10 Reasons Magnetic Island Should Be On Your Bucket List

Magnetic Island can be found on the East Coast of Australia in North Queensland. The majority of backpackers coming to Australia travel up or down the East Coast to see the sights, so just take a slight detour and when you’re on your way from Cairns to Airlie Beach (2 major tourist hot spots) stop in Townsville (the capital of North Queensland) and then catch a ferry to this beautiful island.

But why should you go there? We’ve put together 10 photos and reasons why Magnetic Island should be on your Australia Bucket List!

10 reasons to visit Magnetic Island – in no particular order

1. This little touch of paradise sits on the Great Barrier Reef – a few hours south of Cairns – and is a great place to Snorkel or learn how to Scuba Dive.

Had an unreal time at Maggie island with a couple of Scuba Sam’s. I can almost hear properly again #maggieisland #shakas #surhasdin

A post shared by Harrison Khalu (@harrison_automobiletoilet) on Sep 13, 2017 at 2:01am PDT

2. The Beaches and Bays are absolutely pristine!

Time to leave this amazing hostel and beautiful island behind 🏝 #beach #islandlife #beachlife

A post shared by George Upson (@george_upson) on May 17, 2017 at 3:21pm PDT

3. There are over 800 Koalas living on the island.

Wild Koala Spotting! #magneticisland #queensland #travelphotography #travel #backpacking #backpacker #roadtrip #roadtripaustralia #koala #koalas koalalife #chill #chillout

A post shared by Ryan Griff (@griffprodukiez) on Dec 5, 2017 at 4:50am PST

4. The best way to explore Magnetic Island? Hire a Mini Moke!

Heading up the East Coast? Stop by Magnetic Island and explore this little touch of paradise by Moke – it’s a mini car! @simon_pilgrim looks like fun! ・・・ Driving around Magnetic Island in a topless car with my best friends, sun shining & lots of laughs was just what I needed. #magneticisland #horseshoebay #Australia #queensland #townsville #toplesscar #moke #travel #seeaustralia #instatravel #adventure #gez #jumpinmycar #basemagneticisland #xbase #tropics #TNZAF15 #backpacking

A post shared by Base Backpackers (@basebackpackersaunz) on Jun 3, 2015 at 5:10pm PDT

5. You will wake up to this every morning…

View from tonight’s gaff. 🏝 #magneticisland #Australia #Travel #basemagneticisland

A post shared by John Dowd (@jdowdy911) on Oct 9, 2016 at 9:20pm PDT

6. And the sunsets are pretty amazing too.

Thinking about brownies #lifestruepurpose #eastcoastaustralia #travelaustralia #magneticisland

A post shared by Sarah Ellison (@_sarahellison) on Sep 28, 2017 at 12:04am PDT

7. Magnetic Island was home to Australia’s only Full Moon Party which has now evolved into a massive IslandLife Beach Festival – only at Nomads Magnetic Island.

Some of the best snaps from yet another #fullmoondownunder …. #fullmoonparty #Australia #islandlife #base #backpackers #newyear #workingholiday #eastcoast #2018 #travel

A post shared by Ryan Worton (@ryanworton) on Jan 1, 2018 at 11:05pm PST

8. There are loads of walking trails and view points (and therefore great photo opportunities!).

Happy Birthday chick!🎉 Hopefully won’t be too long before I see you again, miss you! #maggieisland #travelfamily

A post shared by Kate Dean (@kate.5.dean) on Oct 2, 2017 at 1:44am PDT

9. 54% of Magnetic island is National Park land.

6 days stuck on an island with this lovely lady. Life is pretty damn good. #magenticisland #maggie #maggieisland #townsville #qld #visitqueensland #queensland #sunrise #newday #adventure #explore #outdoors #nature #tropical #tropicalisland #island #photography #nikon #loveher #love #couplegoals #travel #holiday #wander #livealittle #getoutdoors

A post shared by Ryan Webb (@life.of.ryan.39) on Oct 2, 2017 at 3:24am PDT

10. And you might spot one of these little guys if you’re lucky… Wallabies!

 

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Met this little one today ❤️

A post shared by Lucy (@bottlethismoment) on Dec 12, 2018 at 2:16am PST