This is a great introduction to the island for those short on time. We start at 3 pm, and finish by 5:45 pm, ready to catch the 6:00 pm ferry back to Townsville (6:35 pm weekends). Guests have the option of remaining in Horseshoe Bay for dinner and sunset and making their own way back, or returning on our bus.

Covering a similar itinerary to our Maggie Comprehensive tour, but without stopping at the Museum or Aquasearch Aquarium, you’ll visit all the major sights including one or two secret spots some locals don’t even know about. Throughout the tour you’ll learn about history, geography, flora, fauna and what its like to live on an island in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. All this, with the spectacular scenery of Magnetic Island as your backdrop.

Magnetic island is a wildlife lovers paradise. There are about 800 wild Koalas to find, and you’ll probably see some wallabies lazing in the sun. We have over 180 identified bird species and 141 fish species locally for you to discover. Throw in some sightings of whales in Cleveland Bay during the winter months and you are unlikely to be disappointed, though we can never guarantee sightings.

Tour Details

Price:

$65 AUD – Adults
$55 AUD – Seniors
$32.50 AUD – Children (5-14)
Children under 5 free
10% surcharge Sundays and Queensland Public Holidays
Australian Companion Card Holder accepted

Available:

School Holidays & July to Sept
Monday – Saturday, 3pm to 5:45pm (we will return in time for the 6pm Sealink departure).

Meeting Point:

Tour Departs & returns Nelly Bay Ferry terminal, Magnetic Island
Regretfully we cannot offer pickups for this tour due to the previous running tour.
Take the 2:15 PM Sealink Ferry from Townsville.
Tour finishes at Horseshoe Bay where guests can choose to remain to have some lunch/dinner or return with the bus to Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal.

Included:

Transport in an air conditioned minibus.
One awesome Tour Guide!

Not included:

Lunch and morning tea
Stops at Magnetic Museum and to Aquasearch

Group Size:

No Minimum numbers – if you want to go we will run a tour
Currently limited capacity due to COVID protocols.
Our bus can also accommodate 1 or 2 wheelchairs (prior notification required)

What to bring:

Hat
Sunglasses
Spending money (some venues are cash only)
Drinking water during the warmer months
A sense of fun

The tour ends at Horseshoe Bay where you will have the option of stopping for lunch and making your own way back to the Ferry. Alternatively you can choose to re-board the bus and we will return you to the Ferry, giving you the chance to catch those incredible views once more.

Tour Itinerary

(subject to change depending on weather and season)

1 – Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal

After boarding the bus at Nelly Bay terminal you will meet your friendly local guide who will escort you throughout the day. Our guides are all locals, with a depth of knowledge about life on the island.

After a brief introduction you will make your way through Nelly Bay to the western side of the island. On the way you’ll get some background facts on the island and an introduction to the geography and fauna.

2 – Cockle Bay and Picnic Bay

Having climbed the hill past Rocky Bay Beach lookout (with an excellent photo opportunity) you will descend into Picnic Bay, the oldest neighbourhood on the island to learn about the early settlers and some of the stories from its history.

You will stop at the Picnic Bay museum and craft shop (closed during wet season) to delve deeper into some of the main characters of the island, and learn about our heritage listed Picnic Bay Jetty.

3 – Nelly Bay

Leaving the early settlers behind we retrace our steps back to Nelly Bay where there will be an opportunity for a short toilet and coffee break. The bus will make its way over Arcadia hill where you will be rewarded with stunning views across Cleveland Bay towards the Coral sea.

4 – Arcadia / Geoffrey Bay

No visit to the Maggie would be complete without a stop at Geoffrey Bay. This is an oppoturnity opportunity to get out of the bus and get up close and personal with our incredible rock formations. You will also learn about the pioneering work of Dr. Rick Braley, our reefs, and our place at the forefront of reef research.

If you are lucky, you may also catch a glimpse of Allied Rock Wallabies jumping through the rocks. These wallabies are found only in Northern Queensland between Townsville and the Burdekin River.

5 – Horseshoe Bay

Climbing the long steep hill towards Horseshoe Bay you will get some breathtaking views across the island. You will then head down the other side into the old farming precinct before we stop for an hour’s free time in Horseshoe Bay where a variety of food is available.

During the winter when the butterflies are around we will definitely visit the Butterfly forest for a short bush walk. Its an experience not to be missed and great balm for the soul.

Horseshoe Bay also offers year round swimming with a safe swimming enclosure in place during the summer months. An excellent place to cool off if you bring your swimmers.

5 – Return to the Ferry

The tour ends at Horseshoe Bay where you will have the option of stopping for dinner and to take in the sunset from the beach before making your own way back to the Ferry. Alternatively you can choose to re-board the bus and we will return you to the Ferry, giving you the chance to catch those incredible views once more.