Things To Do In Magnetic Island Solo

A Solo Trip to Magnetic Island off the coast of Townsville

I visited Magnetic Island on my road trip across North Tropical Queensland. It’s a beach and hiking paradise just off the coast of Townsville, 4 hours drive south of Cairns. If you want to relax, unwind, and spend time in nature, Magnetic Island is one of those places that will make you fall in love.

How to get to Magnetic Island and how to get around

The best way to travel is to take the train from Cairns to Townsville and catch the 30-minute ferry from Townsville. Once you reach the island, a public bus takes you from the ferry terminal through the island, stopping at several resorts and prominent places. I had booked my accommodation on Magnetic Island close to Horseshoe Bay in the northeast part of the island. If you prefer hiring a car, you can plan a day trip from Cairns, or stay longer on a 2-3 day break.

The alternative was hiring a mini moke car, one of those funny topless cars, or if you prefer, hire a scooter, which is perfect fun.

Tips for visiting Magnetic Island on a Solo Trip

My tips for visiting Magnetic Island on a solo trip.

1. Plan at least three full days if you want to tour the island.
2. Visit between April and May before it gets bustling in the winter months.
3. Hire a car or a scooter to make the most of it.
4. Alternatively, buy a daily bus pass to navigate the island.
5. Bring your food; the ferry terminal has a few food shops and only one expensive IGA.

Things to do on Magnetic Island

When I arrived, I realised that travelling around Magnetic Island would be more challenging than I thought. The island offers so much to do, from hiking to various water sports, snorkelling and reef tours, and walking in the national parks. It would be best to have 4-5 days to visit it all.

1. Walking on the island

The walks on Magnetic Island make it a paradise for wildlife and hiking lovers. Seventy per cent of the island is a national park with rich wildlife, so if you are lucky, you can spot Koalas in the wild on the Forts Walk, feed rock wallabies at Arcadia Beach, and see lots of Kookaburras. They are everywhere. Walking is the best way to discover Magnetic Island. There are 9 main walking trails to choose from, or if you can, do all of them. They take you to secluded little bays or a beautiful lookout with stunning views over the coastal cliffs and the blue ocean.

In two days, I could see much of the island. This walking trail sign shows one of the many Walks on Magnetic Island winding through the national park’s dry forest to secluded little bays and lookouts with stunning views over the coast. Below are just a few photos to give you an idea of what Magnetic Island offers. This is Balding Bay, a beautiful, secluded, tiny little bay.

2. Relax at the isolated beaches

My favourite beach on Magnetic Island is Radical Bay, where I went for a swim. I felt comfortable on a large beach shore, with some sign of life around me. You can see Radical Bay and, on the right-hand side, a gorgeous view over Rocky Beach in the photos below.

I enjoyed the beach almost by myself at Radical Bay on Magnetic Island.

3. Enjoy the abundant wildlife

I was not lucky to spot a koala or a rock wallaby in the wild. Still, I stayed in the Bungalow Bay Koala village, surrounded by fruit bats, kookaburras, geese, possums, and lorikeets. Within the Bungalow Bay Koala Village, you can tour the Australian Wildlife Sanctuary and the koala hospital, where you can hold snakes, echidnas, lizards, and a baby croc or cuddle a koala.

4. Soak in the island sunsets

On such a beautiful island, you cannot miss a lovely sunset. I took this picture below at Geoffrey Bay, close to Alma Bay.

Where to Stay on Magnetic Island

The best place to stay on Magnetic Island is Arcadia. It is very central and close to everything else. It has gorgeous beaches like Alma Beach, and from there, you can start some of the beautiful walks, too. If you are on a budget, stay at the bungalow bay Koala Village. Clickto book Accommodation on Magnetic Island.

Tours on Magnetic Island

If you want to join an organized tour of the island, go on a guided hike, or take a sunset cruise, check out all the day tours you can book below.

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First published in March 2011, last updated in April 2024

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