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.

Island Activities

Being in a naturally beautiful place, with such good weather, it is not surprising to find an abundance of outdoor activities, especially on the water. These range from the exhilarating, like the Jetski Tour around the island, to the absolutely relaxing, sailing in a quiet bay, stretched out, perfectly content.
There is a choice of sailing and cruising trips with each one different, but all offering a relaxing day out on the water, with swimming, snorkelling over coral reefs or just lazing in the sun.(And now you can rent your own yacht).

Another great way to see the marine life is taking a guided Sea Kayak tour. The qualified instructor will show you the easy technique and from the quiet of your kayak, exploring beautiful bays, you will have the chance to see dolphins, turtles, coral reef fish and sea eagles.
There are sailing catamarans for hire, also sailboards, surfskis, canoes and aquabikes, or how about waterskiing, paraflying, skydiving on the beach or hiring a Jetski. Learn to Scuba dive or experience a resort dive. Take a guided snorkelling or scuba diving tour. Diving and snorkelling gear is also available for hire.

If you fancy a spot of fishing, you can take a guided fishing tour. Other ways to take a tour of the island are by bus, taxi or Harley Davidson, or hire a colourful Moke, trail bike, scooter or bicycle and explore. There are also fun four-wheel drive tours.
If you would like to know more about nature and the national park, there is even a bush walking tour, with experienced guides. They also offer the only hiking tour to the top of Mt. Cook.

There is horse and pony riding, mini golf (they also have pool tables, video machines, table tennis and ten pin bowling island style), tennis and lawn bowls. For all golfing enthusiasts a round at the Country Club in Picnic Bay is a must, (it is said to be where Greg Norman first played golf).You?ll be made very welcome at all the island?s clubs.

Almost anything can be purchased on the island. There are shops in all four main residential bays, including, boutiques, hair salons, newsagents, supermarket, sports store, service station, dive shop, gym, video shops, chemist, souvenir shops, bakeries, butcher, real estate agents, travel agents, coffee shops, general stores, craft shop, galleries, post office, and a credit union. Many shops have locally produced items and souvenirs for sale.
Not only has Magnetic Island a good range of shops, but also a wide variety of excellent restaurants and many take-away places with special tropical menus.

Whether dining in a softly lit restaurant, or eating take-away on the beach while watching the lights of Townsville, there is nothing quite like a balmy, tropical, island night.

Tag: Magnetic Island