Magnetic Island is easy to get around.  After taking the Magnetic Island ferry from Townsville, which is located just 8 kilometres from Magnetic Island, you can easily make your way around without a car.  You can hire a scooter which is a popular choice, or hire a regular mountain bike to ride around the island.  Also, there is always the Moke rental which is fun and gives you a great car to drive around yourself.  There is also the Magnetic Island Bus Service which takes you between Picnic Bay and Horseshoe Bay.  Running up to 20 times a day, it meets all of the ferries and stops at many of the Magnetic Island accommodations along the way.

Magnetic Island Attractions
Magnetic Island has an abundance of outdoor activities for people who are looking for nature as well as peace and quiet.  You can swim, snorkel or scuba dive in the warm waters of the Coral Sea, as well as just lay under the sun.  Magnetic Island national park gives you many opportunities to appreciate the island on food.  You can see some of the most picturesque spots and encounter many of the local wildlife.  As you are walking, feel free and throw a line in one of the many spots off the rocks as the fishing is great here.  If snorkelling on a bigger scale is something you are interested in, you can take a day trip on one of the many charter boats to the Great Barrier Reef. 

 

For the people looking for more tourist type attractions you can skateboard at Horseshoe Bay, ride along the beach on a horse, take a guided sea kayak tour, play a round of golf on the beautiful course, take a night time cruise, or go koala spotting on the track up to the Magnetic Island Forts.  When you get hungry or feel like doing some shopping you can head out to Picnic Bay which is located on the south of the island.  With a great mall, and other fun activities you can easily find tons of things to do in Magnetic Island. 

 

Although the island may be small, with only 2000 locals living here year round, it is certainly an exciting place to live with the many events year round.  One of the many events is the Australian Festival of Chamber Music located in Townsville.  A highly regarded cultural event, it brings together an array of Australian and International music acts that also bring together both Magnetic Island and Townsville. 

The Palmer Street Jazz festival also offers one of the best festivals in town.  Held over one weekend in August, this delightful experience is held in many of the pubs and restaurants on this historical riverside road in Townsville.  You can listen to live jazz music and enjoy many different types of entertainment throughout the town centre. 

 

If you are looking for Magnetic Island accommodations that won't drain your budget on your Magnetic Island holiday you certainly have come to the right place.  For backpackers and people looking for hostels there are many choices.  Magnetic Island also offers a few motels and a large resort called the Magnetic Island Tropical Resort which is still an affordable property catering to a more upscale tropical atmosphere.  Often a wedding spot for people on Magnetic Island holidays, The Magnetic Island Tropical resort is one of the most beautiful places to stay.  Caravan parks are also a convenient alternative to motels and hostels, which are the leading forms of Magnetic Island accommodations. 

On Magnetic Island there are about 20 or so restaurants and cafes in which you can grab a bite to eat.  The fresh seafood and fish is a popular choice with many of the restaurants offering quality seafood in modern settings.  Many of the bigger restaurants are located in the Picnic Bay Mall, or in Arcadia where you can find many ethnic choices if you are looking for more untraditional fare.  For those not wanting to leave the beach area, you can find many fish and chip shops where you can find Aussie beach food wrapped in a newspaper to take with you while you walk around and enjoy the beautiful coastal area.  From Thai to contemporary Australian food, Magnetic Beach is a wonderful place to take in all that fine dining or beachside dining has to offer.