Magnetic Island Tour Behind the Scenes

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Visit the Nelly Bay Nature reserve for a talk on our local wildlife and to view an interpretive display created by celebrated local artists.

   30 min

2. Picnic Bay, a coastal haven steeped in history and natural beauty. Step onto the shores of Picnic Bay accompanied by our knowledgeable guide. Your experience encompasses both the breathtaking vistas and the richness of Picnic Bay's past. Wander along the heritage-listed Picnic Bay Jetty, where remnants of the island's bygone days blend seamlessly with the panoramic views of the Coral Sea with the possibility of witnessing turtles or dugongs in the waters. Our tour unfolds the layers of Picnic Bay's heritage, and a highlight is our visit to the local museum. Led by our expert guide, explore the museum's curated exhibits showcasing artifacts, stories, and photographs that vividly depict the area's fascinating history. Delve into tales of early settlers, maritime adventures, and the cultural tapestry that shaped this coastal gem

   45 min

3. Visit the Marina and take a short walk along the Presto Breakwater, to visit the wreck of the Presto scuttled on Magnetic Island in 1896. There is always a chance to spot some of our iconic Allied Rock Wallabies as they jump along the breakwater.

   20 min

4. Our unique Allied Rock Wallabies are often found in and around the rocks on the edge of Geoffrey Bay. See if you can spot any.

   30 min

5. While the tour doesn't cover the entire Forts walk, it offers an insightful experience into our island's World War II history through an informative display at the start of the walk Ascend to the initial lookout point (approximately 100m) to marvel at the stunning panoramic vistas overlooking Arthur Bay.

   20 minAdmission included

6. As you walk alongside the group, our guide paints vivid pictures of the island's past and present, pointing out unique features of the landscape and sharing captivating tales about the area's significance. Alma Bay's beauty unfolds before your eyes as our guide provides insights into the bay's history, wildlife, and the mesmerizing tranquility that makes it a hidden gem on Magnetic Island.

   15 min

7. Stop for a break at the island's watersports mecca, Horseshoe Bay. Plenty of cafe's available and a lifeguard patrolled beach. Markets operate every Sunday during the cooler months.

   1 h

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 57 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Showing reviews written in English.

• 5We would have stayed longer

  We had a wonderful time exploring Magnetic Island with Tim. He is both funny and informative, a local with a real love for his island home which he is keen to share with you. A small group tour at a relaxed pace over 5 hours which allows for a spot of lunch in Horseshoe Bay it's one of the best tours we have done anywhere in the world. The highlight of the day for us was a visit to the koala hospital where we were fortunate to see two koalas who are waiting release. We had a great day on Magnetic Island, if we had known what a magical place it is we would have stayed on the island for a few days instead of making a two night stop in Townville.

  Rolosmum25October 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Amazing and enjoyable tour of Magnetic Island

  I had a great time. Tim our driver and guide was very funny and knowledgeable. Took us to many places of interest and we saw and fed rock wallabies on the way. Also saw Koalas and visited the koala hospital which the Bee family run. It was a very enjoyable 5 hours. Well worth doing.

  Michael_ESeptember 2026via Viator

• 5Tour bus with an amazing Tour guide

  We had an amazing tour experience,The group was small and that was nice to meet and talk each other looks like a big family Tim the tour driver was really friendly and entertained and show us everything on magnetic island. Tim self does an awesome job to look after the wild life and the koalas and got his own little hospital for any emergency. I recommend this tour to everyone who visit Magnetic Island,

  estherhH7088OJSeptember 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Best Tour Ever!!!!

  We loved every minute of this tour! Tim was so informative and funny! He went out of his way to make sure we saw everything on the island and all the wild animals we had time for. Took us to his secret farm and let me just say it’s a magical place! Also got to go to his koala hospital which is pretty incredible. Also got to meet his sweet daughter Izzy. Another highlight was getting to feed Rock Wallabies and see some black cockatoos. Book this tour! You won’t regret it!

  Relax67146044339August 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5top rating

  Excellent - entertaining and interesting, loved the Koalas

  felixhX5283EWAugust 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Enjoyable day.

  Great experience, wonderful guide, lots of interesting places and things yo see.

  U8172YFgregsJuly 2026via Tripadvisor

Know before you go

How it compares in Magnetic Island

• Its from-price is 21% below the median of the 23 experiences we list in Magnetic Island.
• It is longer than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 9 of 23.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island, a short ferry ride from Townsville in north Queensland, is a hilly island of granite bays, bush walks, wild koalas and rock-wallabies.

Known locally as Maggie, the island lies in Cleveland Bay a few kilometres off Townsville and takes its name from Captain James Cook, who wrote in 1770 that it seemed to affect his compass. About half of it is national park, with eucalypt woodland and granite boulders above a coast cut into bays, and the small settlements of Picnic Bay, Nelly Bay, Arcadia and Horseshoe Bay sit around the shore.

See all 23 experiences in Magnetic Island