Made with the stuff of island dreams, Queensland’s tropical paradise of Magnetic Island/Yunbenun is nothing short of heaven on earth. Embrace adventure and relax into the ocean breeze with a day trip to the iconic island, just a short ferry ride from Townsville. While you won’t be able to bring your Thrifty rental car across to the island, you can park it at the ferry terminal in Townsville and explore this island haven on foot. What are you waiting for - tropical adventure awaits!

Arriving at Magnetic Island

You’ve jumped off the ferry, arrived bright and early, and you’re ready to make the most of your day trip to Magnetic Island. Well, let’s get going! While there is the option to hire e-scooters, e-bikes, use the hop-on hop-off Sunbus, take a local tour or use a taxi, if you’re wanting the ultimate adventure and the most authentic way to experience Magnetic Island, traversing the landscape on foot is going to deliver you some unbelievable delights. Plus - it’ll get that heart pumping and those muscles working, so you can feel the thrill while you embrace the natural scenery all around you. The Magnetic Island Walking Trail Network consists of over 25 kilometres of interconnected walking tracks that will weave you throughout protected parks and council lands. This way, you can always stay on track, while experiencing the environment first hand. Strap up those laces and work up an appetite - the first stop on Magnetic Island is a stop to re-fuel. Only a fifteen minute walk from Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal is the super cool Tiny Palm Coffee. Grab a delicious slice of banana bread or a refreshing chia pudding at this courtyard cafe and get ready for some epic adventures awaiting you the rest of the day.

Embrace the Ocean Breeze

Now that you’re fed and fuelled, it’s time to hit the walking tracks. Head out toward Geoffrey Bay at Arcadia on either the Balbamu walking track - a little quicker and takes you along the coast - or the Gubul walking track - longer but lusher and will have you wandering through scenic forest. Once you’ve worked up a sweat and arrived at Geoffrey Bay, take a dip in the pristine turquoise waters to cool off and calm down. There’s even the option to snorkel at Geoffrey Bay, with this hotspot considered as one of the best snorkelling locations in Queensland. Make sure to keep an eye out for Geoffrey Bay’s furry mascot - the adorable allied rock wallabies. These friendly little creatures can be seen jumping from rock to rock, greeting tourists in their habitat. Like a scene straight from a postcard, spread out on the sand and take in this magnificent pocket of the world. For when you get hungry at lunchtime, the Arcadia general store is a cheap and easy option to grab a quick bite to eat and indulge in a location lunch on the beach. For dine-in options, there’s also Balian, which offers delicious Indonesian-inspired tacos and refreshing drinks. 

Embrace the Ocean Breeze

Spend your afternoon getting amongst the vibrant bushland on a hike through Magnetic Island’s untouched rainforests and explore the northern parts of the island. Horseshoe Bay is about an hour’s walk north of Arcadia along the Gubul and Gawru walking trails and delivers some spectacular scenery of the blue of the ocean colliding with the thriving green of the lush vegetation. Along the way, make sure to check out Forts Junction, a gateway to the national park with information and alternative walking tracks to explore. Once you arrive at the stunning Horseshoe Bay, get ready to pick your jaw up off the floor. This beach looks like one straight out of a postcard - you might have to pinch yourself to really make it real! The premier location for water sports on Magnetic Island, you can hire everything from a kayak to a stand-up paddleboard, and even a jet ski if you’re feeling extra bold! Make the most of this beach by exploring every corner of it, from the turquoise waves to the granite boulder headlands. For one final last hurrah to put the cherry on top of this beautiful day trip, head to Horseshoe Bay’s Noodies on the Beach for a delicious Mexican dining experience. Sip on a margherita and munch on a fajita, all while wearing a rainbow sombrero. It can’t get much better than this! If you’re feeling spent after a long day of exploring, consider getting the Sunbus back to the ferry port at Nelly Bay Harbour - you deserve to sit back and relax as you watch Magnetic Island’s tropical paradise rush past you.

After a day of ultimate adventure, the ferry ride back over the bay to Townsville is the perfect time to chill out. It’s also the perfect time to start planning your next exciting getaway. With your Thrifty rental car, another adventure always awaits!