When to Go
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.
Know Before You Go
- Magnetic Island lies within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area and takes about 30 minutes by ferry from Townsville. The national park encompasses just over half of the island.
- Bikes and motorbikes are available for hire on the island, and island buses link the main towns. Car ferries allow visitors to bring their own transport.
- The island’s towns have gas stations, shops, and grocery stores where you can purchase essentials. For specialist camping gear, you might need to go to Townsville.
- The island is pest-free, so be sure your clothing, shoes, and bags are free of soil, weeds, seeds, and pests before boarding the boat. Don’t bring any plants, seeds, or fresh food to the island either.
Magnetic Island National Park
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.
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.
When to Go
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
Read more...When to Go
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.
Know Before You Go