 @Megan Mackinnon Magnetic Island is a treasure trove of adventure and natural beauty, perfect for a day of family fun and adventure. With its stunning beaches, fascinating wildlife, and great spots for exploring the island promises an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Thinking about spending an island day out and about? This itinerary tailors a family friendly island experience just for you and your little ones.
 @Townsville North Queensland
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Directions to Picnic Bay The line 250 bus from Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal Stop 1 to Granite St at Picnic Street takes 14 min including transfers and departs hourly. As you depart the ferry, walk across the ferry terminal and you will find the bus waiting for you! Check the sign at the front of the bus or ask the driver to make sure you hop on the right one. |
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Bike, Bus, or Car? Whilst taking the bus is arguably the most convenient (don't forget air conditioned!), there are other ways to explore the island. Magnetic Island Isle Hire is conveniently located proximal to the ferry terminal and can have a car ready for you to use for the day. For those with a family with older children, you might be interested in hiring road worthy, battery-powered bikes or scooters, though there can be limitations to the areas that you can access and overall use of time. |
@ Pakmag Townsville
Looking for more?
Magnetic Island offers unique family friendly eco tour experiences that will allow you and your family to dive that little bit deeper into the iconic signature of our island.
Pilgrim Magnetic Island's 58-foot sailing boat Pilgrim has more than enough room to make everybody comfortable. She will take you on a stunning four hour Lunchtime Sailing Cruise, including a stop at one of our favourite bay's. At anchor the fun is only just beginning, with a big blow up mat and time to explore the boat, surrounding waters and beach - it's up to you! If you're up for something more fast paced, the small fast RIB Sandy will take you around to see the remote beaches, snorkel fringing reef and array of wildlife that call Magnetic Island home. As 80% of the island is National Park, our range of Pilgrim Adventures aim to immerse you into the untouched side that is only accessible by a speedy boat. Perfect for small and older children we personalise our experiences to cater to you! Visit our website for more information.
Obviously we are biased to exploring the island by boat, and if you are a larger family group looking to snorkel, we recommend Aquascene. If land based activities are more your style, why not check out a Wildlife Tour at Selina Magnetic Island in Horseshoe Bay - an easy addition to your itinerary with tours departing at 10.30am and 12.30pm daily.
Lunchtime funtime
Up next: exploring the WW2 Fort, boasting stunning views and the biggest population of Koalas in Australia!
There will only be one bus waiting for you in Picnic Bay that will take you all the way to the other side of the island. About half way, the driver will call out 'The Fort's Junction,' this is your stop! Head across the road, past the car park to a billboard that will tell you all the features of this easy, 2km loop (max 2 hours).
HINT: make sure you look along the path you're walking as locals often leave arrows in the gravel or made with sticks that point up to a koala family, sleeping peacefully in an eucalyptus tree. For the younger kids we still recommend the Wildlife Tour with Selina (see more details above), a great experience without the hike!
After you and the kids have enjoyed exploring the stairs and small rooms that make up the Forts, its is time to refuel. Time to get back on the bus, heading further across the island to Horseshoe Bay, a well deserved ice cream at Adele's Cafe awaits you! Soak in the beauty of Horseshoe bay, the largest bay on the island and a great place for turtle spotting and if you're lucky a dolphin or two!
As the day's heat passes on, it's time to sit in the shade and enjoy some lunch. We recommend Sandi's on Magnetic, a family friendly venue with $10 kids meals, beachside views, and a welcoming atmosphere.
There will only be one bus waiting for you in Picnic Bay that will take you all the way to the other side of the island. About half way, the driver will call out 'The Fort's Junction,' this is your stop! Head across the road, past the car park to a billboard that will tell you all the features of this easy, 2km loop (max 2 hours).
HINT: make sure you look along the path you're walking as locals often leave arrows in the gravel or made with sticks that point up to a koala family, sleeping peacefully in an eucalyptus tree. For the younger kids we still recommend the Wildlife Tour with Selina (see more details above), a great experience without the hike!
After you and the kids have enjoyed exploring the stairs and small rooms that make up the Forts, its is time to refuel. Time to get back on the bus, heading further across the island to Horseshoe Bay, a well deserved ice cream at Adele's Cafe awaits you! Soak in the beauty of Horseshoe bay, the largest bay on the island and a great place for turtle spotting and if you're lucky a dolphin or two!
As the day's heat passes on, it's time to sit in the shade and enjoy some lunch. We recommend Sandi's on Magnetic, a family friendly venue with $10 kids meals, beachside views, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Are the big kids up for more fun?
Horseshoe Bay boasts the biggest jet ski hire playground in all of Australia! Enriching the experience further is the island’s longest stretch of beach, a hidden bay, a well-appointed kids' playground, and abundant marine life, making Horseshoe Bay an unreal destination. Observing turtles, rays, dugongs, and dolphins from the shoreline is a common occurrence. The best part: each hire is per jetski not person, so with two and three seater options - you'd better get in quick with Jet Ski Hire Magnetic Island.
Horseshoe Bay boasts the biggest jet ski hire playground in all of Australia! Enriching the experience further is the island’s longest stretch of beach, a hidden bay, a well-appointed kids' playground, and abundant marine life, making Horseshoe Bay an unreal destination. Observing turtles, rays, dugongs, and dolphins from the shoreline is a common occurrence. The best part: each hire is per jetski not person, so with two and three seater options - you'd better get in quick with Jet Ski Hire Magnetic Island.
A Day well spent
After a full day exploring the Island it is now time to catch the bus back over the hill for one last pit stop at Arcadia, before your ferry ride home. Grab some carrot or apple from the Arcadia newsagent and walk down to the old ferry terminal at Bremner Point Geoffrey Bay, for a sunset walk between boulders. As the low sun spills through the cracks you will might see a cute face pop out and jump on top a rock. Bremner points offers a surprisingly close and personal experience with our cutest furry friends: the Rock Wallaby.
Its dinner time: nestled in the corner of Arcadia, Maggie’s iconic Bikini Tree Cafe and Restaurant is a great open and young family friendly option, with a small pool and a range of food options (Bonus points on a Wednesday night: Cane toad racing - a true family event!).
Alternatively, for those with older kids, hop on the bus back to the ferry and stop at our personal favourite: Granite Bar and Grill for an all-round delicious dining experience, offering stone baked pizza, tapas and more!
Its dinner time: nestled in the corner of Arcadia, Maggie’s iconic Bikini Tree Cafe and Restaurant is a great open and young family friendly option, with a small pool and a range of food options (Bonus points on a Wednesday night: Cane toad racing - a true family event!).
Alternatively, for those with older kids, hop on the bus back to the ferry and stop at our personal favourite: Granite Bar and Grill for an all-round delicious dining experience, offering stone baked pizza, tapas and more!
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We really believe that Magnetic Island is the ideal family day out, a quick ferry ride and you're here. This guide has been made to showcase the easiest and simplest way around the island, maximising your time spent. With various extra activities incorporated, we hope to provide invaluable insight to discovering the true treasure that is Magnetic Island.
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