




Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
A mature and highly-regarded local guide will provide friendly, entertaining commentary on hundreds of topics covering birds and wildlife, trees, geology, history and folklore on your 5 hour tour of the scenic roads and byways of the beautiful Magnetic Island. Departing Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal you'll visit all the major sights, including one or two secret spots some locals don't even know about. We finish with an hours free time in Horseshoe bay for lunch you.
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Nelly Bay
After boarding the bus at Nelly Bay terminal you will meet your friendly local guide who will escort you throughout the day. Our guides are all locals, with a depth of knowledge about life on the island. After a brief introduction you will make your way through Nelly Bay to the western side of the island. On the way you’ll get some background facts on the island and an introduction to the geography and fauna.
Closed Tuesdays and between Australia Day to Easter. Set in the heritage listed Picnic Bay School and historic Butler Hut, the centre operates a museum and sells locally made craft and historical publications. The museum shows island history through permanent displays and varying annual exhibitions.
Pickup included
Local guide
Free Hotel Pick up /Drop off on Magnetic island
Free Bottled Water for guests
Light morning tea of baked goods and fruit
Lunch
Hotel / Accommodation pick-up from Townsville
Aquasearch Aquarium (optional)
Return Ferry Tickets to and from Magnetic Island
Arcadia Village Motel
7 Marine Parade Arcadia Australia
Amaroo Rainforest Resort Magnetic Island
61-79 Mandalay Ave, Nelly Bay Australia
Nomads
1 Nelly Bay Road, Australia
Island Leisure Resort
6 Kelly St Nelly Bay Australia
Island Palms Resort
13 The Esplanade, Nelly Bay Australia
Tropical Palms Resort & 4WD Hire
34 Picnic St, Magnetic Island Australia
CStay
32 Picnic St, Australia
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
389 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
JimC4024,Jun 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
An excellent tour to gain an overall view of Magnetic Is. Our guide was very knowledgeable and we saw many things we would not have known about if doing a DIY explore. Travel from Townsville very easy with the SeaLink ferry , and the tour better value than taking our own car or hiring on Magnetic.
Sandgesler,Jun 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Neil was a very informative guide full of knowledge on all aspects of Maggie. He took us to all the great spots. Comfortable transportation with morning tea provided. A great day out enjoyed by us - recommend,

winifred0s,Jun 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Generally, my wife and me enjoyed it and had a great Magnetic Island tour experience! Neill was very knowledgeable, helpful and accommodating. The time was well managed and all went excitingly well. It's definitely value for money! Thank you for the wonderful experience Neill!



Mobile545209,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
I had a fantastic time exploring Magnetic Island! The bus tour was a comfortable and interesting way to see the island's best spots. Our guide Neil really made the day - he was amusing and kept us thoroughly entertained with his lively talk and local stories. Highly recommend this bus tour.
andrewkK8745JT,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
A great intro to Magnetic Island covering the geography, the history, the flora and the fauna. And a very knowledgeable guide who clearly loves his island. Definitely recommend it!




265sharynd,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Had a very easy and informative tour with Neil. With an abundance of knowledge and a genuine love for “Maggie”, we particularly loved the butterflies and appreciated the effort to include and host the wide range of customers on board. Well priced, safe and hassle free. Thanks!





O8797VWkarenb,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
What a fantastic day! Can highly recommended this day tour. Worth every cent. We had been to the island before many years ago but just explored it ourselves. This time, on the tour, we learnt SO MUCH we would not have known otherwise. Our guide Neil knew all the cool places to go to see the local wildlife and we saw a koala, turtle, osprey, heaps of rock wallabies and did a few cool walks to hidden gems like a butterfly forest. Even morning tea is provided. Thanks for a magical Maggie experience!



karen r,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Excellent tour-driver was so knowledgeable,very humorous Best tour I've had The island was magical Rock wallabies gorgeous and friendly Even got to see the Koala hospital and see all the great work that they do Would go back in a heartbeat







Ryan H,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
Great tour. There was a small group of us and it was very informal and casual which makes it feel more like you have a private tour.
Bruce W,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
We took two different ferry rides (one takes 15-20 minutes and the other about 30) to get there and then later back based on timing. It was easy to get a ticket in person on both ends even with a holiday week. We were greeted by the owner of the company who has an interesting and worldly background which brings a lot to his tours. He lives on Magnetic Island and provided a wealth of history and information throughout the day. He seems to know every person in town and their stories as well and took our group to get up close and personal to key places for great photos. We were brought into a cute area with several lunch options which provided something for everyone and an opportunity to walk around afterwards. He got us back exactly when he said he would so we could catch our ferry. We took over 500 photos - so lots to see even on a small island!

Operated by Magnetic Island Tours