Image thanks to Sangeeta Kocharekar
Updated June 2025
Originally published August 2019
Situated off the coast of Townsville; Magnetic Island, better known as ‘Maggie,’ by the locals, is your next paradise escape. In recent years, the tranquil island has become a tourist hotspot that welcomes all travelers to experience its 52km² national park reserves and hiking trails filled with palm trees and wild koalas, granite boulders, and calm beaches with spectacular blue waters! Magnetic Island is home to only 2000 residents, making it the picture-perfect, stress-free destination for both extravagant and budget backpackers seeking chill or adventure.
We’ve refreshed this guide with the latest info for 2025, including our own travel experiences and top picks. Here’s your ultimate budget Travel Guide for exploring Magnetic Island like a pro.
Image thanks to SeaLink travel group
One of the best things about visiting Magnetic Island is how easy (and cheap) it is to get there. Sitting just 8km offshore from Townsville, the island is accessible via two main ferry services that run daily, making it ideal for both quick getaways and longer stays.
Those who experience motion sickness…fear not, Magnetic Island is a short 20-minute ferry ride from its neighbouring coast, Townsville, making it accessible for any occasion. There are two main services that both offer regular boat services between 6am and 10pm.
Sea Link is the go-to option for foot passengers. With up to 18 return services a day, it’s fast and reliable, getting you to Maggie in about 20 minutes (a nice short option for those who experience sea sickness)! Adult return fares start from $34, and parking at the terminal is $7.50 per day. Book online ahead of time to secure better deals and skip the queues.
For foot passenger services, Fantasea offers a competitive price of $28 return for adults and a $5 car park fee, however, it takes around 40 minutes due to loading time for vehicles and only offers 8 trips daily.
If you’re planning on bringing a car across to Maggie, Fantasea Cruising is the only option, but it’s your ticket to full island independence. This may not be the best budget option as vehicle prices range between $103–$115 each way, depending on the size of your car.
Backpacker tip: You don’t need a car to get around Magnetic Island - you’ll save a lot by leaving it in Townsville on the mainland. One on Magnetic Island, the inexpensive travel services such as the local bus network, plus scooter and 4WD hire, make it super easy to explore once you’re there.
Image thanks to Kyle Hunter
Once you’ve landed on Maggie, getting around is a breeze - even on a backpacker budget. Whether you're chasing beach-hopping adventures or just want to cruise between bays, there are a couple of affordable ways to explore.
The Sunbus is the island’s main public transport option and it’s as budget-friendly as it gets. Services run regularly between 6am and 10pm, connecting all the major spots - Nelly Bay, Arcadia, Horseshoe Bay, and Picnic Bay. You can jump on for just $2–$3 a ride, or grab a day pass for $8 and explore at your own pace. Check the Sunbus website for the most up-to-date timetables and pick up/drop off points.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker looking for a trusty 4WD, dare-devil on a scooter, barbie girl looking for your tropical topless convertible car or plan on self-driving your adventures around Magnetic Island in a mini-moke, you will be spoilt for choice.
Scooters usually go for around $50 a day, while 4WDs are closer to $100 - but worth it if you're planning to reach some of the more off-the-grid spots. A few of Maggie’s roads are only accessible by 4WD, especially the ones leading to semi-deserted beaches and spectacular hidden lookouts. Best bet? Team up with some fellow travellers and split the cost.
Maggie is packed with things to do that won’t break the bank - or cost anything at all. Whether you’re into snorkelling, hiking, sunbaking or spotting wildlife in the wild (yes, real-life wild koalas!), this island delivers on both adventures and chill.
Walking tracks on Magnetic Island are some of the best ways to experience its natural beauty - and they’re completely free. Bring a water bottle, decent shoes, and your sense of adventure!
Image thanks to Bungalow Bay Backpackers
This iconic 4km return trail is one of the island’s absolute must-dos. Along the way, you’ll pass historic WWII military ruins, spot the famously aloof local koalas dozing in the trees, and finish with panoramic views over Palm Island Group and Bowling Green Bay. It takes around 1–2 hours, depending on pace and photo stops - and trust us, there’ll be plenty.
Starting from Horseshoe Bay, this trail leads through lush gully forest and opens up to classic Aussie ridge of open bushland. Stop off at Balding Bay, a secluded cove favoured by nudists and nature lovers alike, then continue over the ridge to Radical Bay - a stunning beach flanked by boulders and pines. It’s about 1.5 hours return and well worth it.
Short and sweet, this easy 1.2km track begins at the eastern end of Picnic Street in Picnic Bay and winds up to a lookout with sweeping views across the island, including Nelly and Geoffrey Bays, concluding in Hawkins Bay. There’s a massive boulder perched at the top - a perfect reward for a gentle uphill wander.
