Camping in Magnetic Island with fishing
Find koalas, snorkelling, and hiking on magical “Maggie.
97% (447 reviews)
- Magnetic Island
97% (447 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Magnetic Island
Star Hosts in Magnetic Island
Under $50
12 top campgrounds in Magnetic Island with fishing
97%
(88)
The Forts
3 sites · RVs3 acres · Horseshoe Bay, QLD
We are in the perfect location in Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island, and your camp spot is located a short walk to the beach, right on the walking tracks, WWII-era forts, and access to exploring more than 36 kilometres of bushwalking trails with plenty of wildlife watching opportunities.
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The Great Barrier Reef, is at our door step so taking to the water is a must— hire a canoe, kayak or jetski and start exploring the wonderlands of spy dugongs and sea turtles or go on a boat cruise, and dive in to snorkel along colourful coral reefs.
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Then there's the action of a buzzy seaside town with cafes and bars and skatepark, tennis courts all within a 5 minutes gentle walk!
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Welcome to The Forts of Magnetic Island, it's truly magic your views are the National Park.
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We offer easy access sites for:
CARAVAN up to 18ft.
ROOF vehicle tent
MOTORHOME up to 20ft.
VAN loads of room.
Tent- your tent can be pitched on a tucked away haven in the bush surrounded by natural boulders.
Please be SELF CONTAINED
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Please allow for some slight slope sites, come and enjoy your relaxed bushcamp stay.
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FERRY crossing
BOOK to arrive at your campsite during the "daytime" please.
Please prepare to "prebook your ferry" if travelling with a vehicle.
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Walking passenger or with your bicycle you do not need to prebook your ferry.
Great bus service on Magnetic Island runs every hour.
Abundance of wildlife, kangaroos, wallabies, kookaburra, superb sunsets and so much more.
Beach✔️
Cafes✔️
Spacious Sites✔️
Walking tracks✔️
The perfect paradise.
Potable water
from
AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(24)
Hidden Corner Magnetic Island
2 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Horseshoe Bay, QLD
Magnetic Island
Private fully fenced 751 square metre block of land one kilometre to Horseshoe Bay beachfront.
The perfect base to enjoy all the wonderful activities that Magnetic Island has to offer including swimming, bushwalking, birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
Water and very limited electricity is available. There are no bathroom facilities so you need to be self contained. We are one kilometre from the nearest bus stop so you need to have your own transport. Please do not book this property if you do not have your own transport.
As the barge gets very busy, I suggest you book the barge before booking the site. Contact me and I am happy to hold the site for a short time while you make your barge booking.
Pets
Potable water
from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
90%
(20)
BE Magnetic Island
1 site · RV2 acres · Horseshoe Bay, QLD
BE🌴
WELCOME to Magnetic Island
.
Tucked away bordering the National Park is your campsite a quiet oasis.
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Wildlife bouncing, exotic birds chirping, koalas roaming, cute chickens and a spacious tiered entertainment area to totally relax.
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Just a 2second walk to the track to take you on the famous FORTS walk.
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Beaches, sunsets, and incredible views are just moments away from your campsite.
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Plenty of watersports!
Hire kayaks from your campsite
Go on a sailing trip, extra fees and weather dependent.
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Hire jet ski
Hire a scooter
Hire a cute car
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See butterfly, birds, kangaroo, koalas, wallabies, and much more from your camp
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Cafes, bars, shops and bustop just a moment away.
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Don't forget we are a true natural eco STAY bring your own toilet,cooking facilities.
Looking forward to seeing YOU 👣
Potable water
from
AU$32
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
95%
(28)
Black River Dam Camp Site
4 sites · Lodging150 acres · Black River, QLD
We are located in the Townsville region, 25 kms from the city centre and only 10 kms to Coles and BWS but close to the coast.
The campsite is set on a private 150 acres with 3 swimming dams, portable toilet on site and motorcycle tracks including enduro.
Camping and campfires are allowed near the dams in fire pits. Fish for metre long barra and jade perch (catch and release please).
In Townsville itself you will find the headland at the north end featuring the military exhibits of Jezzine Barracks and a wide promenade which is great for walks as it heads south past the safe swimming zones. On the other end, at Ross Creek, you can catch the ferry to the Great Barrier Reef or take a 20-minute ferry ride to Magnetic Island, with its beautiful bays, bushland hikes, and wild koalas.
Country Vows wedding reception centre is located on 5 acres at the front of the property.
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$36
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
94%
(105)
Coothara Farm
4 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Black River, QLD
Located just outside Townsville, this rural farm setting features lots of wildlife. There is a dam in a shaded paddock next to the camping area. You can hang out with the horses, cows, chickens and many other animals.
