What To Do On Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island is packed with things to see, do and experience, whether you’re here for adventure, relaxation or a little of both. If you’re wondering what to do on Magnetic Island, you’ll find everything from wildlife encounters and scenic walking trails to snorkelling sites, bustling markets and laid-back beachfront dining. The island’s warm climate and natural beauty make it easy to fill your days with activities that suit every type of traveller.

Explore the fringing coral reefs, take a local bus tour to uncover island stories, wander through boutique shops and galleries, or simply settle in for a sunset at one of the many stunning bays. Families, couples and solo travellers will all find something memorable to enjoy. Below, you’ll find a curated list of the best things to do on Magnetic Island, perfect for planning your stay and discovering new favourites.

Best Bus Tour

With Best Bus Tours you’ll experience Magnetic Island through the eyes of a local, with a relaxed tour of our beautiful Island in air-conditioned comfort.

Snorkeling & Diving on Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island has fringing coral reef and many shipwrecks that are abundant in sea life.

Barefoot Art Food Wine

Barefoot Art Food Wine is a fine dining restaurant located on the beachfront of Horseshoe Bay.

Up the Garden Path

Open for dinner, Up the Garden Path at Amaroo on Mandalay offers a family friendly casual dining experience.

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.

Horseshoe Bay Markets

The Horseshoe Bay markets are held on the second and last Sunday of the month from 9am – 2pm along the Horseshoe Bay foreshore.

Island Living Centre

Island Living is an eclectic mix of unique gifts, tropical clothing, home decor, hand made jewellery and souvenirs.

Artspace on Magnetic

Looking for art of Magnetic Island to take back with you? Stop by one of Magnetic Island’s favourite gift shops!

Magnetic Island Photography

If your looking for professional and unique wedding photography services on the striking Magnetic Island in Queensland, then you’ve come to the right place!

Magnetic Maxi Service (Taxi)

Call Magnetic Maxi Service on 0432 207 186! Magnetic Maxi Service operate the taxi service on Magnetic Island with station wagon and maxi taxis available.

Arcadia Village Hotel

Arcadia Village Hotel is located in the heart of Arcadia, just opposite Alma Bay with incredible views over Geoffrey Bay.

Horseshoe Bay Fish and Chips

Enjoy delicious fish and chips on Horseshoe Bay beach from Horseshoe Bay Fish and Chips! With freshly battered, crumbed or grilled fish, crispy hot chips, home

Breakfast with the Koala’s – Bush Tucker Brunch

Bush tucker is Australian terminology for the huge variety of herbs, spices, fruits, flowers and animals that are native to Australia.

Arcadia Village Hotel

Arcadia Village Hotel is located in the heart of Arcadia, just opposite Alma Bay with incredible views over Geoffrey Bay.

Horseshoe Bay Fish and Chips

Enjoy delicious fish and chips on Horseshoe Bay beach from Horseshoe Bay Fish and Chips! With freshly battered, crumbed or grilled fish, crispy hot chips, home

Breakfast with the Koala’s – Bush Tucker Brunch

Bush tucker is Australian terminology for the huge variety of herbs, spices, fruits, flowers and animals that are native to Australia.

Thai Again

Thai Again serves authentic Thai cuisine 100% fresh and made to order. The menu caters to a range of dietary requirements with vegan, vegetarian and gluten free

Tamarind Magnetic Island

The Tamarind is a tea house and coffee shop hidden under the shade of the large Tamarind trees in Arcadia.

Noodies on the beach

See the sun set over Horseshoe Bay with a cocktail or margarita at Noodies! Buy a jug and you can enjoy it while wearing a free sombrero!

Adele’s Cafe

Adele’s Cafe has delicious gelato, coffee and treats available for eat in or takeaway.

Mamma Roma

Little Italy is in the Picnic Bay Mall with Mamma Roma servicing delicious authentic Italian Pizza, Pasta, and more!

Brasserie & Take Away @ Nelly from Restaurant Le Paradis

Brasserie & Take Away @ Nelly is the home of Pizza in Nelly Bay! With patisseries, homemade gourmet pies, burgers, pizzas, and daily specials you can dine in.

R&R Bar and Restaurant

The R&R Bar and Restaurant is a stone’s throw away from the historic Picnic Bay Jetty and offers uninterrupted panoramic views of the Coral Sea and Townsville

Sandi’s on Magnetic Island

Sandi’s is located on the beachfront in Horseshoe Bay and is well known for fresh seafood, premium steaks, and German specialties.

The Bikini Tree Cafe

Located within the Arcadia Village Hotel complex, The Bikini Tree Cafe offers tasty modern food, stone fire pizzas and great coffee.

