The perfect itinerary for experiencing the best of Magnetic Island on a long weekend

Just off the coast of Townsville, Magnetic Island is the ultimate beach escape. With a mix of natural beauty and laid-back comfort, it’s the perfect place to unwind. A day is great, but a long weekend lets you dive deeper, discover hidden spots, and truly switch off.

Make the most of your Maggie long weekend with this itinerary.

THURSDAY

5:00 PM: CHECK IN AND CHECK OUT THE VIEW

Staying in Picnic Bay is an easy choice. It’s quiet and calm, with everything you need close by and easy access to the rest of Maggie. You’ll find our top Picnic Bay accommodation picks at the end of this article.

Start your long weekend with a standout sunset walk. Head east along Picnic Street, pass the Police Station, and continue to the trail map at the end of the road. The walk to Hawkings Point is about 600 metres and ends at a large boulder with panoramic views of Maggie Island, the coastline, and the surrounding range. On your way back, stop at Maggie Island Brewery for a drink and a casual dinner. For another great sunset hike in Picnic Bay, check out Sail Rock.

FRIDAY

8:00 AM: FIRST, COFFEE

Start your day on Bright Avenue in Arcadia. First stop is the Arcadia Store for local staples and organic pantry bits. Just a few steps away, the Arcadia Bakehouse is the place to grab a coffee and something fresh from the oven. Their beef pies always hit the spot, and the brownies? Oh my gosh. You’re on holiday, so go on and indulge! There is something for everyone, with plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian options, so no one misses out.

10:00 AM: NATURE AND WILDLIFE

Head down the road to Geoffrey Bay, a paradise for nature, wildlife, and ocean lovers that promises to keep you engaged for hours.

Nature Lovers: Take a stroll along Gabul Way, a short, accessible walk featuring several lookout points over Geoffrey Bay and the surrounding marine park. Towering hoop pines and granite boulders frame the view perfectly (chef’s kiss). It’s also a great spot to catch the humpback whale migration or soak up the buzz of Magnetic Island Race Week. The path is wheelchair and mobility-aid-friendly, so everyone can enjoy the view.

Wildlife Lovers: At the far end of the bay, you’ll find Bremner Point, home to the old barge dock and one of the best spots to take in views of Townsville across Cleveland Bay. There’s a small road down to the dock with some parking, but we recommend walking so you can keep an eye out for marine life along the way.

Take your time exploring the area’s iconic rock formations and hidden caves, and don’t miss the chance to meet the friendly Allied Rock Wallabies that live among the boulders. They’re usually most active in the cooler mornings and late afternoons. While we encourage letting wildlife forage naturally, many visitors do feed them, so if you choose to, make sure it’s something appropriate, check out our list from the Wallaby Refuge here.

Ocean Lovers: Bremner Point also features one of the island’s two snorkel trails (the other is at Nelly Bay). Follow the buoys in the water to explore coral, giant clams, and marine life, leading you to the Moltke wreck and scattered plane wreckage. Geoffrey Bay is also a big name in coral reef science, known as the site of the 1981 discovery of mass coral spawning.. For snorkelling gear and more info on the trails, check in with Chad and Haylie at Pleasure Divers just across the road.

1:00 PM: LAZY LUNCH

After working up an appetite, walk over to the Arcadia Village Hotel. Besides a bar and bistro, the pub offers a swimming pool, games room, TAB, and pool tables. On one side, you have Geoffrey Bay, and on the other, Alma Bay, arguably the island’s most popular beach. Spend the afternoon at Alma Bay. Relax on the grass, swim in the calm, patrolled water, and enjoy the spot the Arcadian Surf Life Saving Club calls home.

4:30 PM: SUNSET SAIL

Kick off your second night on Maggie with Pilgrim Magnetic Island. There’s nothing quite like sailing for a dose of calm, and the crew aboard this 58-foot yacht know exactly how to make it special. They’ll take you out across Cleveland Bay for some of the best sunset views you’ll find anywhere around here. The island’s west coast always puts on a show, and these guys have chased more than their fair share of sunsets. The food onboard is all about local, seasonal produce, honestly, we’d go just for the pumpkin chutney.

