Magnetic Island, Great Barrier Reef

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Getting around the island require taking a bus, renting a car or a scooter, or going simply on foot.

Ferries carrying locals and tourists land at the village of Nelly Bay and visitors can have their first take at the island's rich marine life by visiting the Aquasearch Lab, Aquarium and Consultancies in Elena Street, where aquarium displays and tours are offered. Most of the island's commercial activities are in Nelly Bay, though quiet and relaxing time can also be experienced while walking its foreshores. This area, as well as the rest of the island, is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Nelly Bay also has a beautiful marina for private sailing vessels.

Right next to it is the village of Arcadia, where some of the best beaches of the island are found. Visitors can walk along Geoffrey Beach which holds the distinction of being a Marine National Park Zone, or laze the day away at the shores of Alma Bay

Another popular tourist destination is the Horseshoe Bay, where swimming and fishing are just one of the popular activities in the area. It is also a good starting point for those wishing to explore the Great Barrier Reef.

South of the island is Picnic Bay, also a popular place for swimming and fishing, the latter more often done at the old, unused jetty right in the middle of the bay. This village also boasts of having its own shopping mall and golf course.

Apart from exploring its villages, there are a lot of interesting things to do in Magnetic Island. One of these would be diving the wreckage of SS Moltke. Another would be exploring the Magnetic Island National Park, best done through several of its walking paths. The island supports a healthy population of koalas, and other exotic animal and bird species. Along the way, visitors will marvel at huge granite boulders and towering trees that make the features of this island distinct. Several vantage points are strategically located within the national park, where the surrounding beaches, coastline, and reefs can be viewed to the heart's content.

Accommodations in the island range from budget to luxury. The Magnetic International Resort and the Island Leisure Resort, both located in Nelly Bay, will cost each visitor more than $100 per night. Backpackers can get affordable yet comfortable accommodations at the Magnums on Magnetic in Arcadia, and the Bungalow Bay YHA in Horseshoe Bay.