The Early Bird Cafe

Owned and operated by two Italians who moved to Australia 10 years ago. The Early Bird is a quirky little cafe overlooking the stunning Horseshoe Bay

The Reef Bar Cafe

Little Italy is in the Picnic Bay Mall with The Reef Bar Cafe serving authentic Italian coffee during the morning, and irresistible Tapas at night!

Marlin Bar Tavern

Relax and unwind at The Marlin Bar Tavern on the beachfront at Horseshoe Bay. Take in the spectacular view as you feel all your cares slip away.

Horseshoe Bay to Radical Bay

This track takes you through the Eycalupt Forrest to one of the most popular beaches on Magnetic Island. Horseshoe Bay to Radical 3km 45 minutes.

Heritage Track – Arcadia to Nelly Bay

This walk runs parallel to the Gabul Way footpath on the main road from Arcadia to Nelly Bay.

SOS – Stuffed on Seafood

Relax and unwind at The Marlin Bar Tavern on the beachfront at Horseshoe Bay. Take in the spectacular view as you feel all your cares slip away.

Happy Hands Thai Massage

Trained and accredited at the world famous Wat Po Thai Traditional massage school in Bangkok, Aimee has practiced traditional Thai massage for over 7 years

Magnetic Island Country Club

Magnetic Island Country Club is set in a back drop of rugged hills strewn with boulders and lush vegetation that backs onto National Park.

Magnetic Island Country Club

Magnetic Island Country Club is set in a back drop of rugged hills strewn with boulders and lush vegetation that backs onto National Park.

Bungalow Bay Koala Village

If you’ve ever dreamed of cuddling a koala, then a visit to Bungalow Bay Koala Village

Big Mama Sailing

Big Mama Sailing’s Lisa, Stu and Fletcher welcome you into their home – a 60ft(18m) sailing vessel!

Magnetic Jeep Tours

Experience tropical Magnetic Island at its best in the bight yellow unique, iconic and fun 4×4 stretched Jeep.

Gilligan’s Cafe & Bar

Gilligan’s Cafe & Bar serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, coffees, smoothies and cocktails from a comfortable location in Arcadia.

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

Aquasearch Lab & Aquarium

See coral reef marine fish, including ‘Nemo’ clownfish and ‘Dory’ the blue tang, hard and soft corals, anemones, sea urchins

Magnetic Island History and Craft Centre

Discover Magnetic Island’s interesting past and great locally made crafts at Magnetic Island History and Craft Centre.

Get Around Island Boat Tours and Hire

See all of Magnetic Island’s stunning coastline on a full day tour with Get Around Island Boat Tours and Hire.

Jet Ski Hire Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island Jetski Hire is located in picturesque Horseshoe Bay. Often you can spot turtles, rays, dugongs and dolphins while enjoying the freedom

Stage Door Theatre Restaurant

Stage Door Theatre Restaurant is the most unique entertainment venue in North Queensland and the ‘Greatest Little Show on Earth’.

Sunbus Public Bus Service

Sunbus have 29 bus stops conveniently located throughout Magnetic Island, with the service running regularly from one end of the island to the other from morning till night.

Saltwater Magnetic Island

Saltwater Magnetic Island offers modern Australian fusion cuisine, focusing on seafood and quality poultry.

Ceylon Curry Corner

Enjoy delicious, authentic Sri Lankan Curry made fresh to order at the Ceylon Curry Corner! Located at the Old Helipad in Nelly Bay on Friday-

Drop Bear Cafe

Drop Bear Cafe in Arcadia is open daily for breakfast, lunch, or if you prefer just a coffee and a snack!

Smugglers Wine Bar

Family owned and run, Smugglers Wine Bar wants to bring fine wine to a casual, relaxed setting where you can sit and enjoy good drop with friends on one of the most amazing islands in Australia.

Ottos on the Island

Otto’s on the Island is Magnetic Island’s version of the popular Otto’s Market. With a little German flare enjoy delicious treats, deli delights

Toad Races

The Arcadia Village Hotel is the home to the famous Cane Toad Races that are held every Wednesday night from 8pm.

Rock Wallabies

Geoffrey Bay is home to Magnetic Island’s friendliest Rock Wallabies that will eat out of your hand at their dusk feeding time at Bremner Point.

Arthur Bay Lookout

From the Forts Walk Carpark – 2.1 km return = 35 minutes From the Forts Walk car park on Horseshoe Bay Road

MI Design & Retail

MI Design & Retail is a perfect blend of Magnetic Island DESIGN by Local Artists & RETAIL Gifts & Homewares Located in the heart of Horseshoe