In the event you’re planning a visit to Maggie and need to know the place the most effective spots to hold are, our information to our favorite Magnetic Island seashores will level you in the best path!
Lovely white sand, turquoise waters, ample marine life and swaying palm timber – that is what awaits you while you come on over to Magnetic Island in Queensland!
Often called ‘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.
In the event you’re an ocean lover or simply take pleasure in 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!
READ MORE: Don’t miss our information on getting around Magnetic Island so you realize precisely how one can get to those spectacular seashores!
Photograph 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 here for a day trip, or are planning on spending a number of days in an lodging and hitting up among the greatest seashores in Australia, you’re going to like this tropical island.
Now that we’re proud to name Magnetic Island dwelling, we’ve made it our mission to discover all of the spectacular seashores and bays that this journey paradise has on supply.
In spite of everything, being within the coronary heart of the Nice Barrier Reef, there’s sure to be a variety of epic locations to see, proper?
So with out additional ado, right here is our information to the most effective 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 rapidly see why – it’s STUNNING!
Situated on the finish of the village of Arcadia, the seashore is encompass by monumental granite boulders, white smooth sand and glistening, normally calm water.
There’s little surprise then that Alma is understood to be one in all Queensland’s high 10 seashores.
Apart from 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 protected swimming. Alma Bay can be accessible to each customer with seashore wheelchair entry.
Services – Bogs, BBQs, playground, picnic tables, massive grass space and a basketball half courtroom. There’s a comfort retailer throughout the street on the Arcadia Resort. The bus stops straight in entrance of the seashore.
Picnic Bay
Picnic Bay is a incredible seashore 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 quite a bit quieter now than it was. However that doesn’t make it any much less marvellous!
Convey your snorkel so you possibly can discover the marine life across the bay and jetty, in addition to the shipwreck at low tide on the east aspect of the bay.
Chances are you’ll 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 effectively!
There’s little cafes to seize a chew to eat, so choose up some fish and chips and relax on the smooth sand and watch the waves roll in.
Simply down the street from Picnic Bay is Cockle Bay the place the enduring shipwreck of the SS City of Adelaide is situated. We don’t suggest this space for swimming, however do try when you are in Picnic Bay and take a look.
In the event you’re right here within the evenings, Mamma Roma does the most effective Italian meals in the complete area.
Services – At Picnic Bay there are BBQs, bathrooms and a playground. There are eating places and cafes situated alongside the strolling esplanade. There are not any services at Cockle Bay.
Rocky Bay
In the event 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 manner all the way down to Rocky Bay, a fantastic hidden seashore situated between Picnic Bay and Nelly Bay.
Only a quick stroll from the Base Backpackers hostel, Rocky Bay is one in all Magnetic Island’s nudist seashores. You may have been warned.
Entry to this seashore could be a bit trick the primary time you come right here. At low tide you possibly can rock hop round from X Base, or alternatively take the tough path down from Rocky Bay Lookout.
Services – There are not any services or retailers right here.
Nelly Bay
Nelly Bay is the principle residential city of Magnetic Island, and the place you’ll arrive and depart from on the ferry from Townsville (learn our information on how to get to Magnetic Island).
The seashore 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 seashore on your morning or night strolls or bike rides.
In the direction of the northern finish of Nelly Bay seashore 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 stay within the sea grass between Nelly Bay and Townsville, and throughout the winter months humpback whales swim proper by.
Nelly Bay isn’t probably the most stunning seashore 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 bathrooms. All situated on the northern finish of the seashore on The Esplanade.
Geoffrey Bay
One among our favorite locations on the island is Geoffrey Bay, situated in Arcadia. With the seashore stretching an analogous measurement to Nelly Bay seashore, you possibly can pop in anyplace and have a dip.
One of the best time to swim at this seashore is throughout excessive tide, because it’s very shallow and at low tide it’s a must to stroll a good distance out to get into the water.
It’s a very calm seashore for younger swimmers too.
On the northeastern finish of Geoffrey Bay you can find the native residents, the rock wallabies.
