1) Nelly Bay
Nelly Bay is the main hub of Magnetic Island and home to many Island residents.
Nelly Bay beachfront is a great place to go for an early morning run or leisurely walk. There is a children’s playground and public BBQs and picnic tables.
There is a Snorkel Trail that starts approximately 100 metres off the beach near Base Backpackers with healthy coral reef that is home to many different species of fish marked with yellow surface floats.
2) Picnic Bay
Picnic Bay jetty is a great location to try your lucky at fishing, or to simply sit and watch the sun set while taking in the views of the Townsville coastline in the distance.
There is a specially designed swimming enclosure installed for the summer months to assist in protecting swimmers from stingers, and the beachfront is patrolled by lifesavers during the summer school holidays.
Magnetic Island’s only fully fenced playground is located across the road from the beachfront / Picnic Bay Hotel.
3) Arthur Bay
Arthur Bay is a part of both the National and Marine Parks and home to some of the best snorkeling on Magnetic Island, particularly on the left hand side towards the point.
The right side of the bay has underwater caves that protect a large variety of reef fish.
Access to Arthur Bay is via Radical Bay road which accessible by walking only.
The Beach House at Arthur Bay is the only property at this beautiful bay, allowing guests to feel as though the Bay is all their own.
4) Alma Bay
Located in Arcadia, Alma Bay is a popular swimming beach with good accessibility for less mobile visitors. The bay is patrolled by Lifeguards year-round with red and yellow flags markign the safest swimming area for beach goers.
5) Rocky Bay
Rocky Bay is a favourite with sun lovers, and is a secluded beach that can be reached from a track leading down from the lookout between Picnic and Nelly bays.
6) Radical Bay
Radical Bay is a stunning North facing beach that is very popular with visitors to Magnetic Island.
Perfect for swimming on a fine, soft, golden sand and clear turquoise tropical water.
Once the home of a vibrant resort, Radical Bay’s only inhabitants now are wildlife.
This remote location is peaceful and sheltered, providing the perfect place to relax on the beach.
Radical Bay can be accessed via the Radical Bay Road by walking only.
There is also a walking track from the eastern end of Horseshoe Bay beach that takes you over the hill through the eucalyptus forest to Radical Bay.
Radical Bay is a Marine National Park Green Zone, which signifies no fishing or collecting in this Bay.
7) Balding Bay
Balding Bay is a hidden gem that can be reached by walking a track starting from either Horseshoe or Radical Bay.
The bay is a very peaceful and secluded area that sun lovers of the Island enjoy year round.
The sandy bottom and gentle swell makes Balding Bay a good spot for a relaxing swim after your walk in.
Balding Bay is a Marine National Park Green Zone, which signifies no fishing or collecting in this Bay.
8) Florence Bay
Florence Bay is a beautiful bay that is popular with both locals and visitors.
The picturesque location is a popular snorkeling area with a large coral population along the rocks on the left side of the bay, and coral bomeys in the middle.
When the winds increase, Florence Bay becomes the location of choice for the local wave riders, with surf-able waves rolling into shore.
Access to Florence Bay is via the Radical Bay Road, which is accessible by walking only.
There is also a track from the Forts Walk Circuit down to Florence Bay via steps.
Florence Bay is a Marine National Park Green Zone, which signifies no fishing or collecting in this Bay.
9) Horseshoe Bay
The largest bay on Magnetic Island, Horseshoe Bay is a north facing beach with stunning sunsets throughout the winter months. Named for its curved 3km long Horseshoe shaped beach. The beach and bay are well protected from the wind this is a favourite spot for sun lovers and water sports. The area is home to a number of cafes, restaurants and a popular tavern. Horseshoe bay is certainly one of the best locations to spend time on Magnetic Island.
10) Geoffrey Bay
Located in Arcadia, Geoffrey Bay is home to friendly Rock Wallabies. These Wallabies have made their home at the old Arcadia ferry landing, and will eat out of your hand around their feeding time of dusk.
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