One Day on Magnetic Island: Beaches, Walks & Wildlife

One Day on Magnetic Island: Beaches, Walks & Wildlife

October and November are one of the best times to visit Magnetic Island (Yunbenun). The days are warm, the water’s calm, and the island settles into an easy rhythm. You can fit a lot into a day here without ever feeling rushed. A walk, a swim, a good coffee, and a sunset to finish.

This one-day Magnetic Island itinerary takes in some of the island’s highlights, Hawking’s Point Lookout, the rock wallabies at Nelly Bay, Arthur Bay snorkelling, and Horseshoe Bay for gelato and sunset.

Morning: A View to Start the Day

Start your morning in Picnic Bay with the short walk to Hawking’s Point Lookout. The track begins at the end of Picnic Street and climbs through open woodland, passing giant boulders along a tidy path before opening to wide coastal views over Nelly, Rocky and Picnic bays. It’s a great way to begin the day with a fresh island breeze, surrounded by nature and with Maggie’s sea and mountains stretching out in every direction.

Afterwards, swing past Picnic Bay’s best cafe, Lava Lava, on your way to the bus stop at the Jetty. Take the bus to Nelly Bay and stop by the helipad near the esplanade. Here you’ll find Magnetic Island’s rock wallabies, often hopping among the granite boulders. It’s a lovely walk with views of the ferries coming and going, and there’s a smooth path that’s perfect for kids and their wheels, plus a playground nearby. Go quietly, keep your distance and enjoy watching the wallabies in their natural habitat.

Late Morning: A Quiet Bay with Plenty to See

Jump on the bus at the Picnic Bay Jetty and head to The Forts carpark, where the walk down to Arthur Bay begins. It’s a short downhill walk along Radical Bay Road with glimpses of the coastline along the way.

Arthur Bay is one of our favourite snorkelling spots and the perfect place to spend a few hours relaxing on the beach. November sometimes gets a bad rap as the start of stinger season, but swim smartly, wear the right gear, and you’ll have a fantastic time. The sea is warm, the wind is light, and the water is usually clear.

Bring your mask and fins, or make a stop at Pleasure Divers in Arcadia to pick them up before continuing on. Coral gardens start just metres from the shore, and it’s common to see fish, rays and even turtles swimming past.

Pack a light picnic or some snacks and stay a while. The bay is peaceful, shaded in the mornings, and has that quiet, tucked-away feeling that keeps people coming back.

Afternoon: Gelato O’Clock at Adele’s

After your swim, make your way to Horseshoe Bay, the island’s biggest and most relaxed beach. Stop at Adele’s Café for gelato; it’s homemade, creamy and always refreshing after a swim. Take your pick of flavours, grab a seat out front and watch the afternoon drift by.

Spend the rest of the afternoon however you like. You can hire a kayak and paddle out to a secluded beach, join Island Time’s sunset tour, have another swim or simply stretch out on the sand under the palms. Horseshoe Bay’s calm water and gentle pace make it the perfect place to unwind after a busy morning.

Evening: Sunset, the Horseshoe Way

As the day starts to wind down, stay a little longer in Horseshoe Bay. It’s the kind of place where you don’t need to be anywhere else. The sun sinks behind the headland, colouring the sky in soft pinks and deep golds, and the whole bay seems to slow with it. You’ll see locals walking their dogs, kids playing on the beach and a few people quietly watching the light fade.

Make it a moment, and before the sun sets, grab some cheeky takeaway. There are a few good spots along the esplanade, but we can’t go past Sandi’s Magnetic Island for loaded fries under the palms. It’s simple, relaxed and one of our favourite ways to wrap up a day on the island. Nothing fancy, just Maggie being Maggie.

Why Visit Magnetic Island in November

November sits right before the wet season, when the island’s still a little dry and the days are warm and bright. It’s the perfect time to escape Townsville’s heat and soak up the island breeze. The beaches are quiet, the water’s calm, and the atmosphere’s easy. It’s that in-between season where you can enjoy long swims, relaxed snorkelling and unhurried exploring before the summer holidays begin. It’s also the start of stinger season, so if you’re heading for a swim, grab a stinger suit, they’re light, great for sun protection, and keep you safe in the water. If you’re heading on a hike or to a secluded beach, make sure to carry plenty of water, the days warm up quickly. It’s that sweet spot when Maggie feels peaceful, sun-drenched and perfectly unhurried.

Getting Here

Magnetic Island is just a short ferry ride from Townsville, with SeaLink passenger ferries running regularly throughout the day and Magnetic Island Ferries operating vehicle services several times daily. The trip takes between 20 and 40 minutes, and before you know it, you’re swapping city views for palm trees and a tropical ocean.

If you’re flying in, Townsville Airport is only about 10 minutes from the Breakwater Terminal. Taxis and shuttle buses are readily available, and there’s long-term parking nearby if you’re driving. Once you’re on board the ferry, sit back, enjoy the breeze and watch the island come into view. It’s one of those little moments that sets the tone for the rest of your stay.

Getting Around Magnetic Island

Once you’re here, getting around is easy. You can explore the island by hire car, scooter or e-bike, or take advantage of the island’s bus service, which connects Picnic Bay, Nelly Bay, Arcadia and Horseshoe Bay. Buses run regularly and are timed with ferry arrivals and departures, making it simple to get from one bay to the next.

For a bit more freedom, car and scooter hire options are available near the ferry terminals, and e-bikes are a great way to see the island at your own pace and skip the parking stress at the popular spots. There are also walking tracks linking several bays, perfect if you’re keen to stretch your legs and spot some wildlife along the way.

Whether you’re cruising between beaches or just heading out for dinner, getting around Maggie is part of the fun. Relaxed, scenic and full of views at every turn.