One of our faves – Maggie Island. Just a 20 min ferry from Townsville, this lush tropical island gives us serious island vibes and is the perfect place to kick back and relax on a secluded beach with the unreal spots to snorkel in. Check out the local Koalas & Rock Wallabies around the Island. The perfect way to explore Maggie is to rent a 4wd topless jeep AKA the topless pink barbie cars (which you can hire when you are there)… get your pal’s together and hit the road – #ratpackroadie style!
Where is it?
a 20min ferry from Townsville, Queensland
Get these ON your bucketlist...
Rent a topless 4wd jeep or barbie car and cruiseeee the island
Snorkelling
Jetskiing
Horse Riding
Party at the legendary nights at Base {you’ll be dancing on the tables in no time}
Meet the rock wallabies at dusk – The best time to see the rock wallabies at geoffrey bay is around 4-5pm {they like carrots and banana peel!}
Feed the Lorikeets at 4pm
Watch the sunset at Westpoint
Butterfly Walk
Hostel recommendations:
X Base Magnetic Island – one of the best hostels on the east coast! (RatPacker Sophie recommends: Hit up Base on a monday night to take part in the hilarious boozy bingo!)
We recommend hitting up the hostel bar at base, its legendary and the nights here are hilarious!!
Top tips for Magnetic Island
Maggie Island is one of our favourite spots on the East Coast and it should be on your list for SURE! We’ve popped some of our extra tips below to help make it EPIC….
Buy a hostel night and ferry transfer package – its the best value way to do it!
Make sure you have some change ready for the bus on the island
The ferry is at the same place where the Greyhound bus comes to, winner!
Our Top Tips
Accommodation
X Base Magnetic Island
Day Tours
Rent a 4wd Topless Jeep for 24hrs and explore the island
Bars
Hit up the backpacker hostel bar at Base, they host hilarious events each night
Restaurants
Noodies on the Beach
Sandis on Magnetic Island
Scallywags
Hidden Gems
Radical Bay
West Point
Geoffrey Bay to spot the rock Wallabies
Forts walk to spot koalas
Hikes
Forts Walk
Sphinx Lookout
Arcadia Lookout
How long?
3 Days
We recommend spending around 3 days in Magnetic Island! This island is one to be explored so make sure you get some wheels and explore this unreal island. Travelling solo? Get chatting to other backpackers in the hostel and rent a car together!
We operate a 24/7 service across multiple time zones. Our RatPackers have all been there and done it! Get the ball rolling on your upcoming trip. Send over your rough travel plans (including your flight details / dates). If you are yet to book a flight and seeking advice – HIT US UP ↡
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