6:30 PM: COCKTAIL HOUR

After your sail, head to Peppers Blue on Blue and grab a table at the Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar. The view over the Magnetic Island marina is stunning, especially as the night sky kicks in. Whether you’re outside on the deck or inside, it’s a great spot to unwind. The menu is full of fresh tropical flavours, and there’s a solid wine list to match. If you’re after a no-fuss night out, Pilgrim Magnetic Island’s Sip, Sail and Dine takes care of everything, just turn up and enjoy.

SATURDAY

9:00 AM: BREAKFAST BAGELS PLEASE

Lava Lava Magnetic Island in Picnic Bay is a favourite breakfast spot for good reason. It’s right across from the beach, so you get those laid-back island views while you eat. The menu is anything but ordinary, packed with freshly-baked goodies, mouthwatering bagels, and coffee that locals genuinely rate. Their smoothies are full of flavour and feel-good ingredients, perfect if you're after something light but satisfying. But if there’s one thing to get hooked on, it’s the brekkie burger. It’s stacked, it’s tasty, just add cheese please!

While you wait, take a moment to browse Juniper and Co, easily my favourite homewares store on the island.

11:00 AM: TAKE A LOOK THEN TAKE IT EASY

Nestled in the hills between Arcadia and Horseshoe Bay, our Forts Walk offers the perfect blend of history, nature, and wildlife. The panoramic view from the top is pure magic, but it's the koalas you’re likely to spot along the way that will make this your island highlight!

After your hike, make your way back to Forts Junction and take the old Radical Bay road down. When you hit the bottom of the first hill, cross the little footbridge, then turn right and follow the track to Arthur Bay. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, calm waters, plenty of marine life, and a reef that’s bouncing back after the rough weather. Arthur is the perfect spot to relax and have a picnic.

Heads up: bring plenty of water and pack a picnic for Arthur Bay. You’ll be hungry after the Forts circuit, but please make sure you take your rubbish with you.

4:00 PM: GELATO AND SUNSET - NAME A BETTER DUO

No island afternoon is complete without some beach time, and Adele’s Cafe in Horseshoe Bay is a must-visit. Famous for their delicious homemade gelatos, you'll find it hard to choose just one flavour! Once you've made your selection, find a spot under a palm tree across the road and watch the sun sink below the horizon. Depending on the time of year, the sunset shifts from behind the mountains to over the ocean, creating a special glow unique to Horseshoe Bay.

7:00 PM: DINNER AT BAREFOOT ART FOOD WINE

Right in the middle of Horseshoe Bay, Barefoot Art Food Wine is a favourite for locals who love fresh, local, seasonal food. Ask any islander and they’ll probably tell you to go reef and beef. You can choose to dine in their gallery filled with local art, in the softly lit courtyard garden, or out on the front deck overlooking the yachts anchored in the bay.

SUNDAY

10:00 AM: SLOW MARKET MORNINGS

There’s something to be said for slow mornings on the island, and it makes sense to start your slow Sunday in Horseshoe Bay at the weekly local markets. Grab a coffee to go from Sabine and Derek at Cafe Nourish. Their team is known for whipping up wholesome yet healthy dishes and, in my humble opinion, the best coffee in Horseshoe Bay. In their cozy cafe, you’ll find a small collection of local artworks, postcards, and treasures to take home. Across the road, there’s a mix of stalls at the Magnetic Island markets. Take the time to connect with local artists while soaking in the vibe.

Eat: Vonnie's Poffertjes are a Sunday staple you don’t want to miss. We’re topping them with Nutella and icing sugar!
Shop: Dyana Rogers Studio is a regular at our markets, and you’ll want to grab a keepsake. Her illustrations, inspired by our bays and beaches, make her totes, tops, and tea towels truly one of a kind, perfect for taking that holiday feeling home with you!
Relax: Just down the road, Emma from The Sage Room offers a beautiful range of oils and balms, plus massages that will have you floating through the rest of your day.

