Arcadia (Magnetic Island)

Townsville, Australia

Home to The Arcadia Hotel, with live music and a poolside bar.

Places in Arcadia (Magnetic Island)

The Arcadia Hotel Features live music and a poolside bar in Arcadia Village.
The Arcadia Hotel poolside bar A poolside bar with live music in Arcadia Village.

Best time to visit: May to October (dry season), taking advantage of Townsville's 320+ days of sunshine while avoiding the wet season and stinger season.
Getting around: Magnetic Island is reached by a 20-minute ferry from Townsville, with villages Picnic Bay, Nelly Bay, Arcadia and Horseshoe Bay running south to north along the island's coastline.
Currency: Australian Dollar (A$)
Language: English. Aboriginal languages are spoken in some communities.
Timezone: AEST (UTC+10, no daylight saving)
Current trends: Townsville's role as a premier Great Barrier Reef gateway continues to strengthen with new luxury hotel openings like the December 2023 Ardo Hotel, featuring 132 suites and a rooftop pool, while nearby Magnetic Island's mix of pristine, uncrowded bays and easily spotted roadside koalas keeps drawing day-trippers and overnight visitors just a 20-minute ferry ride away.

Townsville waterfront — Home to the newly opened Ardo Hotel, overlooking the sparkling Coral Sea.
Nelly Bay (Magnetic Island) — Home to Restaurant Le Paradis, serving traditional French cuisine.