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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
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
Pickup included
382 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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!

Pamela B,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
It was such an informative and well organized tour of the beautiful island. We saw lots of wallaby’s, bats and butterflies. The snacks and lunch were delicious too.
Chajchawan N,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
although doing this tour sololy , I feel joyful with the tour guide ,Mr.Neil ,to make me alert about exotic things on this island ,including jokes,trivials about tropical wildlife , historic scene on this tiny island . it's well recommended for PLU who has just a short time , this 5 hours tour make my day special on this island ,even windy and thunder storm .
Elizabeth H,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
Amazing way to see the island! Got to see many wallabies, a koala, and so beautiful views! Would recommend to anyone who only has a day to see the island!
Angela V,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
I can’t speak highly enough about this tour. We were a group of 8 comprising of adults, teens and children. Our tour guide Tim, put together an amazing personalised tour catering for each of us. Highlights for me were getting to feed a rock wallaby and a visit to the Koala hospital. I highly recommend this tour for all ages. It provided a fantastic insight into Maggie Island.



B4133HAroberte,Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Our trip to Magnetic Island was absolutely amazing. We did the Magnetic Island behind the scenes tour with Magnetic Island Tours and Tim was our guide. If you can get him do so. His stories were really interesting and we got a visit to his sanctuary and Koala rescue service. Magnetic Island is named appropriately. The atmosphere and lifestyle just wants to suck you back.





BethH732,Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The tour is good value for money and takes approximately 5 hours. It includes a stopover for visitors to choose a venue for a beach side lunch (your own expense), to relax and have a swim. Neil, the Owner/Operator is very personable and interacts with all ages (on our tour ages from 10 to 80+). We travelled in a mini van from one side of the island to the other. Neil filled us in on Maggie's history, fun facts, the wildlife, geology, food, environment, reef, etc. There were stops for short walks and photo opportunities. As the title implies, this tour is indeed comprehensive (and entertaining).
rhysparker4,Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Neil was an excellent tour guide. We left the tour with so much knowledge regarding the island and every question that was asked was answered. We enjoyed some free time in Horse shoe bay which involved a recommended lunch and a swim in the bay. The butterfly walk was something we’d never seen before and Neil also helped us find our first Koala in the wild. Thank you Neil for a fun and enjoyable tour of the beautiful island, we hope to be back again !




Operated by Magnetic Island Tours