Your Perfect Island Getaway Starts Here

Travelling with children doesn't need to be stressful.  With a little planning and the right support, your family holiday can be smooth, relaxing and enjoyable from start to finish

1. Pack smart (not everything)

2. Plan ahead - book what you need in advance

3. Keep kids comfortable - bring a familiar toy or blanket from home

4. Stick to routine (where you can) 

5. Allow extra time - this will keep things calm and flexible

6. Travel light - relax more

A day at the beach with little ones and big ones should be fun, not hard work.  With a bit of planning, you can keep things simple, safe and stress free for the whole family. 

1. Pack Light - avoid carrying too much gear

2. Sun Safety First - Bring hats, sunscreen and shade. 

3. Choose the Right Time - head to the beach earlier or later in the afternoon

4. Keep it Simple - Bring snacks, toys and plenty of water

5. Make it comfortable - Towels, blanket or a beach chair can help make a relaxing base

6. Bring a bottle of water to rinse off sandy feet before heading home.  It makes the day much easier

The great thing about Maggie is that there are plenty of things to see and do and most are easily accessed via a trip on the local island bus.   Here, (in no particular order) are some favourite things to do when our friends and family come to visit.

Rock Wallabies

The island’s allied rock wallabies are a popular tourist drawcard. You will find groups at Geoffrey Bay (walk to the Northern point) and Nelly Bay (around the rock walls of the marina and over near the Helipad).   Sunrise and sunset are the best times to see these cute animals as they often hide from the heat of the sun during the day. While many people still feed the wallabies, it is best if they are left to forage naturally. For that reason, we strongly recommend that you take photos, not food.   If you must feed them, please only take recommended food such as sweet potatoes, carrots, apples and pawpaw.

Forts Walk

The most popular walking experience on the island is the Forts Walk. Located in the National Park, this is where you’ll have a good chance of spotting wild koalas. The culmination of the Forts Walk is to explore of one of the best-preserved WWII coastal defence fortifications in Queensland. The beginning of this walk is relatively flat with more challenging, steeper sections near the fortifications. We recommend early morning or late afternoon departure during the hotter times of the year.   3.5km in distance, with an elevation of 126m this is a great walk for families and should take between 1-2 hours.   Pack some snacks and drinks and take in the views from the top.

Picnic Bay

There are many beautiful bays on Magnetic Island but only one has a picture postcard jetty. A safe beach for swimming, protected from strong trade winds, Picnic Bay is very popular with families.   The local brewery, hotel, cafes and restaurants are all a few steps away down the avenue of banyan trees.

Alma Bay

Another popular bay for families, Alma is located on the eastern side of the island. The fringing reefs are ideal for snorkelling. If the trade winds are blowing, you could find the wave action is strong in the bay, which makes Alma ideal for boogie boarding and body surfing. The beach is patrolled by the Aracadia Surf Lifesaving Club. The Arcadia hotel is right across the road and there’s plenty of car parking close by. The lawns are ideal for a family picnic.

Horseshoe Bay

Located on the northern side, Horseshoe is an easy bus trip over the hills from Nelly, Picnic and Geoffrey Bays.   The long beach may lure you away for a walk and the village strip has a playground, hotel, fish and chip shop, cafes and restaurants with views across to the beach. On Sundays (except February and March in wet season) visitors from all over the island head to Horseshoe Bay to browse the beachside markets. Jet Skis, Kayaks and paddleboards are available from beach hire operators.

 Nelly Bay

The “hub” of the island, Nelly Bay offers a wide range of accommodation. Within walking distance is Nelly Bay beach with a children’s playground on the foreshore under the coconut palms. A guided snorkel trail 100m from the shore offers a great adventure for children who are confident to snorkel in the sea. Contact Pleasure Divers for information.

Island Tours

It’s a completely different perspective to see Magnetic Island from the water and the island’s award-winning local tour operators know all the best places.   Take a sunset sail with Pilgrim Sailing Adventures, explore beaches and bays with Island Time Cruises or book in for a wonderful snorkel and beach tour with Aquascene. Many tours depart from Nelly Bay throughout the year.

Perfect Parks

Need to work off some energy? A great skate park is located on the eastern side of the road in Horseshoe Bay. Next to the Skate Park, trees and lawn areas near the Tennis Courts offer great spaces for family picnics.

Hike to Hawkings Point

A short hike will reward you with panoramic views of Rocky and Picnic Bay. Accessible by car, bicycle or walk-in, the departure point is the eastern end of Picnic Street in Picnic Bay. This 1.2km hike is Classified as a Grade 4 track which means there are steep sections along the way. Walking experience is recommended.

Horseshoe Bay Lagoon

Immerse yourself in the Island’s flora and fauna with a walk through the Lagoon.   The largest freshwater lagoon on the island, it is accessed by a few tracks leading in from the beach and nearby housing estates.   Wallabies and Kangaroos are common all year round. Magpie Geese and other waterbirds breed in the lagoon in wet season. The Melaleuca and Eucalypt swamp dries as water levels recede in Winter and Spring

Birds, Butterflies and other surprises.

Explore the back streets of Horseshoe Bay, just behind the coastal village, to discover butterflies, curlews, wallabies and even echidnas. Keep your eyes peeled and listen for sounds of the island.

Each of the island villages has places to eat that suit all budgets.   If you prefer to make your own meals there are two supermarkets in Nelly Bay open 7 days for your convenience. At Arcadia, the Arcadia Store stocks gourmet and organic food items plus a range of specialty products.   All restaurants, pubs and cafes on the island are family friendly and these are some of our favourites.

Nelly Bay

Jungle Club – for coffee and juices. A pool out the back is a wonderful bonus!

Early Bird Cafe – Breakfast and lunch – serving healthy salads, Smoothies, coffee, cake and juices

Granite – Open for dinner. Tapas, cocktails and Pizzas (take away available)

Saltwater – Open air dining. Modern Australian menu. Perfect for special occasions, BYO available and bottle shop nearby

Nomads – Best burgers on the island at the Island Burger Bar. Right on the beach

Boardwalk Restaurant at Peppers Blue on Blue – great place for a drink on the deck and watch the ferries come and go. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.  

Picnic Bay

Restaurant Elsie – Modern Australian menu, Quality Cooking, Seasonal Menu, Australian Wine List.

Picnic Bay Hotel – Bistro style meals, good pub food

Magnetic Island Brewery – food van snacks plus island-brewed beers.

Lava Lava – The place for coffee on the beach. Breakfast and Lunch

Mama Roma – Italian casual dining and Pizzeria. Family business.

Arcadia/Geoffrey Bay

Arcadia Bakehouse – Boutique Bake house. Baking fresh daily, great pies, cakes and coffee

Arcadia Hotel/Bikini Tree Café – Pub with swimming pool across from beach, games room for kids. Offers bistro meals. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Horseshoe Bay

Horseshoe Bay Store – Convenience store.

Horseshoe Bay Fish & Chips – Fish, Chips, Burgers and Steak Sandwiches

Nourish – Great coffee, popular breakfast stop opposite the beach

Marlin Bar – Horseshoe bay tavern, good pub meals, great for large groups

Adele’s Café – Homemade Ice Cream and Gelato, Pancakes and waffles