1:00 PM: HIT THE WATER

Horseshoe Bay is the go-to bay on the island for your water sports fix. Facing north, the bay is largely protected from strong winds, making for what’s usually the flattest water on the island. In the middle of Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island Jet Skis operates 7 days a week as the island’s only Jet Ski Company! Not only do they boast the largest freestyle hire area in Australia, but they also offer the island’s fastest access to the remote Five Beach Bay on their guided Jet Ski Adventure Tours. Seems to us the perfect way to spend a few hours!

Looking to take it steady? Horseshoe Bay Beach Hire offers rental equipment, including kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, paddle boats, and more. Paddle alongside marine life and discover the secluded beach inside Horseshoe Bay. Chat with AJ at the beach to get the insider knowledge!

6:00 PM: EAT AT ELSIE

Restaurant Elsie is a must-visit, you’ll find the team at Picnic Bay’s Seasalt Arcade, gaining attention for honest cooking and feel-good cuisine. Chefs Tally and Laura focus on seasonal, sustainable produce to create an ever-changing selection of special plates. Located next to Maggie Island Brewery, the arcade is a great spot to relax and soak up the atmosphere.

Before heading to Restaurant Elsie, take a stroll along the Picnic Bay Jetty and catch the last of the sunset over the mountain range locals call Nobby’s Headlands.

MONDAY

10:00 AM: SLEEP IN THEN SOAK IN THE VIEW

Holiday sleep-ins feel different here, so why not enjoy a slow, late start? Before you head off, take a moment to relax and start thinking about your next visit!

11:00 AM: JUNGLE CLUB COLLECTIVE

Welcome to the Jungle! You’ll find Jungle Club right on the main strip in Nelly Bay, a hub for small local businesses with vibes that don’t get much better. Tiny Palm Coffee is hands down the cutest little coffee van around. Grab a fresh brew, try their famous matcha or an acai bowl, then kick back in the tropical courtyard. Wander through art studios and carefully chosen boutiques, or treat yourself to a session with Justine at Be Seen Beauty, our local beauty bar.

1:00 PM: LAST LUNCH

Head closer to the Nelly Bay Terminal and stop for a bite at Cafe Del Mar. Right in the heart of charming Nelly Bay, it’s quickly becoming a local favourite for breakfast and brunch. Taking over where Scallywags used to be, they’ve kept the same chilled island vibe with fresh, tasty food to match. Grab a fresh smoothie and say cheers to a weekend well spent!

STAY

You can base yourself anywhere on the island, but as locals who know Maggie, here’s why Picnic Bay’s our pick.

Steps from the beach: Picnic Bay is one of the quieter spots on the island. It’s got a beautiful beach, a relaxed esplanade, and our heritage-listed jetty right on your doorstep, and it’s still only 20 minutes at most to the other side of the island, making it the perfect base for day trips to the busier parts.

A foodie haven: You’re a short stroll from local faves like Lava Lava, Maggie Island Brewery, the Amaroo Food Truck, Restaurant Elsie, and the Picnic Bay Hotel’s RNR Restaurant. Want to spend more on things to do? Plenty of accommodation here is self-contained with kitchen facilities, plus there are BBQs down by the beach.

Our Budget Stay: Tropical Palms Resort, run by locals Jen and Rob, this small, tidy resort is self-contained with everything you need. Perfectly located near the jetty, bus stops, walking trails, the country club, and great eateries in Seasalt Arcade, it makes a solid base for exploring Maggie.

Our Splurge Stay: Driftwood is our top pick when you want to spoil yourself. We even rented Driftwood for our wedding party, and it was the perfect spot. With four bedrooms, all with ensuites, a full kitchen, spacious lounge, plus a deck and pool boasting unbeatable views, Driftwood offers quiet exclusivity. Fair warning: you might never want to leave!

Images supplied by Tourism and Events Queensland, @hayleyonholiday, and individual businesses.