In case you’re planning a visit to Maggie and wish to know the place the perfect spots to hold are, our information to our favorite Magnetic Island seashores will level you in the proper path!
Stunning white sand, turquoise waters, plentiful marine life and swaying palm bushes – that is what awaits you once you come on over to Magnetic Island in Queensland!
Referred to as ‘Maggie’ to us locals, it’s not possible to not immediately really feel such as you’re on vacation the minute you arrive because of the relaxed island vibe.
In case you’re an ocean lover or simply take pleasure in chilling by the ocean, you’ll be blown away by the beautiful Magnetic Island seashores, that are assured to be a spotlight of your journey right here.
However with 23 bays and seashores to select from, how have you learnt the place to go in your go to?
That’s the place we are available in!
READ MORE: Don’t miss our information on getting round Magnetic Island so you recognize precisely learn how to get to those spectacular seashores!
Photograph courtesy of Tourism and Occasions Queensland
Our Information to the Greatest Magnetic Island Seashores
Whether or not you’ve jumped on the Magnetic Island ferry to come right here for a day journey, or are planning on spending just a few days in an lodging and hitting up among the finest seashores in Australia, you’re going to like this tropical island.
Now that we’re proud to name Magnetic Island residence, we’ve made it our mission to discover all of the spectacular seashores and bays that this journey paradise has on supply.
In any case, being within the coronary heart of the Nice Barrier Reef, there’s certain to be plenty of epic locations to see, proper?
So with out additional ado, right here is our information to the perfect seashores on Magnetic Island!
Alma Bay
Alma Bay might be the preferred swimming spot on the island, and when you get right here you’ll shortly see why – it’s STUNNING!
Situated on the finish of the village of Arcadia, the seaside is encompass by huge granite boulders, white delicate sand and glistening, normally calm water.
There’s little surprise then that Alma is understood to be one among Queensland’s high 10 seashores.
In addition to diving in for a swim on this superb water, be sure to take your snorkel with you to as there’s a wholesome fringing reef that follows alongside the rocks on both aspect of the bay.
The bay is patrolled by lifeguards all year-round and has the yellow and crimson flags for secure swimming. Alma Bay can also be accessible to each customer with seaside wheelchair entry.
Amenities – Bathrooms, BBQs, playground, picnic tables, giant grass space and a basketball half court docket. There’s a comfort retailer throughout the highway on the Arcadia Resort. The bus stops immediately in entrance of the seaside.
Picnic Bay
Picnic Bay is a implausible seaside with a tranquil setting and actually native vibe.
Well-known for its lengthy, historic jetty and being the unique vacation vacation spot for folks coming over from Townsville, Picnic Bay is loads quieter now than it was once. However that doesn’t make it any much less marvellous!
Deliver your snorkel so you may discover the marine life across the bay and jetty, in addition to the shipwreck at low tide on the east aspect of the bay.
It’s possible you’ll even spot a turtle or dugong in case you are fortunate.
READ MORE: Whilst you’re on the mainland take a look at our checklist of what to do in Townsville as effectively!
There’s little cafes to seize a chew to eat, so choose up some fish and chips and relax on the delicate sand and watch the waves roll in.
Simply down the highway from Picnic Bay is Cockle Bay the place the long-lasting shipwreck of the SS Metropolis of Adelaide is situated. We don’t advocate this space for swimming, however do take a look at while you’re in Picnic Bay and take a look.
In case you’re right here within the evenings, Mamma Roma does the perfect Italian meals in your complete area.
Amenities – At Picnic Bay there are BBQs, bathrooms and a playground. There are eating places and cafes situated alongside the strolling esplanade. There aren’t any services at Cockle Bay.
Rocky Bay
In case you’re up for a little bit of an journey, and don’t thoughts exhibiting a little bit of pores and skin, attempt to discover your means all the way down to Rocky Bay, a good looking hidden seaside situated between Picnic Bay and Nelly Bay.
Only a brief stroll from the Base Backpackers hostel, Rocky Bay is one among Magnetic Island’s nudist seashores. You’ve gotten been warned.
Entry to this seaside is usually a bit trick the primary time you come right here. At low tide you may rock hop round from X Base, or alternatively take the tough path down from Rocky Bay Lookout.
Amenities – There aren’t any services or outlets right here.
