Magnetic Island is eight kilometres from Townsville. It is one of the largest islands in the Great Barrier Reef and 70% of it is national park.
Captain Cook named the island when he sailed past on 6th June 1770 as his compass would not work well. Magnetic Island has 16 beaches and lots of accommodation from cheap to resort style. There are more than 22km of walking tracks on the island, as well as an aquarium, a koala sanctuary and a pottery. Magnetic Island is divided into four sections Picnic Bay, Nelly Bay, Arcadia and Horseshoe Bay.
The passenger ferry arrives at Picnic Bay , which is the southern tip of the island. The passenger ferry operates from two points on the city side of the river. The terminal is in Flinders Street . There is a second pick-up point closer to the mouth of the river, on the breakwater along the road to the Casino.
The crossing takes 25mins. There is a bus service on the island that meets the ferry and can take you on a tour or just drop you at one of the locations. There is also a taxi service , moke rentals and scooter hire. You can take your car on the ferry but is often not necessary due to the good transport services provided on the island.
Magnetic Island bus service (07 4778 5130).
Rent a Moke (07 4778 5377).
Magnetic Island Taxi (13 1008).
Road Runner Scooter Hire (07 4778 5222).
Sunferries (07 4771 3855).
