{"id":4585,"date":"2021-11-27T10:52:48","date_gmt":"2021-11-27T00:52:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fourwornsoles.com\/?p=4585"},"modified":"2024-03-02T00:41:29","modified_gmt":"2024-03-01T14:41:29","slug":"magnetic-island","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fourwornsoles.com\/magnetic-island\/","title":{"rendered":"Magnetic Island"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The alluring Magnetic Island has plenty to offer and its close proximity to the mainland makes it the perfect getaway!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Arthur<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Boasting 23 beautiful bay’s and beaches, some with fringing coral reefs and huge granite boulders, why wouldn’t you want to visit this idyllic island?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Alma<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

And if that wasn’t enough, did I mention that it averages 320 days of sunshine? So pretty much any time is a good time to visit \ud83c\udf1e!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Alma<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The island gets its name from none other than James Cook. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Magnetic<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

He called it Magnetical Isle, as he thought his compass was affected by the giant granite boulders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Giant<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Although this theory has never been proven, there’s no denying there is a magnetic attraction to it \ud83e\uddf2!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Arthur<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Where is Magnetic Island?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Magnetic Island or as the locals call it “Maggie” Island is only 8km from Townsville. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is easily accessible by ferry and there are two companies that you can choose from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sealink<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sealink<\/a> is a passenger ferry that offers plenty of services a day and leaves from the Breakwater terminal at Townsville marina. And best thing is, it’s only a 20 minute ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Nelly
Nelly Bay terminal<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

But want to take your car over? Then Magnetic Island Ferries<\/a> is the way to go. Their terminal is on the opposite side of the river to Sealink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get around on Magnetic Island<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Once here you have a few options on how to get around: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hire a car<\/strong>– I think this is probably the easiest option as you can come and go as you please. Plus there are plenty of different types of cars to choose from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hire<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The topless convertibles are a popular option but SUVs and Jeeps are also available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sunbus<\/strong>– This is a good option if you want to save money getting around and don’t mind sticking to a timetable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sunbus\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

But the buses do run fairly frequently and start early morning and run til late at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electric scooters<\/strong>– These are fun way of getting around for short distances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Electric<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bicycles<\/strong>– If you’re fairly fit and don’t mind cycling up hill, this could be a good option for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trail bikes<\/strong>– Got a motorbike licence? Then this is a fun way to explore the more remote parts of the island. Motorised scooters are also available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But doesn’t really matter how you choose to get around as the island is easy to navigate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Magnetic<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The main road runs from Picnic Bay to Horseshoe Bay, and is only 13kms long so it’s hard to get lost!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay on Magnetic Island?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The main areas to stay are at Nelly Bay, Arcadia, Horseshoe Bay and Picnic Bay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here you will find plenty of accommodation options to choose from – Backpackers, hotels, apartments, holiday houses, Airbnb’s etc<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each area has their own benefits. So it just depends on what kind of Maggie experience you’re after?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sunrise<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Centrally located: <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Anywhere in Nelly Bay is your best bet then. This is the main hub of Maggie and is where both ferry terminals are. Also alot of the car hire places are here too. Aswell as an IGA, bottle shop and plenty of cafe and restaurants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Horseshoe Bay:<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Still offers lots of cafes and restaurants but is on the opposite side of the island to everything else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Horseshoe
Horseshoe Bay<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Arcadia: <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Closest area to Alma and Geoffrey Bay which gives you easy access to the Rock Wallabies and snorkel trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Picnic Bay:<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Great location close to Hawkins Point, golf course and the 4wd tracks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Picnic
Picnic Bay<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Camping:<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Bungalow Bay<\/a> is the only place on the island that you can camp. But it is also offers cute lil bungalows for the non campers. As well as being Australia’s only resort to have its own wildlife park on site!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Backpackers:<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Base backpackers<\/a> is located right on the beach and Nelly Bay snorkel trail is just 100m off shore. It also has an awesome bar, burgers and general party vibe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Base
Island Bar at Base backpackers <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Check out bookings.com<\/a> for more accommodation options \ud83d\ude0a<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things to do on Magnetic Island<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

As I said Maggie has alot to offer so I’m sure you will find plenty to do. Of course you can do as little as you like as well…<\/p>\n\n\n\n