Meet Your Magnetic Island Tour Guides
Our tours are only as good as the people who lead them—and ours are the best in the business. Your Magnetic Island tour guide is a passionate local who knows the island’s wildlife, walking tracks, WWII history, and hidden gems like the back of their hand. Whether you’re here for a once-in-a-lifetime experience or a casual day trip, you’ll feel like you’re exploring with a mate, not just a guide.
Meet Neil – Backpacker-Turned-Boss, Storyteller & Island Convert
Back in the mid-’90s, I was guiding tourists through European landmarks while juggling uni assignments and dodgy hostel dinners. A few career twists later—including 13 years training humans in London—I finally followed my compass (and my heart) to Magnetic Island. It only took 30-odd countries and one epic road trip to realise Maggie was the one.
I first met this sun-kissed gem in 2004 as a wide-eyed backpacker. Fast forward a few decades, and I now call it home, running Magnetic Island Tours after the previous owner (a true local legend) handed over the keys—and the clipboard.
From spotting koalas to sharing tales you won’t find on TripAdvisor, I love helping people connect with the island’s wild, wonderful side. Whether you’re here for history, wildlife, or just some classic Aussie banter, I’m your guide.
I’ve been lucky enough to explore over 30 countries, but nowhere compares to Magnetic Island—our home and absolute favourite. This tropical paradise gives us the best of both worlds: island serenity with a major city just a 20-minute ferry ride away. I first discovered ‘Maggie’ as a backpacker in 2004, during an East Coast road trip, and instantly fell in love. Now, sharing the island’s stories, wildlife, and hidden gems with visitors is not just my job—it’s a joy.
I started out guiding way back in the mid-90’s whilst at university before moving into a training role.in London. I was a trainer for 13 years. In recent years I have been fortunate enough to eventually move here with my family and become part of the island community working as a guide for Best Bus Tours. When the previous owner retired, I took over the the business.
Meet Tim – Koala Whisperer, Netflix Dad & Island Legend
You might recognise Tim as “Izzy’s dad” from Netflix’s Izzy’s Koala World—but around here, he’s also known as the island’s unofficial koala whisperer. When he’s not rescuing marsupials or schooling TV crews on proper eucalyptus etiquette, he’s leading Magnetic Island Tours with calm charisma and an encyclopaedic knowledge of local wildlife.
A lifelong island local with a passion for preservation, Tim has dedicated years to rehabilitating koalas and protecting their habitat. Now he brings that same care (and dry Aussie humour) to every tour. Whether you’re keen on koalas, curious about WWII forts, or just here for a cracking good walk—Tim’s your bloke.
Get ready for a tour packed with stories, scenery, and the occasional koala photobomb. Nature’s never felt so personal.