The campsite is quiet, peaceful and relaxing. We even have a MH therapy cow, Nemoo! (bring your camera!)
Enjoy a yarn around the campfire (firewood available depending on season) or a swim in the dam!
This campsite suits self-contained campers who bring their own toilet/shower amenities and can run off grid.
The Townsville region has much to offer. There's a free swimming pool on the esplanade. If you're up for a walk or bike ride the esplanade takes you through the gardens on the water's edge. You can also take a cruise out to Magnetic Island.
Pets on leashes are welcome.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
Trash
from
AU$34
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(1)
Magnetic Naturally Island Cabin
1 site · Lodging1 acre · QLD
Our island cabin 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.
There is a covered deck attached to cabin and a paved area to relax in by outdoor BBQ.
Large outdoor pool for your use, in a shared area with the owners.
The cabin is very private, surrounded by native flora and fauna and growing gardens. The cabin is completely separate to our family home. 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.
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
Cooking equipment
from
AU$300
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(2)
Mam Easy Stay
10 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Townsville, QLD
Aprox an acre of vacant land with creek access, flowing in wet season. Fruit trees, natural wildlife including kangaroos, black cockatoos and kookaburras plus Luci longdog, pool access, games room, access to shower and toilet if needed. Outdoor kitchen and weekend share meals, such as pizza, ribs, BBQ , seafood and homemade sausage rolls and pasties.
Friendly family hosts welcome to join for music and drinks by the fire pit in cooler months with a camp stew.
If required 2 bedroom granny flat but must share bathroom with other campers. NRL games on big screen in bar area every weekend during season.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$41
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(429)
Crystal Ridge
2 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Mutarnee, QLD
Welcome to Crystal Ridge, a peaceful location where you can enjoy peace and privacy.Campers can fish, swim, bird watch or just relax by the water and watch the cows grazing around the property. Nearby you'll find Mount Spec, Paluma Range National Park straddles the summit and escarpment of the Paluma Range, rising 1,000m above the Big Crystal Creek floodplain. This is the most southerly national park in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.Located approximately 45 minutes north of Townsville on the Bruce Highway, Mutarnee is a small peaceful hamlet nestled on the banks of beautiful Crystal Creek. At the local caravan park there's a small shop and service station and just a minute down the road you'll find the Crystal Creek boat ramp. There is great bushwalks in the area and place to mountain bike.Any camping set up is welcome to pull up on the flat, grassy site.You are welcome to bring your pet, but please ensure they are kept on a leash and under control.
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from
AU$40
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(5)
Cuddle Creek Homestead
2 sites · RVs, Tents28 acres · Yabulu, QLD
28 acres of bliss in the bush.
Not too far from town, but far enough for peace and quiet.
Kids or adults can ride bikes around our tracks through the property.
You can go fishing off the bank from the back of the block, or alternatively you can put a boat in the creek with a boat ramp accessible only about 1 klm down the road.
Trash
from
AU$15
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
94%
(31)
Mount Elliot Park
4 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Shirbourne, QLD
Mount Elliot Park is a working cattle property that offers a bush experience to approved individuals. Located in the Burdekin Shire we are based in one of Australia’s best Barra fishing and bird watching areas. Sites are based on a slashed grassed paddock with access to a clear flowing creek. Campers can relax with open fire and surrounded by the beautiful mountain backdrop.
Pets
Campfires
from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Booked 2 times
Mykitoville
8 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Black River, QLD
Just off the Bruce Highway, just 30 mins north of Townsville.
It can be hot, it can be dusty, it can be noisy, it can be quiet, it could get wet. Fun will be had night & day.
There are no facilities here, campers must be self contained and leave no trace. Take your waste with you!
Pet welcome, on leash.
You can have a contained campfire in the fire pit, please bring your own firewood.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
93%
(61)
WillowVale Park
2 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Nome, QLD
“WillowVale Park” is 200 acres set on the banks of the Reid River, QLD 4816. Half way between Townsville and Charters Towers on the Flinders Highway.
Private area suitable for camping, caravans, RV’s right on the river bank.
All year swimming, fishing, kayaking and canoeing.
- Camp fires permitted.
- Pets welcome but contained or restrained at all times.
- No toilets so must have own toilet.
- Groups bookings or up to two seperate camps at any one time.
- Push bike riding and Hiking areas available.
- Plenty of room to run for the kids.
Pets
Campfires
from
AU$35
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Dog-friendly getaways
Available this weekend
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Camping in Magnetic Island with fishing guide
Overview
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.
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.
Top regions near Magnetic Island
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Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.