Magnetic Island Communities

Arcadia is home to one of the oldest Surf Life Saving Clubs in Australia, and has been the location of choice for the past 50+ years for families who regularly visit Magnetic Island. With two beautiful beaches, Geoffrey Bay and Alma Bay, visitors to Arcadia are spoiled for choice when it comes to snorkeling and swimming.

Alma Bay is recognisable as one of the most photographed bays of Magnetic Island. The beach is patrolled by Life Guards year round and is marked with red and yellow flags for swimmers. There is fringing reef that runs along the rocks on either side of the bay with a healthy fish population that can be seen while snorkeling or diving.

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. The bay is also the final resting place of the Moltke shipwreck which is now a very popular diving and snorkeling location.

A Snorkel Trail starts off the beach with healthy coral reef that is home to many different species of fish and giant clams and is marked with yellow surface floats.

Arcadia has access to some of the best walking tracks on Magnetic Island that can take you to Nelly Bay, the Forts walk and Horseshoe Bay. During the wet seasons after a few consecutive days of rainfall you can find the locals secret slice of bush walking heaven – Endeavour Falls.

The Arcadia Village Hotel is the home to the famous Cane Toad Races that are held every Wednesday night from 8pm. Bet on the winning toad, give it a “smooch” and the prize money is yours! All other proceeds go to the Arcadia Surf Life Saving Club. Arcadia has many restaurants, local newsagent, convenience store and petrol station.

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The largest bay on Magnetic Island, Horseshoe Bay is a north facing beach with stunning sunsets throughout the winter months.

At 3kms long you can enjoy a long sandy walk along the beach with the east end of the beachfront the starting location of a walking track to Balding and Radical Bays.

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 year-round. The bay has lots of water sports activities available for visitors to try during their stay.

The grassy foreshore has a children’s playground, public BBQs and picnic tables and is the location of the Sunday Markets on the second and last Sunday of the month (more regularly during winter and school holidays).

There are a number of cafes and restaurants along the beachfront, Pacific Drive, allowing visitors a variety of choice and there is a convenience store to top up supplies. For those looking for a new Island outfit or wanting to purchase souvenirs of their stay can shop at Island Fever.

Horseshoe Bay also has a track through the Butterfly Walk around the Horseshoe Bay Lagoon that is very popular for bird watchers. A skate park, tennis court and AFL field can be found back from the beachfront along Horseshoe Bay Road. 

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Nelly Bay is the main hub of Magnetic Island and home to many Island residents.

Both the car ferry and passenger ferry dock at the Nelly Bay Ferry terminal in the Magnetic Island Marina.

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.

A Snorkel Trail starts approximately 100 metres off the beach near Base Backpackers with healthy coral reef that is home to many different species of fish and is marked with yellow surface floats.

There are two supermarkets in Nelly Bay – IGA is opposite the ferry terminal and Foodworks is located on the main road Sooning Street. There is also a Doctors clinic, Pharmacy, bakery, hardware store, clothing store and many restaurants – everything you need is here!

For those wanting to launch their boat, there is a public boat ramp along the breakwater as well as a helipad for urgent medical transfers. Another helipad is located on Sooning Street and is the pick up/drop off point for scenic flights around Magnetic Island and beyond.

Magnetic Island State School (primary school) is located in Nelly Bay with around 160 students. 

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Picnic Bay was once the main hub of Magnetic Island with ferries from Townsville docking at the now Historic Picnic Bay Jetty. These days Picnic Bay is a more relaxed, quieter area for visitors to enjoy. The Picnic Bay Mall has become the home of ‘Little Italy’ with a popular Italian restaurant, cafe and tapas bar. The restaurants share an outdoor dining area with live music played most weekends.

The jetty is a great location to try your luck 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 Life Guards during the summer school holidays.

Magnetic Island’s only fully fenced playground is located across the road from the beachfront near the Picnic Bay Hotel. Visit the Magnetic Island History and Craft Centre at the old Picnic Bay school to relive the history of Magnetic Island and see quality local crafts and souvenirs for sale.

For golfing enthusiasts a round at the iconic Magnetic Island Country Club is a must. Legend has it that this is where Greg Norman first played golf.

Find your accommodation or see more Things To Do in Nelly Bay.