The best glamping in Magnetic Island with wifi provided

Just eight kilometres and 20 minutes by ferry from Townsville, Magnetic Island (“Maggie” to locals) is a national park offering watersports, hiking, history, and wildlife in abundance. Several small settlements, the largest of which is Nelly Bay, are surrounded by eucalyptus woods, rainforest, and granite tors where koalas are easily spotted, and rock wallabies are often seen in the early morning. Outdoor activities are heavily water-based: snorkelling and swimming at about 20 bays and beaches, plus sailing, waterskiing, parasailing, scuba diving, kayaking, and fishing.

90% (19) • 15 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Magnetic Island

Just eight kilometres and 20 minutes by ferry from Townsville, Magnetic Island (“Maggie” to locals) is a national park offering watersports, hiking, history, and wildlife in abundance. Several small settlements, the largest of which is Nelly Bay, are surrounded by eucalyptus woods, rainforest, and granite tors where koalas are easily spotted, and rock wallabies are often seen in the early morning. Outdoor activities are heavily water-based: snorkelling and swimming at about 20 bays and beaches, plus sailing, waterskiing, parasailing, scuba diving, kayaking, and fishing.

90% (19) • 15 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Magnetic Island

1. BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Townsville

85%

(26)

110 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Townsville, QLD

Enjoy the taste of the tropics and surround yourself with palm trees and landscaped gardens at BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Townsville. Located a short 10-minute drive from the airport and 16 kilometres from Townsville CBD, you’ll find the city’s main attractions, such as The Strand, Castle Hill and Botanic Gardens a delight. The holiday park is set up to make the most of the 320 days of sunshine North Queensland enjoys each year, with two resort-style pools and shaded gazebos for you to stay cool. The kids will be kept entertained with a water park, two playgrounds, a jumping cushion, volleyball court, basketball court, trikes and an 18-hole mini-golf course. To check-in, choose between cabins, villas, caravan sites or campgrounds. With enough amenities to keep everyone entertained, as well as BBQ areas and a children’s playground nearby, there’s plenty of places to prepare your daily meals and relax while keeping an eye on the little ones.

2. BIG4 Townsville Gateway Holiday Park

100%

(1)

177 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Townsville, QLD

**Please note that our office is closed on Christmas Day (25 December), and we do not accept arrivals or departures on this date. Any bookings made with a check-in or check-out on 25 December will be cancelled. Thank you for your understanding.**Welcome to BIG4 Townsville Gateway Holiday Park A tranquil holiday park just outside of Townsville in sunny Queensland. Shady native trees and beautiful birdlife provide the perfect setting to help you unwind on your tropical holiday. Features -Swimming Pool -Camp Kitchen -BBQ Facilities -Laundry Facilities -Kiosk -TV Room -Dump Point -Pet Friendly* -WiFi Our range of accommodation options include unpowered and powered sites, studio cabins and 1 and 2 bedroom units. We also have dog friendly cabins available.

3. Magnetic Naturally Island Cabin

100%

(2)

1 site · Lodging · Horseshoe Bay, QLD

On Magnetic Island in Queenslands tropical north, you'll find our secluded island cabin. Set within a private resort style property, it is purpose built for guests and is fully self contained. Comfortable queen bed, lounge, kitchen, bathroom with a beautiful under cover outdoor shower, fans, air-conditioning and washing machine. Free wifi. There is a covered deck attached to cabin and a paved area to relax in by outdoor BBQ. There is only one guest cabin on the property, completely separate to the main home but you are welcome to share the large outdoor pool. The cabin is very private, surrounded by native flora and fauna and growing gardens. It is a truely peaceful spot with the beach less than a kilometre away. Horseshoe Bay is the gateway to many of our beautiful bays and tracks including the famous Forts walk. There are water activities and a life guard patrolled swim area. Several little cafes restaurants and a local pub are also in the bay. There is a great bus service on the island and nearest bus stop is less than 2 km away. Rental cars are also available at good rates.

