Magnetic Museum
There’s a lot more to Maggie than beaches and bays, and Magnetic Museum in Picnic Bay is one of the best places to dig into the stories behind the island.
The museum is housed across two historic buildings, including the heritage listed former Picnic Bay School and historic Butler Hut. Inside you’ll find permanent displays, changing exhibitions, photographs, documents and artefacts that piece together Magnetic Island’s history and the people who have called it home.
The old school is part of the story itself. Built in 1921, the little one room school served the Picnic Bay community for decades and today provides a fitting home for the island’s collection of historical publications and locally made arts and crafts.
For anyone wanting to go a little deeper, the Hayles Room for Research holds information relating to local families and Magnetic Island’s past, while the volunteers are a brilliant source of knowledge and stories that you’re unlikely to find written on a tourist map.
Entry is free, with donations appreciated, and the museum is open 10am to 2pm Thursday to Monday, from Easter through to Australia Day. It closes over the quieter summer period between Australia Day and Easter.
WHAT WE LOVE
The Buildings Have a Story Too: You’re exploring Maggie’s history inside the heritage listed former Picnic Bay School and historic Butler Hut, making the setting part of the experience.
Stories You Won’t Find Elsewhere: Old photographs, records, artefacts, permanent displays and changing exhibitions reveal a side of Magnetic Island that’s easy to miss when you’re here for the beaches.
Locally Made & Local Knowledge: Browse locally made arts and crafts and historical publications, then have a chat with the volunteers who help preserve and share the island’s stories.
FIND THE MAGNETIC MUSEUM
WHILE YOU’RE IN THE AREA
