Plan a autumn trip to Magnetic Island. Explore neighborhoods, restaurants, places to stay and practical local advice from AVARA's full editorial guide.
Magnetic Island — TL;DR
Townsville's koala-village island escape, where Bounce Magnetic Island's on-site bar meets a monthly full moon party.
Magnetic Island overview
May to October offers cooler, drier weather ideal for hiking the Forts Walk and snorkeling around the reefs.
Nelly Bay has the most variety of places to eat and drink and is the main ferry arrival point, with Horseshoe Bay for water sports and Arcadia and Picnic Bay each home to a pub.
Australian Dollar (AUD)
English.
AEST (UTC+10, no daylight saving in Queensland)
Magnetic Island's hospitality scene continues to run on hostel-driven community events, with Bounce Magnetic Island's weekly events and wildlife park and Nomads' waterfront pool socials anchoring a backpacker culture that peaks with the island's monthly full moon party, one of the best in Australia.
Where to eat, drink & do in Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island neighborhoods
Nelly Bay Has the most variety of places to eat and drink with over half the island's population living there, perfect for snorkeling or diving.
Horseshoe Bay Water sports central, home to the Marlin Bar pub.
Arcadia & Picnic Bay Home to the Arcadia Motel and Picnic Bay Hotel, two of the island's 3 pubs.
Practical info for Magnetic Island
Getting around in Magnetic Island? Nelly Bay has the most variety of places to eat and drink and is the main ferry arrival point, with Horseshoe Bay for water sports and Arcadia and Picnic Bay each home to a pub.
When to go in Magnetic Island? May to October offers cooler, drier weather ideal for hiking the Forts Walk and snorkeling around the reefs.
What's changing now in Magnetic Island? Magnetic Island's hospitality scene continues to run on hostel-driven community events, with Bounce Magnetic Island's weekly events and wildlife park and Nomads' waterfront pool socials anchoring a backpacker culture that peaks with the isl
Seek out Nomads Nelly Bay's waterfront socials in Magnetic Island? A waterfront hostel with weekly events and a pool, an alternative to Bounce's wildlife-park-focused scene.
Base yourself in Nelly Bay in Magnetic Island? Has the most variety of places to eat and drink with over half the island's population living there, perfect for snorkeling or diving. Known for main hub, most dining variety.