Discover Magnetic Island in One Unforgettable Day
Maggie Comprehensive
Spot wild animals, explore bays, and hear the island’s stories with a local guide at a relaxed, small-group pace
5 Star Rated Experience
Wild Aniimal Sightings Most Tours
Small Group Tours (Max 16)
Local Guides
Overview
Spend a full day discovering Magnetic Island the way it’s meant to be — relaxed, unhurried, and guided by locals who know every corner of it.
Spot wild koalas and rock wallabies in their natural habitat, explore secluded bays most visitors never find, and hear the stories behind the island’s wildlife and WWII history. With a maximum of 16 guests, there’s plenty of time at each stop and no rushing.
- Wild koala and wallaby sightings most tours
- Scenic bays and clifftop lookouts
- Island history, nature and local stories
- Relaxed lunch break at Horseshoe Bay
Want a deeper wildlife experience? Izzy’s Dad from the Netflix;s Izzy’s Koala World leads our Behind the Scenes Tour. Book it while spots last.
Want to learn more about Magnetic Island’s history, wildlife, and what to see while you’re here?
Read our Magnetic Island Guide
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?
- Small Group (max 16 Guests)
- Comfortable, air-conditioned transport
- Plenty of stops and time to enjoy each location
- Light walking only (optional)
What is included?
- Air-conditioned minibus transport
- Light morning tea (fresh fruit & baked goods)
- 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 Magnetic Island
- Lunch or drinks not listed in the inclusions
- Ferry not included — but you can add tickets at checkout. We depart from Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal.
- Vists to the Koala Park at Bounce
Highlights
Spot Wild Animals in their natural habitat
Visit island bays and scenic lookouts
Learn island history and local stories
Relax at Horseshoe Bay
Want something more exclusive?
Upgrade to Behind the Scenes
(private access and deeper wildlife encounters)
Upgrade to a private Behind the Scenes Tour
Click the Tabs to Find Out More
Tour Details
Price
- Adults $100
- 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 Time
- Depart 9:15am return 2:30pm
- Departs from Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal
- 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 availability
Duration
- Approximately 5-6 hours
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.Comfortable Shoes
Magnetic Island sits inside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and this tour is the best way to see it properly. Starting and finishing at Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal, your local guide takes you to clifftop lookouts, hidden bays, and wildlife spots that most visitors walk straight past.
The island is home to around 800 koalas, colonies of Allied rock wallabies, over 180 bird species, and in winter humpback whales moving through Cleveland Bay. Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed (these are wild animals on their own schedule), but our guides know exactly where to look, and sightings happen on most tours.
Travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus with a maximum of 16 guests. Along the way you’ll take in the island’s history including its role in WWII, its geography, and the stories that make Magnetic Island unlike anywhere else on the reef. The day finishes with a relaxed break at Horseshoe Bay, where you can swim, explore, or grab lunch at one of the local cafés. When the tour wraps, you’re welcome to stay on and explore further, it’s your day.
Sample Itinerary:
- 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!
Ferry Information
Ensure you board the correct service
- 8:45 AM SeaLink from Breakwater Terminal, SIr Leslie Thiess Drive
- 7:00 AM Magnetic Island Ferries from Ross St., South Townsville
- 8:00 AM Magnetic Island Ferries from Ross St., South Townsville (This service is not always available please check with operator)
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
Ready to experience Magnetic Island the local way?
FAQ
How long is the Maggie Comprehensive Day Tour?
It’s a relaxed 5-hour experience, starting at 9:15am and finishing around 2:30pm.
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. Wildlife sightings are common, but as they are wild animals, sightings can’t be guaranteed.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included, but there are several cafés and restaurants to choose from at Horseshoe Bay.
Will we visit the Forts walking track?
No, this tour doesn’t include the Forts Walk. If you’d like to explore that track with a guide, have a look at our Forts Walking Tour