The Adventure Day Guide
One Epic Day on Magnetic Island
7:00am – Catch the Ferry
Start your day with the 7.00am SeaLink ferry from Townsville. Twenty minutes later you'll arrive on Magnetic Island, where the connecting bus will have you in Horseshoe Bay just before 8.00am
8:00am – Breakfast at Cafe Nourish
If you haven't grabbed breakfast before leaving Townsville, duck into Cafe Nourish.
It's our favourite coffee stop in Horseshoe Bay, with fresh wraps, paninis and some seriously good ham and cheese croissants. Grab a coffee, sit on the beachfront and ease into island time before your adventure begins.
8:20am – Meet Us
Make your way over to us for check-in and your safety briefing.
We'll get you sorted before heading out on what we reckon is the best adventure on Magnetic Island.
8:30am – Top End Tour
For the next couple of hours we'll take you exploring our favourite parts of Maggie.
You'll discover eleven beaches, eight only accessible by sea, and two at present only accessible by walking trail or ocean, see volcanic headlands, crystal-clear water and some of the quietest beaches on the island.
Just us showing you the side of Magnetic Island most visitors never get to experience.
10:30am – Gelato Time
Back in Horseshoe Bay, you'll be faced with arguably the hardest decision of the day...
What flavour are you getting from Adele's Cafe? Trust us. Don't skip the gelato.
Pick a palm tree, stretch out on the beach, go for a swim, or wander through the handful of little shops nearby. Both Cafe Nourish and MI Design & Retail champion local artists, making them the perfect place to pick up a meaningful souvenir and a little reminder of your day on Maggie.
11:56am – Bus to Arcadia
Jump on the bus and less than ten minutes later (they might be island minutes) you'll arrive in Arcadia. This little corner of the island is home to Alma Bay, Geoffrey Bay and Bremner Point.
Midday – Choose Your Adventure
Feeling active? Walk across to Bremner Point and meet the resident Allied Rock Wallabies before heading into Geoffrey Bay to snorkel the famous trail. Hayls and Chad at Pleasure Divers will get you sorted with gear and a few local tips.
Rather relax? The Arcadia Village Hotel has a swimming pool, pool tables, a bar, bistro and one of the best views over Geoffrey Bay.
Either way, slow down and enjoy a few Maggie hours.
4:07pm – Bus to Picnic Bay
Time for one last stop. Hop on the bus to Picnic Bay and tackle Hawking's Point. It's one of our family's favourite walks. It's short, easy enough for most people and the views over Rocky Bay, Nelly Bay and Picnic Bay Jetty are well worth it.
Sunset – Picnic Bay Jetty
Once you're back down, wander out along the heritage-listed Picnic Bay Jetty. As a family we'll often fish here, look for rays, turtles and dugongs or simply watch the sun disappear behind Nobby Head. It's one of our favourite sunsets on the island.
Dinner & Drinks
Finish your day in the Seasalt Arcade. Whether it's a beer and some tapas at the Maggie Island Brewery, dinner at Restaurant Elsie or pizza from Mamma Roma, you really can't go wrong.
The buses meet every SeaLink ferry, and with ferries running until around 10–11pm, there's absolutely no need to rush home. Oh, and did we mention it'll set you back just $1 for an all-day bus pass? Not bad, hey.
Order another drink.
Stay for dessert.
You've earned it!