Visiting Magnetic Island

Sealink Ferry - passenger ferry from Townsville only 20 minutes. Runs regularly throughout the day from 5.30 am to 10.30 pm. Check timetable for times.

Magnetic Island Ferries - car barge from Townsville, approximately 40 minutes. Walk on passengers too.

Helicopter Transfer - available with Townsville Helicopters or Nautilus Aviation. Contact us to package with your sailing trip.

There are five villages on Magnetic Island each with their own charm.

• Horseshoe Bay – The island’s adventure hub with calm waters, cafes, and water sports galore — perfect for families and active travellers.

• Arcadia (Geoffrey & Alma Bay) – A relaxed, nostalgic vibe with classic beach houses, great snorkelling, and one of the island’s best swimming beaches.

• Nelly Bay – The island’s main arrival point with shops, cafes, and easy access to everything — ideal if you like convenience.

• Picnic Bay – A quiet, charming spot with a jetty for fishing, a golf course, and sunset views — great if you’re after a slower pace and one of the island’s best restaurants.

Check out our Island Guide Blog for accommodation recommendations.

Getting around is easy and part of the fun. A regular public bus service runs between all the main bays — from Picnic Bay to Horseshoe Bay — with stops at key spots like Nelly Bay ferry terminal, Alma Bay, and the start of popular walking trails.

You can also hire a car, scooter, or e-bike if you’d prefer to explore at your own pace — keep an eye out for the island’s iconic topless cars! Taxis are available too, but best to book ahead. Check out our Island Guide Blog to find out more information.

And of course, many visitors choose to explore on foot — with scenic coastal walks and national park trails, it’s a stunning way to take it all in.

The most popular time to visit Magnetic Island is the dry season from May to October, when the weather is sunny, mild, and perfect for sailing, hiking, and swimming — with average temps in the mid-20s and low humidity. It’s also outside of stinger season, so you can swim more freely in the island’s beautiful bays.

Summer (November to April) brings tropical heat, lush green landscapes, and warm ocean water — great if you love the feeling of the tropics. There are fewer tourists around, so it’s quieter and more relaxed, but keep in mind it’s also the wet season, and some businesses take a break in February and March.

Whether you’re after perfect weather or peaceful seclusion, Magnetic Island has something to offer year-round — just plan around what suits your style.

Pilgrim’s favourite month of the year: November - it’s just starting to warm up but not too hot and few crowds!

There are two supermarkets in Nelly Bay and five bottle-shops across the Island. There is also a specialty food store called the Arcadia Store which sells a great range of products.

There is also the Arcadia Bakehouse which sells pies, cakes, filled baguettes and other delicacies.

For your freshly caught local fish, The Maggie Island Fishmonger is the only place to go to. He’s generally at Saltwater Restaurant on Friday’s and Saturdays.

No need to provision before coming here but some things can be a little more expensive.

Coles and Woolworths also deliver.