Magnetic Island Tour: Wildlife, Heritage & Local Guide

Walk the island's hidden corners with someone who knows them

A five-hour guided tour of Magnetic Island led by Tim Bee, a local who appears on Netflix's "Izzy's Koala World," visiting the Nelly Bay Nature Reserve, Picnic Bay's heritage jetty and museum, the Presto shipwreck from 1896, and Alma Bay. The tour includes national park entry, bottled water, and a chance to spot koalas, Allied Rock Wallabies, and marine life. Pickup is included. The walk to the initial Forts lookout covers approximately 100 metres.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Magnetic Island's nature and history

• Visit Nelly Bay Nature Reserve
• Explore Picnic Bay and local museum
• Walk Presto Breakwater and see wreck
• Spot Allied Rock Wallabies at Geoffrey Bay
• View WWII display and lookout at Forts walk
• Discover Alma Bay's history and wildlife
• Break at Horseshoe Bay with cafes and beach

The experience

The tour starts at Nelly Bay Nature Reserve with a talk on local wildlife and an interpretive display by local artists, then moves to Picnic Bay. There you walk the heritage-listed jetty (where turtles and dugongs sometimes appear in the Coral Sea), and visit the local museum to see artifacts and photographs from the island's early settler and maritime past. The guide unfolds the layers of that history as you move through the exhibits.

From Picnic Bay, you walk the Presto Breakwater to see the wreck of the Presto, scuttled in 1896, and watch for Allied Rock Wallabies jumping along the rocks near Geoffrey Bay. A short ascent to the initial Forts lookout gives a panoramic view over Arthur Bay and an informative display on the island's World War II history. The route then follows Alma Bay, where the guide points out the bay's wildlife, history and the quieter side of the island.

The day ends at Horseshoe Bay, the island's main watersports hub, where there are cafes and a lifeguard-patrolled beach. Markets run on Sundays during the cooler months. Pickup is included, and you'll carry bottled water throughout the five hours.

What’s included

• National park entry fee.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• live guide in English.
• hotel or accommodation pickup.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Thursday, Saturday and SundayDeparts at 10:05

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (15 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (5 to 14 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 10 pickup points.

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

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Magnetic Island Tours

Is this one for you?This is a shared tour with a guide who leads the group through stops and walks, so it suits travelers who want local knowledge and don't want to navigate the island alone. If you prefer a private itinerary or a faster pace, a self-guided rental or private driver would work better. If you want to swim or spend hours at one beach, this tour's schedule of multiple stops may feel rushed.

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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.

What animals might I see on the Magnetic Island tour?

The tour visits spots where koalas, Allied Rock Wallabies, turtles and dugongs are often found. Nelly Bay Nature Reserve and the rocks around Geoffrey Bay are the main places the guide points them out, though sightings are not guaranteed.

Does the tour include lunch?

Lunch is not included, but the tour stops at Horseshoe Bay, where several cafes are available, and you have time to eat there before heading back.

What is the Presto and why is it on the tour?

The Presto is a ship that was deliberately scuttled (sunk) on Magnetic Island in 1896. You walk the Presto Breakwater to see the wreck, and the guide explains its place in the island's maritime history.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

The tour includes several walks between stops and a short ascent of approximately 100 metres to the initial Forts lookout. The itinerary notes that moderate physical fitness is recommended and the tour is not suitable for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

Is the Picnic Bay museum included in the tour?

Yes, the museum visit is part of the tour. The guide leads you through exhibits of artifacts, photographs and stories from the area's early settlement and maritime past.

What time does the tour start and how long does it run?

The tour runs for five hours total, with travel time included in that duration. Pickup is included in the booking.