Nelly Bay
Nelly Bay is the primary residential city of Magnetic Island, and the place you’ll arrive and depart from on the ferry from Townsville (learn our information on learn how to get to Magnetic Island).
The seaside at Nelly Bay is 1.75 km lengthy and has many spots to leap in and have a dip. The bay is sheltered so the water is calm with small waves rolling in.
There’s a nice strolling path by the seaside in your morning or night strolls or bike rides.
In direction of the northern finish of Nelly Bay seaside is a snorkel path. This space has a fringing coral reef that widens from 10m within the west to 300m towards the western Shiny Level.
Dugongs reside within the sea grass between Nelly Bay and Townsville, and in the course of the winter months humpback whales swim proper by.
Nelly Bay isn’t essentially the most lovely seaside on Magnetic Island, however it’s clear with loads of locations to seize a meal or drink close by.
Amenities – BBQs, playground, picnic tables, shelters and bathrooms. All situated on the northern finish of the seaside on The Esplanade.
Geoffrey Bay
Considered one of our favorite locations on the island is Geoffrey Bay, situated in Arcadia. With the seaside stretching an analogous dimension to Nelly Bay seaside, you may pop in anyplace and have a dip.
The very best time to swim at this seaside is throughout excessive tide, because it’s very shallow and at low tide you must stroll a good distance out to get into the water.
It’s a very calm seaside for younger swimmers too.
On the northeastern finish of Geoffrey Bay you will discover the native residents, the rock wallabies.
These tremendous cute marsupials are positively value visiting, and are literally one of many high issues to do in Magnetic Island.
There’s one other snorkel path right here at Geoffrey Bay too. Choose up a self-guided snorkel path card for a small donation from one of many native outlets and head out close to the rock wallabies to see the enormous clams, the Moltke Wreck, stays of a Curtiss Wright CW22 airplane and perhaps even sea turtles.
Amenities – There aren’t any BBQs and public bathrooms alongside this seaside. The closest ones are at Alma Bay. There may be exercising gear, a strolling path with picnic tables alongside the best way.
READ MORE: We’ve compiled our checklist of the highest locations to remain on the island! Test it out right here!
Arthur Bay
Arthur Bay is situated on the north-east nook of Magnetic Island, and chances are high you’ve already seen it on Instagram.
This bay is an ideal location for a pleasant dip, to take pleasure in a picnic lunch and head out to see what’s floating round underwater.
As a result of you must hike into it, this seaside has much less site visitors than the others, so there’s a superb probability you should have the place to your self.
Arthur Bay is the perfect place to snorkel on the Magnetic Island.
With a good looking fringing reef that skirts round Arthur Bay you’re certain to see some marine life.
It’s shallow however has nice coral cowl, and in case you are fortunate you may even see a turtle or two. Don’t overlook to pack your snorkel gear.
As a result of the Radical Bay Highway is now closed to automobiles the one method to get right here is to hike all the way down to it.
Park your automotive on the Forts carpark (or leap out on the bus cease right here) and stroll all the way down to Arthurs Bay.
Preserve our eyes open when you find yourself strolling down right here. It’s possible you’ll spot koalas, rock wallabies, numerous birds and even migrating whales within the winter.
If you should lease snorkelling gear, head into Pleasure Dives (Arcadia) or Professional Dive (Nelly Bay) – they might help you.
Amenities – There aren’t any public bathrooms, BBQs, ingesting water, picnic tables or outlets on this space.
Photograph courteous of Tourism and Occasions Queensland
Florence Bay
Florence Bay is one other native favorite in terms of seashores on Magnetic Island.
This picturesque bay is one other pretty place to have a swim and a snorkel, with a big coral inhabitants alongside the rocks on the left and coral bommies within the center.
When the winds are up you will notice all of the browsing locals head all the way down to Florence Bay to catch some waves.
Entry to Florence Bay is through the Radical Bay Highway, which is accessible solely by foot. There as soon as was a 4×4 observe all the way down to Radical Bay passing Florence Bay however the highway is closed to automobiles now.
Park your automotive on the Forts automotive park and stroll all the way down to Florence Bay.
Amenities – There aren’t any public bathrooms, BBQs, ingesting water, picnic tables or outlets on this space.
Photograph courteous of Tourism and Occasions Queensland
Radical Bay
Radical Bay is on the northeast of the island and might solely be accessed by foot now that the highway is closed to automobiles. However belief us, it’s well worth the effort!
