Magnetic Island
More pages in this section
Boasting a unique natural environment of palm-fringed beaches, large granite boulders, hoop pines, sandy beaches and fringing coral reefs, Magnetic Island is an island paradise just 8km from Townsville city and visible on the horizon from many beachfront outlooks on the mainland.
Striving to become one of the world’s most eco-sustainable islands–with over 75% already protected as a National Park, Magnetic Island is one of few residential islands on the Great Barrier Reef–home to a community of over 2,500 locals.
The island’s modern day name dates back to Captain Cook’s 1770 visit, where tales of mysterious magnetic forces wreaked havoc with the ship’s compass–hence the name ‘Magnetic Island’.
However, well before this visit, the island’s traditional custodians–the Wulgurukaba peoples–cared for Yunbenun, and their on going custodianship of country, culture and community continues to thrive.
The island is home to Northern Australia’s largest colony of wild koalas, seasonal migratory butterflies, curious ‘selfie-loving’ wallabies, and underwater wonders within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park that fringes the 23 golden beaches and bays around the island. Magnetic Island truly is a wild paradise-a place to learn from the keepers and protectors of nature’s story.
Things to do at Magnetic Island
Whether you find yourself in search of adventure through ancient rainforests, or are looking for a relaxing day on the water, there is something for everyone in Townsville North Queensland.
Townsville Enterprise Convention Bureau
Have you recently attended a business event you'd like to see hosted in Townsville? The Townsville Enterprise Convention Bureau is the first point of contact for event managers interested in hosting business events in Townsville North Queensland.
Economic Diversity
The Townsville North Queensland region contributes over $17.1 billion annually to the Queensland economy. The region boasts agriculture strengths, high value mining and minerals hubs for renewable energy and the country’s third largest breeding ground for cattle.
We are here to help
Talk to a local to find out everything our region has to offer and receive further information to make planning your event as easy as possible.
Request Callback
In the spirit of reconciliation, Townsville Enterprise and Townsville North Queensland acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout our region and Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
Townsville Enterprise a not-for-profit organisation and is the official Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) and economic development body of the Townsville North Queensland region, extending from the Burdekin to the Hinchinbrook, west to Charters Towers, and including the central section of the Great Barrier Reef and its island communities of Magnetic Island and the Palm Island group.
