Magnetic Island Sunset Shipwreck Tour: Award-winning Cruise

The SS City of Adelaide's story unfolds as the sun sets over Magnetic Island.

A 2-hour guided tour departing from Aquascene on Magnetic Island that follows the coastline between Nelly Bay and Cockle Bay to the SS City of Adelaide shipwreck, where a live English-speaking guide shares the vessel's history while you watch the sunset and local birdlife. Children from age 5 are welcome. The boat is wheelchair accessible.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset and shipwreck scenic tour

• Board Aquascene vessel
• Travel coastal area Nelly Bay to Cockle Bay
• Visit SS City of Adelaide shipwreck
• Hear shipwreck story
• Enjoy sunset and birdlife
• Experience local art and history

The experience

If you've got an afternoon free on Magnetic Island, this tour fills it without requiring you to arrange your own transport or research the history yourself. The boat leaves from Aquascene and stays within the coastal waters between Nelly Bay and Cockle Bay, so the pace is unhurried and the focus stays on the shipwreck and the stories around it. The SS City of Adelaide ran aground on Magnetic Island's shoreline, and the guide walks through how she came to rest there and what her presence means to the island's history.

Scenery, birdlife and local art thread through the two hours. You're on the water during the sunset window, which is when the tour is timed to run, so the light and the wildlife activity shape the experience as much as the shipwreck itself. The guide is live and speaks English, so the history isn't pre-recorded or left to interpretation. You get the context as you're looking at the wreck.

What’s included

• Shipwreck history and stories shared by a live English-speaking guide.
• scenic coastal views between Nelly Bay and Cockle Bay.
• birdlife observation during the sunset window.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Wednesday and ThursdayDeparts at 16:30

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (5 to 14 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 18 · max 8 per booking

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Aquascene Magnetic Island

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want a guide to narrate the shipwreck's history while you watch the sunset. The fixed schedule keeps both experiences in one trip.

Traveler reviews

4.95★★★★★★★★★★

75 verified traveler reviews

5 ★72

4 ★2

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 14 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

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.

What is the SS City of Adelaide and why is it on Magnetic Island?

The SS City of Adelaide is a shipwreck that ran aground on Magnetic Island's shoreline. The guide shares her story and how she came to rest there during the tour.

How long is the tour and when does it run?

The tour runs for 2 hours and is timed to the sunset, so it departs in the late afternoon to catch the light as it fades over the water.

Is the boat accessible for people with mobility needs?

Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible. Service animals are also allowed on board.

Do I need to arrange my own way to get to Magnetic Island?

Ferry tickets to Magnetic Island are not included in the tour price, so you'll need to arrange your own ferry passage to the island first. Public transportation options are available nearby once you arrive.