These tremendous cute marsupials are undoubtedly price 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. Decide up a self-guided snorkel path card for a small donation from one of many native retailers and head out close to the rock wallabies to see the large clams, the Moltke Wreck, stays of a Curtiss Wright CW22 aircraft and perhaps even sea turtles.
Services – There are not any BBQs and public bathrooms alongside this seashore. The closest ones are at Alma Bay. There’s exercising gear, a strolling path with picnic tables alongside the best way.
READ MORE: We’ve compiled our record of the highest locations to remain on the island! Check it out here!
Arthur Bay
Arthur Bay is situated on the north-east nook of Magnetic Island, and likelihood is 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 it’s a must to hike into it, this seashore has much less site visitors than the others, so there’s probability you should have the place to your self.
Arthur Bay is the most effective place to snorkel on the Magnetic Island.
With a fantastic fringing reef that skirts round Arthur Bay you’re sure 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 strategy to get right here is to hike all the way down to it.
Park your automotive on the Forts carpark (or soar out on the bus cease right here) and stroll all the way down to Arthurs Bay.
Hold our eyes open when you’re strolling down right here. Chances are you’ll spot koalas, rock wallabies, plenty of 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 may help you.
Services – There are not any public bathrooms, BBQs, ingesting water, picnic tables or retailers on this space.
Photograph courteous of Tourism and Occasions Queensland
Florence Bay
Florence Bay is one other native favorite on the subject 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 note 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 street is closed to vehicles now.
Park your automotive on the Forts automotive park and stroll all the way down to Florence Bay.
Services – There are not any public bathrooms, BBQs, ingesting water, picnic tables or retailers on this space.
Photograph 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 street is closed to automobiles. However belief us, it’s well worth the effort!
The placement is magnificent. It’s a well-liked seashore, 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 right place to relax out and loosen up with your folks or household.
The seashore is lined with big granite boulders with you possibly can 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’ll be able to stroll to Radical Bay from Horseshoe Bay.
Services – There are not any public bathrooms, BBQs, ingesting water, picnic tables or retailers on this space.
Balding Bay
Balding Bay is a hidden gem, and one in all our favorite Magnetic Island seashores.
Many individuals skip the flip off and proceed onto Radical Bay when strolling from Horseshoe Bay, however we suggest that you don’t miss this seashore.
It’s the closest one to Horseshoe Bay on the path, and since most hikers make a beeline to Radical, chances are you’ll be the one one at Balding Bay while you arrive.
The smooth sandy backside feels wonderful between your toes and the water is so calm because the bay is protected.
Services – There’s a drop bathroom right here. There are not any BBQs, ingesting water, picnic tables or retailers 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, smooth white sand and vibrant clear water.
Lots of water sports activities actions occur right here, akin to jet-skiing, kayaking, arise paddle boarding, fishing and crusing.
The bay is lined with palm timber for shade and has an important 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 seashore yow will discover the place the strolling path to Balding Bay and Radical Bay begins.
Services – 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 seashore entrance. There’s a comfort retailer, eating places and cafes close to by.
West Level
In the event you’re questioning the place is the most effective place to look at sundown on Magnetic Island, then you should make your manner out to West Level.
Down an extended, dust (and typically tough) street you’ll discover this secluded township that’s nearly just like the land that point forgot.
Dealing with in the direction of the mainland, West Level is a incredible spot to relax with a drink and a few snacks and watch the sundown whereas the ocean glows crimson.
We don’t suggest swimming at West Level attributable to the truth that there are crocodiles within the space, however undoubtedly seize a spot within the sand by the street 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 when you’ve got a ship or are occurring an Island Tour you might 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 is best to know concerning the seashores on Magnetic Island to remain protected.
Stingers Arrive within the Summer time Months
From November to Could, 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 severe danger and other people do die from these near-invisible stingers.
In the event you’re swimming right here in the summertime months keep on 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 suggest swimming on the west aspect of the island.
Observe – Crocs do often 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 plenty of water and canopy up from the solar by sporting garments or sunscreen.