4. Magnetic Glamping Safari Tent 2

1 site · Lodging · Nelly Bay, QLD

Luxury Safari Tent 2 is a king-size lodge. Ideal for couples, solo travellers, and nature-loving friends. Not suited to party groups or loud gatherings. Designed for guests who value quiet, privacy, and presence. Limited availability by design. This is glamping for people who don’t want crowds, noise, or screens. Our safari-style tents are thoughtfully nestled into the natural landscape, surrounded by eucalypts, granite boulders, and open sky. Days unfold slowly here—morning tea on your private deck, wildlife passing through, long lunches, golden-hour walks, and evenings softened by the sounds of the bush. Each tent is designed for comfort and calm, with proper beds, luxury linens, curated interiors, private bathrooms, a kitchenette, and generous space to breathe. Nothing flashy. Nothing forced. Just a beautifully considered place to pause, with piping hot water. Magnetic Glamping is proudly eco-certified, operating with low impact and deep respect for the island we call home. Guests often tell us they arrive feeling busy—and leave feeling lighter. If you’re seeking a stay that feels grounded, private, and quietly special, you’ll feel right at home here.

5. Naturessence

1 site · Lodging · Horseshoe Bay, QLD

Naturessence is naturist accommodation in a self-contained Retreat. The Retreat has its own lounge/dining room, queen-size bedroom with ensuite, a kitchenette with a private deck overlooking Horseshoe Bay lagoon. We offer shared use of the mineral pool, the private yard and laundry. We are naturists ourselves and offer naturist accommodation only. Our property is located within walking distance (15 minutes) to Horseshoe Bay foreshore and shops, which includes a pub, two cafes, four restaurants, fish and chips shop, an enclosed patrolled swimming area and beach water hire activities. We are close to two unofficial naturist beaches, with arguably the best nudist beach in Australia (Balding Bay) a short 30 minute walk from our door.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

H

Hester

February 2025

Weekend Trip to Magnetic Naturally Island Cabin

Beautiful cottage, feel so secluded!! Lisa focus on that small extra things that make you feel special! Thank you for an amazing weekend!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

”

The best glamping in Magnetic Island with wifi provided guide

Where to go

Horseshoe Bay

Bungalow Bay Koala Village at Horseshoe Bay is the only camping ground on Magnetic Island. Home to a wildlife sanctuary where you can visit koalas, a python, or a small saltwater crocodile, the campground also offers ranger-guided bush walks to explore nearby habitats and learn the history of the area’s traditional owners, the Wulgurukaba people.

Nelly Bay–Arcadia Trail

One of the best and most popular of the island’s 36-km network of hiking trails is the Nelly Bay–Arcadia Trail, a one-way journey of 5 km (3 miles) that takes between two and three hours to complete. The World War II fortifications provide an interesting setting for part of the trail, a likely place to spot koalas in the wild. (The best koala spotting is on the track up to the Forts off Horseshoe Bay Road.) And at the top are terrific 360-degree views of the Coral Sea and Bowling Green Bay National Park.

Geoffrey Bay

Geoffrey Bay offers excellent snorkelling, straight off the beach. Local shops offer “swim cards” to strap to your wrist—these carry useful information about the coral and fish you can see. For strong swimmers, the wreck of the World War II plane Moltke is another good snorkelling spot.

When to go

Townsville can be hot and humid in summer (December to February)—and sometimes in the path of cyclones—but is spared the worst of the wet-season rains and claims 300 days of sunshine a year. Magnetic Island tends to be cooler with more breezes. The best months to visit are May to September, when the weather is cool and the seas are free of the toxic marine stingers that can prevent ocean swimming without special stinger suits.

Know before you go

Magnetic Island is not on the Great Barrier Reef, but the surrounding waters are part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The best reef snorkeling is at Florence Bay, Arthur Bay and Geoffrey Bay.
Camping permits are required for all Queensland parks, forests, and reserves. Book your spot online and in advance.
Despite its size and popularity, there is no information centre on Magnetic Island. Try the one at Townsville Bulletin Square instead if you need assistance.
Magnetic Island Bus Services will get you anywhere on the island for just a few dollars, but many visitors prefer the freedom of hiring a mini-moke (an open-sided vehicle similar to a golf cart) to get around. You’ll see them all over the island.

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