We usually recommend that you wait and book your tours through reception. We can try and predict the best weather day for your activity.

Here’s a brief idea of some things to do on ‘Maggie’ – besides chilling out!:

  • Markets
  • World famous toad races
  • Golf and bowls clubs
  • Magnetic Island’s BEST Bus Tour
  • Island fringe coral snorkeling trips
  • Jet-ski circumnavigation of the Island
  • Breakfast with the Koalas
  • Sea kayaking
  • Stage Door Theatre Restaurant
  • Sailing trip
  • Dive trips to the S. S. Yongala site
  • History museum
  • Aquarium
  • Great bush and beach walks including our most popular walk to The Forts
  • Beautiful scenery – it’s a wonderful place to enjoy the beauty of nature and put the demands of busy lives in perspective, including our 23 beaches and bays.

Every SUNDAY* Magnetic Island Community Markets are held from 9:30am-2pm on the foreshore in Horseshoe Bay.

(*Some seasonal variations occur. Check our welcome letter on your arrival. Markets often can also close in January and recommence in March – just ask us).

Circumnavigate Magnetic Island. Bay hop, fish feed, snorkel and fish. Full day and half day options are available.  Snack, snorkeling/fishing gear/stinger suits included.  Excellent local guide/operator.

Get picked up from our Reception and Neil will share their excellent island knowledge with you.  Travel in their bus in air-conditioned comfort.  A great tour to pre-book and possibly do on your first available day after check-in.  Operates daily subject to load.

Magnetic Island’s very own “Greatest Little Show on Earth”! Stage Door Theatre Restaurant has been wowing audiences since 2005 with beautiful live singing, hilarious comedy and tongue in cheek impersonations. Dazzling costumes and orchestral backing tracks add to the theatrical experience that has won them “Best Attraction on Magnetic Island”.  View the current year’s shows &  Book online.

If you like walks you have come to the right place – there are plenty to choose from. Ask us or find more information here and explore The Forts, the round trip of Arthur Bay, Florence Bay, Radical Bay, Balding Bay and Horseshoe Bay, or head out to lookouts such as Hawkings Point – which is a stroll up the beach and between Nelly and Picnic Bays.

Gabul Way links Nelly Bay near the IGA roundabout (near the ferry terminal) to Geoffrey Bay and Alma Bay (Arcadia). This walk has some excellent views across Cleveland Bay and is easily accessible. Hotel Arcadia is also at the end of your journey if you need some sustenance after your walk.

You can’t go past the quality and vehicles and great rates for our resort guests. Visit our car hire page for daily and weekly rates.

Set sail on a beautiful 58 foot sailing yacht! Pilgrim Sailing runs a variety of sailing trips around Magnetic Island for everyone to enjoy!  Lunchtime or Sunset cruises, or a round the island cruise.

It’s been going since the 1960’s – Toad Races, starting at 8pm sharp. Hotel Arcadia – drive, catch the bus at your doorstep or enjoy a walk along Gabul Way to Arcadia. Pick your toad and place your bets for this fun family entertainment. Don’t forget to kiss it for good luck. All proceeds are donated to Magnetic Island community groups. What more can we say – it’s an island institution, an absolute must!

9am daily from Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Jet Ski Tours local guide/operator, will showcase this breathtaking coastline, it’s history, geology and wildlife. Self-drive big, stable craft on either the 3Hr Circumnavigation or 2Hr Top End Tour. Two people per ski (weight restrictions apply), Family Friendly (min. age 6/7), all equipment supplied, free tour images.

Enjoy a Breakfast with the Koalas at BUNGALOW BAY in Horseshoe Bay hosted by the ranger team. Meet and Greet with Australian animals and some special ones you won’t forget including Harry the Southern Hairy nosed wombat and Pebbles the female koala – and learn about Amaroo the new addition who is a rescue koala from south east Queensland. Plus other favourite animals. This interactive experience is about education, sustainability principles and importantly connecting with a team of great people and their passion for the wildlife and Magnetic Island. The ranger cooked breakfast is set within an outdoor area amongst native trees and a scene typical to outback Australia.

Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday – Bookings essential. Book online.

They also offer daily Wildlife Tours.

Just turn up any time between 9:30am-4:30 daily at 6-10 Elena St, Nelly Bay. It’s a 20-25minute walk from Island Palms Resort. See hundreds of ‘Nemos’ and feel the amazing texture of a living giant clam mantel while inquisitive clown fish nibble your fingers. Kids big and small love it!!

Like to see some fantastic old photos and read some great stories of the Island? Visit this volunteer-run center is on Granite Street next to Police Station in Picnic Bay. Open 10am-2pm daily (except Tuesdays). (The center closes annually after Australia Day weekend and re-opens for Easter).

Paddle your own kayak (or share a double kayak), led by an experienced and qualified guide. Departing from Horseshoe Bay, drift over sea grass beds and coral gardens. Sea Kayaks was the island’s first advanced ecotourism certified tour. No experience necessary as full instruction is provided.

To the left of reception, walk along the Nelly Bay Harbour break-wall on dusk—head to the rock wall near the helipad, to see our local community of rock wallabies. They’re timid so keep the noise down and don’t try to get too close to them. If you have a car (or take a bus) head to Arcadia and walk along the old barge road at Geoffrey Bay where plenty of rock wallabies there any time of the day (and possums after dark). Take some bread to feed the large Diamond Backed Mullet. Please DON’T give bread to the wallabies or possums even if you see others doing it—it will eventually kill them!

What else is on Magnetic Island?

If you need more information on what to do while you visit the island, check out whatsonmagneticisland.com.au. It’s our local event website that also has lots of handy information that will make your stay a real adventure!

You can also download the ‘Top Things To Do’ list.

Going to Townsville for the day?

Strand Water Park – most of you with children spy it on your taxi ride from the airport to the ferry! Just remember it’s closed every Tuesday and Wednesday (but open daily during Qld and NSW school holidays).