Magnetic Island Holiday Houses & Accommodation

With over 20 pristine bays and beaches and a location just a 20-minute ferry ride from the city of Townsville, Magnetic Island is an untouched paradise and one of the most laid-back holiday destinations in North Queensland.

The island has four residential bays: Nelly, Geoffrey, Picnic and Horseshoe. Over two-thirds of Magnetic Island is designated as a National Park, providing an ideal environment for native wildlife including koalas, possums, rock wallabies and different species of bird. A holiday house in Magnetic Island makes a perfect base to experience the natural wonders of the island.

Getting to your Magnetic Island Accommodation

Just 8 kilometres from the city of Townsville, QLD, Magnetic Island is served by frequent ferry services, which operate daily. This means your island paradise is only a 25-minute ferry journey away. Getting to Townsville is a breeze too - major international and domestic airlines have frequent flights into Townsville Airport. Alternatively, hop on the Spirit of Queensland rail service that travels from Brisbane or Cairns. Or if coming by car, join the Bruce Highway to reach your Magnetic Island holiday house with ease.

What to eat on your Magnetic Island holiday

Magnetic Island boasts a vibrant culinary scene which blends traditions with a creative twist. Barefoot Art Wine Food on Horseshoe Bay offers visitors a fantastic dining experience with an extensive wine list. Visit the upstairs art gallery to see the works of talented local artists.

Located on the beautiful Horseshoe Bay, Noodies on the Beach provides a great atmosphere, delicious Mexican food and a spectacular waterfront view. Sit back and enjoy one of its signature cocktails, a Corona, margaritas or a cup of coffee.

Experience a taste of traditional Chinese cuisine at Alby’s Chinese Restaurant in Picnic Bay. Try the homemade wontons and dim sum, as well as the more king prawns with chilli sauce. Man Friday on Nelly Bay offers an al fresco Mexican dining experience in a lush tropical setting.

Enjoy the taste of authentic French dishes at Restaurant Le Paradis located on Nelly Bay. The extensive menu features Chicken Caesar Salad, Fettuccine Bolognaise, Chicken Parmigiana, Grilled Chicken Breast and lot more.

Cultural highlights of Magnetic Island

From interactive displays to historical artefacts and handmade crafts you will find history, art and culture in museums and galleries across the island. Magnetic Island Museum in Picnic Bay is home to fascinating permanent displays of the island's cultural heritage and a gift shop containing locally made crafts.

Located in Marine Parade, Arcadia, the Peter Lawson Fine Art Gallery has a fantastic collection of custom artwork and European masterpieces by award-winning artist Peter Lawson. Vonnie van Bemmel's Fine Art Studio houses a great selection of nature paintings by the award-winning painter.

Rhonda Stevens Atelier Trois Art Studio has a selection of unique works featuring monotypes, collagraphy, sculpture, etchings, photography and jewellery. Gustav Creek Studio offers a collection of sculptural and ceramic works by renowned artist Jenny Mulcahy.

Holidays with kids on Magnetic Island

Horseshoe Bay is a fantastic location for water sports, offering opportunities to excite the whole family. In addition to jet skiing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, the bay also provides a swimming enclosure and great sailing and fishing opportunities.

Take a guided tour to visit the Bungalow Bay Koala Village, home to a variety of flora, fauna and animals. Your guide will take you around the village and let you interact with some of the wildlife which includes birds, reptiles, wombats and koalas.

Alma Bay is a famous swimming spot for visitors and locals alike. The beach is patrolled by the Arcadian Life Saving Club during weekends and public holidays. Family-friendly amenities include picnic tables, a gas barbecue and a shaded children's playground.

Discover Magnetic Island's Wildlife

Centrally-located within the Great Barrier Reef, Magnetic island is 65% national park and it boasts 23 beaches. In total, you can discover 52 square kilometres of natural wonders. Whether you want to swim with turtles, go bird-spotting, or cuddle-up to koalas, this island escape is a nature-lover's paradise.

Seek out the sea turtles who nest on the island’s sandy shores and swim off the coast amongst the abundant subaquatic seagrass meadows. The grassy tucker also attracts dugongs, a sea cow native to the North-Eastern Australian coastline. Or why not wander along Horseshoe Bay's 'Butterfly Walk', famed for its blue tiger butterflies? The seasonal spectacle of overwintering butterflies is a must-see.

For yet more wildlife marvels, hike amongst the boulder-strewn national park, and spot koalas, possums, rock-wallabies, and a stunning variety of birds, trees, and flora as you go. Just be sure to pack a picnic to refuel mid-hike.

Snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef is a must, and you can also take an off-shore boat tour to spot migrating humpback whales. Finally, check out the Bungalow Bay Koala Village for cuddles with the cute marsupials.

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