Discover Magnetic Island in One Unforgetable Day
Magnetic Island Tours Designed for Cruise Ship Visitors
Explore the island with confidence—timed to your schedule so you’re back well before departure.
Timed to match your ship’s arrival and departure
5 Star Rated Experience
Wild Aniimal Sighttings Most Tours
Small Group Tours (Max 15)
Local Guides
Overview
Visiting Magnetic Island on a cruise? Make the most of your time ashore with a tour designed specifically around your schedule.
Our cruise-friendly experiences are timed to align with your ship’s arrival and departure, so you can explore the island with confidence and without the stress of watching the clock.
Travel with a local guide as you discover Magnetic Island’s highlights, spot wildlife, and hear the stories that bring the island to life—all at a relaxed pace that fits comfortably within your shore time.
Perfect for:
- Couples wanting a relaxed, scenic day
- Families looking for an engaging experience
- Travellers who want more than a quick overview
- Visitors who prefer small groups over big buses
What to expect?
- Easy pickup near the ferry terminal on Magnetic Island
- Tours timed to suit your ship schedule
- A relaxed pace with regular stops
- Light walking only
- Plenty of time to return before departure
What is included?
- Air-conditioned minibus transport
- Free bottled water
- Engaging local tour guide
- Optional seasonal Butterfly Forest walk (June–Sept)
- Optional seasonal Horseshoe Bay Lagoon Walk (Wet Season)
What is Not included?
- Pickup from Townsville. Guests need to make their own way to Magentic Island
- Lunch or drinks not listed in the inclusions
- Ferry Tickets – These can be purchased in our booking system
- Vists to the Koala Park at Bounce
Highlights
Spot native wildlife
Visit island bays and scenic lookouts
Learn island history and local stories
Comfortable small group transport
Timed to suit cruise ship schedules
Want something more exclusive?
Upgrade to Behind the Scenes
(private access and deeper wildlife encounters)
Upgrade to a private Behind the Scenes Tour
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Tour Details
Price
- From $100
- Australian Seniors/Concessions $90
- Kids (5–14) $50
- Under 5s free
- Australian Companion Card holders accepted.
- Group discounts available.
- Suitable for all fitness levels
- Wheelchair can be accommodated with prior notification
Departure
- Varies depending on sailing.
- Departs from Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal, Magnetic Island
- Sorry, we cannot pick you up from Townsville.
Itinerary
Subject to seasonal and weather variations, your journey may include:
- Stunning Scenic Views at Rocky Bay lookout
- Local History at Picnic Bay Jetty and heritage museum
- Panoramic Coastlines along Arcadia Hill
- Up-close Wildlife at Geoffrey Bay rock wallaby colony
- Lunch Break at Horseshoe Bay with time to swim, eat, or explore
- Butterfly Forest Walk (seasonal)
- Tour Wrap-Up back at the ferry—or stay and explore more!
Availability
- All year round
- 4 Days a week – check calendar for availabilty
Duration
- Varies depending on sailing times
What to bring
- Comfortable Shoes
- Hat and water bottle
Cancellation
We understand that plans do change and try to be as understanding as possible. Our standard terms are:
- 100% Refund if cancelled 48 hours or more from departure.
- 50% Refund if cancelled between 48 hours and 24 hours from departure.
- 0% Refund if cancelled less than 24 hours from departure.
- No shows are responsible for 100% of tour fees.
- Guests also have the option to reschedule free of charge.Comfortabl;e Shoes
Discover Magnetic Island the way it’s meant to be experienced; relaxed, personal, and guided by locals who know it best.
Spend the day exploring island bays, spotting wild koalas and wallabies in their natural habitat, and uncovering the stories that bring this island to life. With a small group and a flexible itinerary shaped by the day’s conditions, no two tours are ever quite the same.
Travel in comfort in our air-conditioned minibus as we take you beyond the usual stops to places most visitors never find on their own. Along the way, your local guide shares insights into the island’s wildlife, history, and way of life—making each stop more meaningful.
Enjoy a relaxed break at Horseshoe Bay, with time to swim, explore, or grab lunch at your own pace. At the end of the tour, you can return to the ferry or choose to stay and soak up more of Magnetic Island—it’s your day, your way.
Ferry Information
Two ferry companies operate services to the island. Please ensure you choose the right one.
- Sealink Ferry:
- Departs from Breakwater Terminal, Sir Leslie Thiess Drive.
This is a 10minute taxi ride or 30minute walk from the Cruise Ship Terminal
Website: https://www.sealink.com.au/magnetic-island/
- Departs from Breakwater Terminal, Sir Leslie Thiess Drive.
- Magnetic Island Ferries:
- Departs from Ross Street, South Townsville. This is closest to the Cruise Ship Terminal but has limited sailings.
Website: httpss://magneticislandferries.com.au
- Departs from Ross Street, South Townsville. This is closest to the Cruise Ship Terminal but has limited sailings.
Accessibilty
Low activity level (some short walks). Wheelchair-accessible vehicle available—please contact us in advance.
This is more than a tour, it’s a chance to experience Magnetic Island the way locals do.
Relaxed, personal, and full of moments you’ll remember long after your holiday ends
Easy Online Booking
Flexible Conditions
Friendly Local Support
Check Out What Our Previous Guests Say
A simple, stress-free way to experience Magnetic Island during your cruise stop.
FAQ
Will I make it back in time?
Yes—our tours are carefully timed around cruise ship schedules, with plenty of buffer to ensure you return well before departure. You can relax and enjoy the experience knowing everything is planned with your timing in mind.
What wildlife will we see?
Our tours often spot koalas, rock wallabies, birdlife, and sometimes even sea turtles or whales (seasonal). Our guides know the best spots for sightings. But we can never guarantee sightings
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch it at your own cost. There several cafes and restaurants to chose from in Horseshoe Bay.
Will we visit the Forts walking track?
No, this tour doesn’t include the Forts Walk but we do offer Forts Walking Tour