Learn about the history

If you’ve hired the 50cc electric scooter moped UBCO 2×2, this exclusive adventure is for you!  The 

Visit the SS City of Adelaide Shipwreck
An historical shipwreck famous for its integration with natural plants – Park at the end of the road and view from the beach

• Start your ride by heading towards West Point Road. After passing the golf club, turn left to take the detour to Bolger Bay.
• The Ride: It’s a short but rough ride—expect sandy patches, so take care and ride slowly.
• Parking & Shipwreck: Park at the end of the track. At low tide, you can walk out to the wreck of the HMAS Adelaide. Over the years, beautiful trees have grown through the old shipwreck, making this a unique and picturesque visit.

If you’ve hired the 50cc electric scooter moped UBCO 2×2, this exclusive adventure is for you!

The Adventure to West Point

• Duration: Approximately 20 minutes one way.
• For those renting the 50cc electric scooter moped UBCO 2×2, follow the road from Picnic Bay towards the golf course, then continue left. Soon, the paved road will turn into a dirt track.
• Driving Tips: Slow down as you enter the gravel road and take in the scenery of National Park trees lining the way. Drive carefully to ensure a smooth ride through this natural setting.
• West Point Arrival: At the end of the road, you’ll arrive at West Point, a peaceful and remote spot. It’s perfect for a relaxing walk by the sea or, if you’re on the Sunset Option, prepare for one of the most stunning sunsets over the mainland and ocean.

The Return Journey

• After enjoying your time at West Point, make your way back. If you’ve stayed for the sunset, you’ll be riding part of the way in the dark—don’t worry, your UBCO 2×2 bright lights will guide you.
• Wildlife Watch: Keep an eye out for nocturnal wildlife such as owls as you pass through the National Park on your return ride.
• Once back at Mandalay Ave, you can drop off your hire and catch the Sealink ferry for some well-earned rest.

Don’t forget to check out our 5 Start Google Reviews to see what others are saying

You can enjoy your adventure and explore Magnetic Island with no fuel, zero emissions powered by solar so no need to stop in at the end of the day to re-fill, just more fun and more adventure.

West Point is a stunning more remote area which is accessible only by unsealed road.  If you are hiring the electric moped then you can go on this adventure and also extend your hire to experience the lovely West Point Sunset!

Your best option to find a wild koala is the Forst Walk.  Maggie has a unique method look for arrows made from sticks on the ground used as markers to point out where other visitors have seen a koala!  It is important to keep your distance and only take photos so not to cause stress to wild koalas.

The Forst Walk. is a great walk with amazing views well worth a visit

The best times to see wallabies is the cooler later time of the day.  Rock Wallabies can normally be found in numbers at the Nelly Bay Park (near the Heli Pad) – Great for sunset with the wallabies.   Geoffery Bay is also a great place to find a rock wallaby as the hop amongst the boulders.  For the larger wallabies ride yourself to Horseshoe Bay and you will often find them on the sports oval.

Wild wallabies do not require feeding please keep your distance.

Walking trails summary | Parks and forests | Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation

Magnetic Island walking trail maps

Journeys | Magnetic Island National Park | Parks and forests | Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation

Tourism Magnetic Island – National Park

Magnetic Island is home to some of Queensland’s most beautiful and interesting bird species.  Riding your way around Maggie to explore is a great way to watch

Birds of Magnetic Island National Park (Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation)

The fringing reefs in several areas are good for snorkeling, particularly the northern sides of Florence and Arthur bays.  Ride to the Forts Walk carpark to access by walking from there. The Geoffrey bays reef is also suitable, especially in calm weather when visibility is best. When snorkeling always:

• check tides, currents and wind conditions on the day
• snorkel with a buddy—ensure help is always at hand
• avoid low tide as exposed corals make snorkeling difficult
• avoid kicking, standing on or touching corals as they are easily damaged.

Military presence

From 1942 Townsville became a major base for the military and its harbour, Cleveland Bay, an important assembly point for shipping. During 1942–43, a signal station and coastal battery were built on Magnetic Island for controlling shipping and defence of the harbour. Two 3,000,000 candle-powered searchlights, capable of spotting aircraft at 30,000 feet, were located at Horseshoe and Florence bays, and a radar screen was located high in the hills above Arthur Bay. The Australian Coast Artillery Units operated the Forts complex from 1943 until the end of the Pacific War in 1945. Today the Forts ruins are protected under the Queensland Heritage Act 1992. The Forts Walk has a historical interpretative display about Magnetic Island during WWII.

Nature, culture and history | Magnetic Island National Park | Parks and forests | Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation

The Wulgurukaba Yunbenun story

“Wulgurukaba Gabul Creation Story* The main creation story for this area describes the journey of Gabul. The Gabul story connects Yunbenun to Wulgurukaba Country on the mainland” Gabul : big snake dreaming : a story from north Queensland

According to the Dreaming, Gabul was a giant carpet python who carved the landscape while travelling from the Herbert River out to sea, forming the Hinchinbrook Channel and Palm Island group before coming to rest at Yunbenun. Gabul rested his head at Bremner Point before making his way across the water, forming the Ross River on his way into the mountains. *There are different versions of the Gabul story, this is just one representation.”
Magnetic Island National Park Resource Information

Wulgurukaba language

• Gubul echidna
• Mangara large rock-wallaby
• Gabul carpet snake
• Bingali death adder
• Bargala cockatoo
• Gagugu kookaburra
• Buramu, gulambira butterfly
• Garwun green ant
• Gumu mosquito
• Nirbany frog
• Wubuw ubu the cry of the frog
• Naguba Burdekin plum
• Gawru freshwater lily/lagoon
• Aguny mangrove
• Yamun dugong
• Manggulanga beach
• Dugaru whale
• Burhi (boorhi) fire
• Murdaburhi bushfire
• Gunabura, gundimina, guyb burn
• Yamba camp

Reference Magnetic Island National Park Resource Information

Tourism has been present on Magnetic Island since 1899, when a hotel was erected, with a jetty, dance hall and cruising service developed. A Townsville tourist guide (1924) described the island as ideal for surf bathing and a picnic resort.  You can visit the Magnetic Island History & Craft Centre located on Granite St in Picnic Bay to learn more

Help Protect Magnetic Island from Indian Myna Birds Indian Myna birds are a growing problem on Magnetic Island, posing risks to the environment, native wildlife and community wellbeing. As one of the world’s top 100 worst invasive species, they evict native birds and possums from their habitats. On Magnetic Island there is an estimated 50 to 70 Indian Myna birds currently present. Islands provide a unique advantage for pest management because they have fewer entry points, making it easier to prevent the birds from returning once they are removed.  If you spot one this is where you can report it FeralScan

Koala sightings

A Community for Naturalists · iNaturalist

UN Tourism Tips

• Reduce your environmental impact by being a guardian of natural resources, especially forests and wetlands.
• Respect wildlife and their natural habitats. Animal attractions may imply cruelty.
• Do not purchase products made of endangered plants, animals, or non sustainable hardwood.
• Reduce waste, single-use plastic, water & energy consumption and plan your transport to cut carbon emissions.
• Leave a minimum footprint and a good impression behind.

Make tourism the force for good and set a good example for other travelers!