Magnetic Island
The island has 24 km (15 miles) of hiking trails, most of which are relatively easy. The popular Forts Walk leads to World War II gun emplacements overlooking Horseshoe and Florence bays. At a leisurely pace, it takes about 45 minutes each way from the Horseshoe–Radical Bay Road. Look up en route and you may spot a sleepy koala.
Some of the island’s best views are on the 5-km (3-mile) Nelly Bay to Arcadia Walk. Look out for shell middens created over thousands of years by the island's Aboriginal owners, the Wulgurukaba, or "Canoe People."
Swimming and snorkeling are other popular activities, but from November to May, box jellyfish ("stingers") are a hazard: swim at Picnic and Horseshoe bays, which have stinger nets, and wear a protective suit. At other times, Alma Bay and Nelly Bay, as well as Picnic, Florence, Radical, Horseshoe, and Balding bays, are all suitable for swimming. Horseshoe has daily lifeguard patrols and a stinger-free swimming enclosure; Alma and Picnic bays are patrolled over weekends and school holiday periods, September to May.
Geoffrey Bay has a well-trafficked unofficial snorkel trail. Other good snorkeling spots include Nelly Bay, Alma Bay (which has its own snorkel trail), and the northern ends of Florence and Arthur bays. Near the northeastern corner of the island, Radical Bay has a small, idyllic beach flanked by tree-covered rock outcrops. Horseshoe Bay, the island’s largest beach, is lined with boat-rental outlets and water-sports equipment.
