The Horseshoe Bay Guide
A Slow Sunday on Magnetic Island
Some Sundays are made for rushing around. This isn't one of them.
If you're heading over from Townsville for the day, we'd recommend catching either the 8.45am or 9.30am SeaLink ferry. If you can drag yourself out of bed for the earlier one, we reckon it's worth it because Sunday is market day in Horseshoe Bay.
9:30am – Horseshoe Bay Markets
Spend the morning wandering the Horseshoe Bay Markets.
Grab a coffee from one of the local cafes, order yourself a serve of Vonnie's famous poffertjes and find a spot under a palm tree and enjoy the live music.
If we had to pick one favourite stall, it'd have to be Dyana's Art. Local artist Dy Rogers creates beautiful hand-illustrated artwork across everything from canvases to tea towels, making them the kind of souvenir you'll actually use when you get home. We've also been quietly obsessing over her illustrated dry bags... watch this space.
11:30am – Five Beach Bay Tour
The Five Beach Bay Tour usually runs at 11.30am for a reason. Magnetic Island's weather is predominantly shaped by the south-easterly trade winds, so we head to the island's most protected coastline.
Over the next hour and a bit you'll discover eight beaches, seven only accessible by sea, explore volcanic headlands and experience some of the quietest corners of Maggie.
It's the fastest way to reach the island's northern beaches, combining spectacular scenery, local knowledge and plenty of fun along the way. Time and time again, our guests tell us it's the tour you have to do on Maggie. Come and see why.
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!