Camping in Magnetic Island with hiking
Find koalas, snorkelling, and hiking on magical “Maggie.
94% (1049 reviews)
- Magnetic Island
94% (1049 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Magnetic Island
Under $50
11 top campgrounds in Magnetic Island with hiking
96%
(25)
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
97%
(92)
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 22ft.
ROOF vehicle tent
MOTORHOME up to 22ft.
VAN campervan
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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BOOK FERRY CROSSING
Please prepare to "prebook your ferry" if travelling with a vehicle.
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OUR OPENING HOURS
-come to your campsite during the "daytime" please.
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ARRIVE
- between 8am to 4 pm ONLY
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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
91%
(22)
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 ocean kayaks and paddle off the beaten track.
Go on a sailing trip.
Do a Dive Course.
Go on a Fishing trip.
Book a snorkeling tour.
Book a Island Bay exploring experience
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Hire a paddle board from Horseshoe Bay
Hire jet ski
Hire a scooter
Hire a cute car
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Do a Art Class
Yoga Class
Mediation Workshop
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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
PLEASE bring your own toilet,cooking facilities.
SELF CONTAINED REQUIRED
.
ARRIVE at campsite
Between 8am to 4pm
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Looking forward to seeing YOU 👣
Potable water
from
AU$32
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
81%
(16)
Pete’s Lookout
6 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Townsville, QLD
Located on the Eastern foothills of Mt Stuart, Pete’s lookout consists of six separate campsites, each with a spectacular view.
The panorama stretches from Cape Bowling Green, through to Castle Hill and Magnetic Island, all the way to Pallaranda and Many Peaks.
Relax in the idealic open Eucalyptus forest as you enjoy the views. You will feel like you are 1000 miles away, but only have a short 25 minute drive from Townsville to get here.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$15
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
90%
(865)
Crystal Creek
25 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Mutarnee, QLD
Crystal Creek Campsite is a large camp area with private access to the creek. Large area with plenty of shade. Dog friendly (on a lead). Campers must be self contained with their own toilet/shower facilities and take all waste with them. Our current facilities are unable to be regularly cleaned so will be closed to guests.Campers MUST provide car registration details at time of booking.This is a privately run camp (Operated by Mungulla Station). It is not part of the National Park. Close walk to natural swimming pools which are absolutely picturesque.We offer large shady spots with a few BBQ's, fire pits and amenities. Plenty of fishing and swimming to enjoy.Amenities include hot showers (10 MINS ONLY PLEASE).Access to campsite passes our school so please drive very slowly if your accessing campsite during school hours.Children under 6 stay for free. Do not include them at time of booking.DUE TO CORONAVIRUS PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN TOILET PAPERPlease read all information, rule and directions (provided once you have a confirmed booking) carefully before contacting your host. We have done out best to provide all the information for you so messages should not be required.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$25
/ 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
from
AU$34
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(111)
THE BLOCK
9 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Brookhill, QLD
Welcome to The Block
Located just 20Kms from Townsville.
Dump Point on site.
8 sites available to relax in the Bush.
Overnight or long term available.
Enjoy this tucked away location set on a 160 acre property running a few head of Cattle, Horses and a small Mango Farm.
The sites are set in a Bush setting with Iron Bark & Ghost Gums with relaxing Mountain views, then sit back and take in the night sky.
Each site has a wood burner, ideal for camp oven cooking and to sit around at night.
Firewood for sale.
No Drinking water.
All rubbish to be removed.
Pets
Campfires
from
AU$30
/ 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
98%
(434)
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
93%
(62)
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
100%
(2)
Prestige Estate Campground
2 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Majors Creek, QLD
Our adults only property is at the foothills of Mt Elliot, just a 35 minute drive rom Townsville in the Australian Outback. The property is also a wedding venue and has some incredible swimming holes, fishing spots and nature hikes.
Our large camp sites provide the perfect spot to enjoy a get away in the great outdoors whilst still having basic facilities to make your time away easier. We have a flush toilet, cooking facilities and an outdoor shower available for use.
There are two large dams on the property along with a range of livestock and wildlife. Unfortunately our property is not suitable for children.
Campers are required to supply their own water for the duration of their stay. Fires are permitted outside of restrictions in the communal firepit provided. Sorry, no pets.
We look forward to welcoming you soon!
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
Cooking equipment
from
AU$60
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Dog-friendly getaways
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Camping in Magnetic Island with hiking 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 cities in and near Magnetic Island
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.