The Best Adventures on Magnetic Island
The Best Adventures on Magnetic Island
A day on Maggie can be as laid-back or as full as you want it to be. From your first coffee by the beach to that golden-hour glow over the water, here’s how we’d spend a day exploring our island backyard.
Start Slow – Coffee and a Walk by the Sea
Mornings here are made for easy starts. Grab a coffee from Tiny Palm Coffee in Nelly Bay and wander the esplanade, taking in the palm trees, ocean views, and that quiet island hum before the day gets going. If you’ve got kids, there’s a big playground and plenty of space to run around.
Another favourite for the morning crowd is Arcadia Bakehouse, good coffee, even better pastries, and you’re only a short stroll from Alma Bay. The water’s calm, the park’s shaded, and it’s one of those spots that makes you think, yep, this is the life!
Mid-Morning Moments – Meet Maggie’s Wild Side
Lace up for one of the island’s trails. With over 23 kilometres of walking tracks winding through national park, there’s plenty to choose from.
Hawkings Point is a good one if you’re after a quick win, an easy walk with a big view. If you’ve got more time, The Forts Walk is hard to beat. It has a mix of history, wildlife and incredible lookouts, and did we mention Magnetic Island has the largest colony of koalas in Northern Australia? This trail is one of the best places to spot them in the wild. Plus, that view over the Coral Sea never gets old.
After the walk, head over to Bremner Point. The rock wallabies are usually out hopping around the boulders and are often happy to pose for a holiday selfie. You’ll also end up right next to our Geoffrey Bay snorkel trail, and if the weather’s right, it’s well worth sticking your head below the surface. There, you’ll find coral gardens, a shipwreck, a plane propeller, giant clams, and plenty of fish waiting to be discovered.
Take Five – Explore the Island’s Past
Magnetic Island’s not just beaches and bush walks, it’s full of stories too. From WWII fortifications tucked away in the hills to shipwrecks resting just offshore, the island’s history runs deep. Grab some lunch from Lava Lava or the Maggie Island Brewery, then take a wander along the Picnic Bay Jetty for a touch of nostalgia. It’s one of Maggie’s true heritage-listed icons, a favourite spot for fishing, wildlife spotting, or simply sitting back and watching the world pass by.
Want to uncover more of the island’s secrets? Hop on a Magnetic Island Tours bus and discover Maggie like a local, you’ll see hidden spots and learn things about the island you’d never expect.
Afternoon Adventures - Paddle Horseshoe Bay
Once you’re ready to cool off, head to Horseshoe Bay for a paddle. The water’s usually calm, and you might even spot a turtle or two if you’re lucky.
Horseshoe Bay Beach Hire has kayaks, paddleboards, and pedal boats ready to go, perfect if you just want to cruise around the bay. Or if you’re keen for a little more exploring, join Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks on a guided tour and discover the hidden beach tucked away inside the bay.
End on a High – Sunset on the Water
When the day starts to fade, make sure you’re on the west side. The sunsets here are unreal, all golden hues over the sea.
You can’t go wrong with a cruise: Pilgrim Magnetic Island does a relaxed sail with bubbles and cheese, Aquascene Magnetic Island adds a bit of local history on their shipwreck tour, and Magnetic Island Time Cruises heads up to Radical Bay for a show-stopping view.
However you spend your day, it’s hard to go wrong on Maggie. Every corner has a little magic, a quiet beach, a friendly face, a lookout that makes you stop and just breathe. That’s the beauty of island life: no rush, no rules, just time to soak it all in. If you’re trying to squeeze every bit of Maggie goodness into one day, pick your ride wisely. Go for an e-bike from Magnetic Island Roaming, a topless Jeep Wrangler (hot pink, obviously) from MI Rentals, or a cute Mini Cooper from Isle Hire, whichever you choose, getting around the island is half the adventure!
