Magnetic Island

Introduction

Magnetic Island

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Magnetic Island is an island in the Great Barrier Reef, 10 kilometres off the coast of Queensland near Townsville. It has become popular as a holiday destination with lots of hotels and resorts catering to visitors. A 27 km² national park has some nice walking tracks and lots of wildlife to explore. Several World War II forts are on the island, which can be visited.

Geography

The mountainous island has a total land area of 52 km² and is located in Cleveland Bay just offshore from Townsville. Over half of the island is occupied by the Magnetic Island National Park, which is mostly located in the hilly interior and north-western side of the island. Mount Cook's summit is its highest point at 497 metres above sea level.

Towns

• Picnic Bay
• Nelly Bay
• Arcadia
• Horseshoe Bay

Sights and Activities

• Magnetic Island National Park

Events and Festivals

Weather

Getting There

Magnetic Island is the most accessible island in the Great Barrier Reef, but only by boat.

By Boat

• Sunferries operates a passenger ferry from Townsville to Nelly Bay. It leaves 19 times a day and takes 20 minutes to reach the island. Ferries depart from the Breakwater Terminal on Sir Leslie Thiess Drive. A return trip costs $29 for an adult and $14.50 for children and pensioners. ^[1]
• Fantasea Cruising Magnetic operates a ferry that transports cars as well as passengers. The ferries depart 6-8 times a day from their terminal at Ross St in South Townsville. A return fare for an adult is $26, children are $15.50 and standard vehicles are $164 return.^[2]

Getting Around

By Plane

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Eat

Drink

Sleep