The situation is magnificent. It’s a common seaside, however in the event you stroll to the opposite finish you will get away from everybody.
The water is calm and sheltered, making it the proper place to sit back out and loosen up with your mates or household.
The seaside is lined with big granite boulders with you may discover and there’s numerous empty sand to throw a towel out on.
Deliver a picnic, your floppy hat, a towel and sunscreen to spend the time out right here.
You’ll be able to stroll to Radical Bay from Horseshoe Bay.
Amenities – There aren’t any public bathrooms, BBQs, ingesting water, picnic tables or outlets on this space.
Balding Bay
Balding Bay is a hidden gem, and one among our favorite Magnetic Island seashores.
Many individuals skip the flip off and proceed onto Radical Bay when strolling from Horseshoe Bay, however we advocate that you don’t miss this seaside.
It’s the closest one to Horseshoe Bay on the path, and since most hikers make a beeline to Radical, it’s possible you’ll be the one one at Balding Bay once you arrive.
The delicate sandy backside feels superb between your toes and the water is so calm because the bay is protected.
Amenities – There’s a drop bathroom right here. There aren’t any BBQs, ingesting water, picnic tables or outlets on this space.
and have a swim in.
Horseshoe Bay
All people loves Horseshoe Bay, and for good cause. It’s completely beautiful!
Like all the opposite seashores right here, it has lovely, delicate white sand and vibrant clear water.
A number of water sports activities actions occur right here, similar to jet-skiing, kayaking, rise up paddle boarding, fishing and crusing.
The bay is lined with palm bushes for shade and has an important swimming enclosure, which you’ll be able to swim in all yr spherical because of the stinger nets.
There are a variety of eating places and cafes alongside Pacific Drive which supply water views. Seize a meal or espresso and watch the world go by.
On the northeast aspect of the seaside you will discover the place the strolling path to Balding Bay and Radical Bay begins.
Amenities – There are bathrooms on the nook of Horseshoe Bay Highway and Pacific Drive. There are free BBQs, picnic tables and a playground. There’s a good grass space on the seaside entrance. There’s a comfort retailer, eating places and cafes close to by.
West Level
In case you’re questioning the place is the perfect place to look at sundown on Magnetic Island, then you should make your means out to West Level.
Down a protracted, grime (and typically tough) highway you’ll discover this secluded township that’s virtually just like the land that point forgot.
Dealing with in the direction of the mainland, West Level is a implausible spot to relax with a drink and a few snacks and watch the sundown whereas the ocean glows crimson.
We don’t advocate swimming at West Level attributable to the truth that there are crocodiles within the space, however positively seize a spot within the sand by the highway and benefit from the night.
Bays Solely Accessible by Boat
The bays and seashores in Magnetic Island beneath can solely be accessed by boat. So if in case you have a ship or are happening an Island Tour you could have the prospect to go to them.
- Gowrie Bay
- Lovers Bay
- Norris Bay
- Joyce Bay
- Huntingfield Bay
- Rollingstone Bay
- Younger Bay
- Bolger Bay
There aren’t any services on the above seashores.
Ideas for Visiting the Seashores on Magnetic Island
Being within the tropics of Far North Queensland, there are some things it is best to know concerning the seashores on Magnetic Island to remain secure.
Stingers Arrive within the Summer time Months
From November to Might, however notably from January from April, the lethal irukandji jelly fish frequent the waters off of the island.
Whereas the prospect of getting stung isn’t excessive, it’s a severe danger and other people do die from these near-invisible stingers.
In case you’re swimming right here in the summertime months stick with Alma Bay the place the lifesavers are and stinger nets are deployed, and put on a stinger swimsuit (accessible for lease at Pleasure Divers).
There Are Crocodiles and Tiger Sharks on the West Facet of the Island
Sure, you learn that proper.
On the west aspect of the island is a big tiger shark breeding floor, and saltwater crocodiles swim within the waters right here.
We don’t advocate swimming on the west aspect of the island.
Be aware – Crocs do sometimes come round to the east aspect and have been noticed round Arcadia and Horseshoe Bay, however it’s not frequent.
Put on Sunscreen and Keep Hydrated
You’re within the tropics and the warmth and humidity can actually get to you in the event you’re not acclimatised.
All the time drink numerous water and canopy up from the solar by carrying garments or sunscreen.
