When you’re planning a visit to Maggie and need to know the place the very best spots to hold are, our information to our favorite Magnetic Island seashores will level you in the proper course!
Stunning white sand, turquoise waters, considerable marine life and swaying palm bushes – that is what awaits you whenever you come on over to Magnetic Island in Queensland!
Often known as ‘Maggie’ to us locals, it’s unimaginable to not immediately really feel such as you’re on vacation the minute you arrive due to the relaxed island vibe.
When you’re an ocean lover or simply get pleasure from chilling by the ocean, you’ll be blown away by the attractive 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 are you aware 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 precisely learn how to get to those spectacular seashores!
Picture courtesy of Tourism and Occasions Queensland
Our Information to the Finest Magnetic Island Seashores
Whether or not you’ve jumped on the Magnetic Island ferry to come back right here for a day journey, or are planning on spending a number of days in an lodging and hitting up a few of the finest seashores in Australia, you’re going to like this tropical island.
Now that we’re proud to name Magnetic Island house, 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 a variety of epic locations to see, proper?
So with out additional ado, right here is our information to the very best seashores on Magnetic Island!
Alma Bay
Alma Bay might be the most well-liked swimming spot on the island, and when you get right here you’ll shortly see why – it’s STUNNING!
Positioned on the finish of the village of Arcadia, the seaside is encompass by huge granite boulders, white gentle sand and glistening, normally calm water.
There’s little surprise then that Alma is thought to be one in every of Queensland’s prime 10 seashores.
Apart from diving in for a swim on this superb water, ensure you 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 pink flags for protected swimming. Alma Bay can also be accessible to each customer with seaside wheelchair entry.
Services – Bathrooms, BBQs, playground, picnic tables, massive grass space and a basketball half courtroom. 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 improbable seaside with a tranquil setting and really native vibe.
Well-known for its lengthy, historic jetty and being the unique vacation vacation spot for individuals coming over from Townsville, Picnic Bay is so much quieter now than it was once. However that doesn’t make it any much less marvellous!
Convey your snorkel so you’ll be able to discover the marine life across the bay and jetty, in addition to the shipwreck at low tide on the east aspect of the bay.
You could even spot a turtle or dugong in case you are fortunate.
READ MORE: When you’re on the mainland try our record of what to do in Townsville as nicely!
There’s little cafes to seize a chunk to eat, so choose up some fish and chips and chill on the gentle sand and watch the waves roll in.
Simply down the highway from Picnic Bay is Cockle Bay the place the enduring shipwreck of the SS Metropolis of Adelaide is situated. We don’t advocate this space for swimming, however do try while you’re in Picnic Bay and take a look.
When you’re right here within the evenings, Mamma Roma does the very best Italian meals in all the area.
Services – At Picnic Bay there are BBQs, bogs and a playground. There are eating places and cafes situated alongside the strolling esplanade. There are not any services at Cockle Bay.
Rocky Bay
When you’re up for a little bit of an journey, and don’t thoughts displaying a little bit of pores and skin, attempt to discover your means right down to Rocky Bay, a wonderful hidden seaside situated between Picnic Bay and Nelly Bay.
Only a brief stroll from the Base Backpackers hostel, Rocky Bay is one in every of Magnetic Island’s nudist seashores. You may have been warned.
Entry to this seaside is usually a bit trick the primary time you come right here. At low tide you’ll be able to rock hop round from X Base, or alternatively take the tough path down from Rocky Bay Lookout.
Services – There are not 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 on 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 Brilliant Level.
Dugongs reside within the sea grass between Nelly Bay and Townsville, and throughout the winter months humpback whales swim proper by.
Nelly Bay isn’t essentially the most stunning seaside on Magnetic Island, however it’s clear with loads of locations to seize a meal or drink close by.
Services – BBQs, playground, picnic tables, shelters and bogs. 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 measurement to Nelly Bay seaside, you’ll be able to pop in anyplace and have a dip.
The most effective time to swim at this seaside is throughout excessive tide, because it’s very shallow and at low tide it’s a must to stroll a great 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’ll find the native residents, the rock wallabies.
These tremendous cute marsupials are undoubtedly price visiting, and are literally one of many prime issues to do in Magnetic Island.
There’s one other snorkel path right here at Geoffrey Bay too. Decide 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 aircraft and perhaps even sea turtles.
Services – There are not any BBQs and public bogs alongside this seaside. The closest ones are at Alma Bay. There may be exercising tools, a strolling path with picnic tables alongside the way in which.
READ MORE: We’ve compiled our record 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 get pleasure from a picnic lunch and head out to see what’s floating round underwater.
