Magnetic Island

Sailing tours are available on the island, and usually depart from either Nelly Bay Harbour or Horseshoe Bay.

Jazza offers sailing and cruising water tours around the beautiful bays of Magnetic Island. The 42 foot Jazza yacht can accommodate up to 13 persons for day and sunset tours. Activities include snorkeling, trolling in the boomnet, fish feeding, learning to sail, secluded beach getaways and just relaxing and enjoying the ride. Homemade pizza and snacks are included.

Ensure you take a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and water for these walks around the island.

The Forts Walk

A 1-2 hour return walk to the ruins of a World War II fort that was designed to protect Townsville from attack. There are fantastic views of Arthur Bay and Horseshoe Bay along from track and from the Fort command post at the top. Also make sure to look for koalas in the trees above the track.

Picnic Bay to West Point

8kms, 2.5 hours. This walk is quite different to the rest of the walks on the island, passing through wetlands, mangroves and salt-waters swamps. Good walk for spotting native wildlife.

Nelly Bay to Arcadia

6kms, 2 hours. This walk passes through rainforest, alongside Gustav Creek and up a ridge. There are shops at both ends of the walk, and this walk is good for spotting local wildlife.

Arcadia to Horseshoe Bay

3kms, 1 hour. This track crosses the road twice and continues along the main road to Horseshoe Bay.

Scuba diving is available on the island, and there are trips out to the Great Barrier Reef leaving Magnetic Island:

Adrenalin Dive offers 2 dive day trips to the Yongala departing Townsville and Magnetic Island. The base price is $179, equipment hire $35. Divers must have at least 6 logged dives, and divers with less than 15 logged dives will need to pay $30 for a guided dive. PADI certification courses are available via the Pro Dive Townsville liveaboard, see the Townsville article for details.

Pleasure Divers is close to Magnetic Island's shore diving and hires out snorkeling equipment and scuba. They also conduct PADI certification courses: introductory Open Water is $299 if shore diving, and certification including reef trips start at $469.

Providence V is the only tallship in the Townsville region. We run lunch, afternoon and sunset tours around the island. Learn how to belay a cleat, sweat the mainsail or chill on deck. Snorkelling and stinger suits provided. Largest boomnet on the island - operates outside of stinger season May-Nov

Offers both morning and sunset kayak tours of Horseshoe bay and surrounding areas of the island. The morning tour includes a simple breakfast muesli and fruit. The owner Steve is bit of a character and is rather condescending, but the scenery and fresh sea air is worth it.