Wildlife in the morning. Beach by lunch. Bingo after sunset.
Magnetic Island—also known as Yunbenun—packs national park, wildlife and 20-plus bays into one easy island escape. A car helps you connect the main sealed-road destinations while keeping the day flexible.
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WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Meet the locals at Bounce Koala & Wildlife Park
The wildlife park is right here at Bounce in Horseshoe Bay, where you collect your Bubblegum car. Ranger-led tours introduce visitors to koalas, wombats, reptiles, turtles and other Australian wildlife. Current tours are advertised daily at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm, subject to availability.
Bubblegum Cars offerAsk the Bubblegum Cars team for our Koala Park discount code before you book your wildlife tour.
Start the week with Monday-night bingo at Nomads and the Island Bar in Nelly Bay. It is a social, lively island night with ocean views, drinks and plenty of backpacker energy.
Local tipEvent times and weekly programs can change, so check with Nomads on the day before heading over.
Follow one of Magnetic Island’s best-known walking tracks through eucalypt woodland to historic Second World War fortifications and wide coastal views. Look up as you walk—the area is one of the island’s favourite places for spotting wild koalas.
Local tipGo early, carry water and avoid the hottest part of the day. Parking can fill during busy periods.
Horseshoe Bay is made for an easy island afternoon: a long beachfront, cafés and bars, water activities and plenty of space to settle in. It is also just a short trip from Bounce and your Bubblegum Cars pickup point.
Local tipCheck beach conditions and marine-stinger advice before swimming.
Follow the Nelly Bay or Geoffrey Bay snorkel trails
Magnetic Island’s fringing reefs can be explored from shore on marked snorkel trails. Nelly Bay is an accessible option near the ferry terminal, while Geoffrey Bay combines underwater sights with an easy stop in Arcadia.
Local tipCheck tides, weather and trail conditions locally, use reef-safe sun protection and never snorkel alone.
The granite boulders around Geoffrey Bay are home to allied rock wallabies. Visit quietly around the cooler edges of the day, keep your distance and let the animals move freely through their habitat.
Local tipDo not feed wildlife human food. Follow local signs and wildlife-care guidance.
Picnic Bay pairs a relaxed beachfront and historic jetty with nearby island history. For a higher viewpoint, the steep Hawkings Point walk rewards prepared walkers with views across the bays and towards Townsville.
Local tipWear supportive shoes and carry water. Save exposed walks for the cooler morning or late afternoon.
Choose a sealed-road sunset stop such as Picnic Bay or Horseshoe Bay, grab something local and watch the island change colour. It is a simple ending to a full day of beaches, walks and wildlife.
Local tipBubblegum Cars must stay on sealed roads. Do not drive to West Point, Arthur Bay Road or Radical Bay Road.
Bubblegum Cars cannot be driven on gravel, dirt, sand or otherwise unsealed roads. West Point Road, Arthur Bay Road and Radical Bay Road are specifically prohibited. Plan your stops using the sealed-road network and explore walking tracks on foot.
