Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Magnetic Island National Park adventure.
This Great Barrier Reef island has beaches, woodlands, and WWII forts.
Beaches, eucalyptus forests, and bush-clad mountains make up Magnetic Island National Park. Cruise out to the island from Townsville, climb the peak of Mount Cook to discover WWII-era forts, and explore more than 36 kilometres of bushwalking trails with plenty of wildlife watching opportunities. The island is part of the Great Barrier Reef, so taking to the water is a must—spy dugongs and sea turtles on a boat cruise or dive in to snorkel along colorful coral reefs. Camping is not permitted in the park, but campers have options on the island or along the mainland.
The best time for hiking and wildlife-watching on Magnetic Island is during the dry season (May to November), but it’s possible to visit year-round. Humidity is high in the summer months (December to April) and temperatures can reach more than 30°C, so bring plenty of water and avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day. Birds, koalas, and rock wallabies are most active in the early morning or evening.