Magnetic Island Afternoon Tour: Local Guide & Scenic Stops

A local guide knows the island's secret spots, and the stories behind them.

An afternoon tour of Magnetic Island departing from Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal with a local guide who covers the island's wildlife, geology, history and folklore across scenic roads and hidden stops. The tour includes air-conditioned transport and bottled water. You'll visit Cockle Bay, Picnic Bay, Geoffrey Bay and Horseshoe Bay, with free time at the end to swim or stay for dinner.

Step-by-step itinerary

Magnetic Island sightseeing tour

• Board bus at Nelly Bay terminal
• Introduction by local guide
• Travel through Nelly Bay to west side
• Admire views over Cleveland Bay
• Pass Greg Norman's favorite golf hole
• Visit Cockle Bay and learn history
• Visit Picnic Bay and walk jetty
• Return to Nelly Bay via Arcadia hill
• Stop at Geoffrey Bay to see wallabies
• Climb hill to Horseshoe Bay
• Free time at Horseshoe Bay
• Return to ferry terminal

The experience

The tour leaves Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal and heads west across the island, with your guide explaining the geography and how Magnetic Island sits in relation to Townsville and Cleveland Bay. You'll pass landmarks like one of Greg Norman's favourite golf holes and stop at Cockle Bay to learn about the early settlers and the wreck of the SS City of Adelaide. The Heritage Listed Picnic Bay Jetty is next, where you can walk its length and look back toward the mainland.

The route then climbs over Arcadia hill for views across Cleveland Bay toward the Coral Sea, before heading to Geoffrey Bay. This is where you get out of the bus to see the Allied Rock Wallabies (small marsupials found only in Northern Queensland between Townsville and the Burdekin River), and explore the rock formations up close. The tour then climbs toward Horseshoe Bay, rewarding you with views across the island. During winter months when butterflies are around, the guide will take you on a short walk through the Butterfly Forest.

Horseshoe Bay is where the tour gives you free time. You can swim in the year-round enclosure (safe during summer months if you bring swimmers), eat at one of the local cafés or restaurants, or simply rest. At this point you can choose to stay for dinner and return later on the ferry, or head back to Nelly Bay with the bus. The guide is a local with deep knowledge of island life, and commentary covers birds, wildlife, trees, geology, history and folklore throughout the afternoon.

What’s included

• Local guide with commentary on wildlife, geology, history and folklore.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• bottled water.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 29 Jun 2027

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (16 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (5 to 14 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteAU$ 42

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Magnetic Island Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want a local's perspective on the island's hidden spots and history. The guide knows places some residents have never been. The three-hour afternoon slot leaves your morning free and gets you back in time for dinner, or you can stay at Horseshoe Bay and return on a later ferry.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 14 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the Magnetic Island afternoon tour?

The tour runs for three hours, departing from Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal and returning there at the end.

What wildlife might I see on this tour?

Geoffrey Bay is the main stop for spotting Allied Rock Wallabies, small marsupials unique to Northern Queensland. The guide will also point out birds and other wildlife throughout the afternoon, and during winter months you'll visit the Butterfly Forest for a short walk.

Do I need to arrange my own ferry ticket to Magnetic Island?

Ferry tickets to and from Magnetic Island are available as an add-on option at checkout. You can also arrange your own transport to Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal if you prefer.

What happens at Horseshoe Bay, and can I stay longer?

Horseshoe Bay is the final stop, where you have free time to swim in the year-round enclosure, eat at local restaurants and cafés, or rest. You can choose to stay for dinner and return on a later ferry, or travel back to Nelly Bay with the bus.