This beautiful longer one-way trail (5km) gives you a full cross-island experience. You’ll pass through tangled vine forests, climb the ridge between Nelly and Horseshoe Bay, and eventually drop down toward Arcadia. If your legs are still working, treat yourself to a cold beer and pub meal at the Arcadia Village Hotel - it’s a local favourite and affordable feed..
Image thanks to Adrenalin Surf and Dive
One of the cheapest and most rewarding ways to explore Magnetic Island is heading straight into the water. You can rent budget snorkel gear and grab a waterproof trail card for the day from local dive shops, making it super easy to DIY your underwater adventure.
For beginners, head to Florence Bay, Nelly Bay, or Alma Bay - all offer beach-entry snorkelling and calm, protected conditions. But if you’re a confident swimmer, follow the snorkel trail at Geoffrey Bay and keep an eye out for giant clams and the scattered remains of the Moltke shipwreck. The marine life here is surprisingly abundant, with colourful fish and the odd sea turtle cruising by.
Got a bit of budget to spare? A small group Magnetic Island snorkelling tour with Aquascene is a great upgrade. Their half-day eco cruises take you beyond the main bays to pristine, lesser-known reef spots - and the local guides know exactly where to find the best visibility and coral.
Eco tip: Always wear reef-safe sunscreen when snorkelling - Magnetic Island sits within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and protecting its delicate ecosystems is everyone’s responsibility.
If you're travelling with a group or seeking something self contained for a bit more privacy, Magnetic Island has loads of Airbnbs to choose from. But for solo travellers, social butterflies, and anyone on a true backpacker budget, Magnetic Island hostel, or Magnetic Island camping experience are the way to go - and Maggie has two of the best in the country.
Image thanks to Bungalow Bay Backpackers
YHA Bungalow Bay Koala Village in Horseshoe Bay is ideal if you’re chasing a more relaxed vibe. You can choose from dorm rooms, private cabins, or even pitch your own tent under the stars. There’s a swimming pool and bar on site, plus the much-loved Koala Sanctuary - home to some of the island’s cutest locals. For $189, you can score a package that includes two nights in an 8-bed bungalow, return ferry from Townsville, a guided sanctuary tour (yes, you get a koala cuddle), full-day snorkel gear hire, and a chance to feed the wallabies. Not bad, eh?
Image thanks to Base Backpackers
Keen to party? Base Backpackers in Nelly Bay is where it’s at. Right on the beach, this place is known across the East Coast for its legendary Full Moon Parties held every month from June through October. Accommodation ranges from super affordable dorm beds to private rooms, and there’s camping space too. With nightly events, a lively bar, and a pool to cool off in the morning after - it’s got that social, laid-back energy that’s perfect for meeting fellow travellers.
Food on Magnetic Island doesn’t have to cost a fortune - but a little planning goes a long way. If you're staying more than a couple of days, it’s worth stocking up on basics in Townsville on the mainland before you catch the ferry. Groceries on the island can be noticeably more expensive, and not every convenience store carries what you’ll need.
Image thanks to Picnic Bay Hotel
Breakfast/Lunch
When it comes to breakfast or lunch, Shaka in Nelly Bay is a solid favourite. They do great smoothies, fresh bread, and classic Aussie brekkie options. You can also swing by Magnetic Islands Bakery and Café for a hot pie, coffee, or something sweet on the go.
Dinner
For dinner, the island pubs are your best bet. There’s something low-key and friendly about grabbing a meal at the Picnic Bay Hotel , Arcadia Motel, or Marlin Bar - all offer hearty feeds and cold beers with beachy views. Craving something different? Noodies on the beach in Horseshoe Bay does decent Mexican without the big-city price tag, and Horseshoe Bay Fish and Chips is a crowd-pleaser for sunset snacks on the sand.
Self Catering Options
If you're staying at one of the hostels, chances are you’ll have access to a shared kitchen - perfect for whipping up something easy with your mainland groceries. Most have fridges, cooking gear, and storage space for your backpack pantry. And if cooking indoors isn’t your vibe, you'll also find public BBQs dotted around places like Horseshoe Bay and Picnic Bay. Nothing says island life like grilling dinner with sand between your toes.
Whether you’re living on toast and instant noodles or treating yourself to the occasional pub meal, there’s always a way to eat well on Maggie Island without smashing your budget!
Magnetic Island is one of those rare places where you can pack your days with hikes, snorkelling and pub nights - or do absolutely nothing at all. Whether you’re chasing wildlife, reef time, or just need to unwind, this tropical gem has you covered. So pack your sunscreen and sunnies, and take a trip to Magnetic Island.
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