As a result of it’s a must to hike into it, this seaside has much less visitors than the others, so there’s a superb likelihood you should have the place to your self.
Arthur Bay is the very best place to snorkel on the Magnetic Island.
With a wonderful 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 might even see a turtle or two. Don’t neglect to pack your snorkel gear.
As a result of the Radical Bay Street is now closed to automobiles the one option to get right here is to hike right down to it.
Park your automobile on the Forts carpark (or soar out on the bus cease right here) and stroll right down to Arthurs Bay.
Maintain our eyes open when you find yourself strolling down right here. You could spot koalas, rock wallabies, plenty of birds and even migrating whales within the winter.
If it is advisable to lease snorkelling gear, head into Pleasure Dives (Arcadia) or Professional Dive (Nelly Bay) – they will help you.
Services – There are not any public bogs, BBQs, consuming water, picnic tables or outlets on this space.
Picture courteous of Tourism and Occasions Queensland
Florence Bay
Florence Bay is one other native favorite in the case of seashores on Magnetic Island.
This picturesque bay is one other beautiful 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 right down to Florence Bay to catch some waves.
Entry to Florence Bay is through the Radical Bay Street, which is accessible solely by foot. There as soon as was a 4×4 observe right down to Radical Bay passing Florence Bay however the highway is closed to vehicles now.
Park your automobile on the Forts automobile park and stroll right down to Florence Bay.
Services – There are not any public bogs, BBQs, consuming water, picnic tables or outlets on this space.
Picture courteous of Tourism and Occasions Queensland
Radical Bay
Radical Bay is on the northeast of the island and may solely be accessed by foot now that the highway is closed to automobiles. However belief us, it’s well worth the effort!
The placement is magnificent. It’s a well-liked seaside, however when 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 chill out with your pals or household.
The seaside is lined with large granite boulders with you’ll be able to discover and there’s plenty of empty sand to throw a towel out on.
Convey a picnic, your floppy hat, a towel and sunscreen to spend the time out right here.
You may stroll to Radical Bay from Horseshoe Bay.
Services – There are not any public bogs, BBQs, consuming water, picnic tables or outlets on this space.
Balding Bay
Balding Bay is a hidden gem, and one in every of 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, you might be the one one at Balding Bay whenever you arrive.
The gentle sandy backside feels wonderful between your toes and the water is so calm because the bay is protected.
Services – There’s a drop rest room right here. There are not any BBQs, consuming water, picnic tables or outlets on this space.
and have a swim in.
Horseshoe Bay
Everyone loves Horseshoe Bay, and for good purpose. It’s completely attractive!
Like all the opposite seashores right here, it has stunning, gentle white sand and vibrant clear water.
A number of water sports activities actions occur right here, reminiscent of jet-skiing, kayaking, rise up paddle boarding, fishing and crusing.
The bay is lined with palm bushes for shade and has a fantastic swimming enclosure, which you’ll be able to swim in all yr spherical due to 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.
Services – There are bogs on the nook of Horseshoe Bay Street 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
When you’re questioning the place is the very best place to observe sundown on Magnetic Island, then it is advisable to make your means out to West Level.
Down a protracted, dust (and generally tough) highway you’ll discover this secluded township that’s nearly just like the land that point forgot.
Going through in the direction of the mainland, West Level is a improbable spot to chill with a drink and a few snacks and watch the sundown whereas the ocean glows crimson.
We don’t advocate swimming at West Level because of the truth that there are crocodiles within the space, however undoubtedly 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 under can solely be accessed by boat. So if in case you have a ship or are happening an Island Tour you’ll have the possibility to go to them.
- Gowrie Bay
- Lovers Bay
- Norris Bay
- Joyce Bay
- Huntingfield Bay
- Rollingstone Bay
- Younger Bay
- Bolger Bay
There are not any services on the above seashores.
Suggestions for Visiting the Seashores on Magnetic Island
Being within the tropics of Far North Queensland, there are some things it’s best to know in regards to the seashores on Magnetic Island to remain protected.
Stingers Arrive within the Summer season Months
From November to Might, however significantly from January from April, the lethal irukandji jelly fish frequent the waters off of the island.
Whereas the possibility of getting stung isn’t excessive, it’s a critical threat and other people do die from these near-invisible stingers.
When 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 go well with (out there 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.
Notice – Crocs do often come round to the east aspect and have been noticed round Arcadia and Horseshoe Bay, nevertheless it’s not widespread.
Put on Sunscreen and Keep Hydrated
You’re within the tropics and the warmth and humidity can actually get to you when you’re not acclimatised.
At all times drink plenty of water and canopy up from the solar by sporting garments or sunscreen.
