Located off the coast at Townsville in far north Queensland, 300km south of Cairns lies the beautiful Magnetic Island. Swaying palm trees, picturesque rocky coves, azure waters and warm, sunny days combine to make this small island a sun seeker’s delight.

For those looking for a completely unique experience, how does the idea of a walking holiday sound. On Magnetic Islands’ fantastic walking holiday you’ll experience tranquil and often uninhabited beaches, an abundance of native wildlife and accommodation that exudes island hospitality. Add to this tropical rainforests and a network of walking trails that take you deep into the heart of this peaceful island and you have the perfect walking holiday location. Relatively short walking days allow you plenty of time to soak up the sun, swim or just put your feet up and relax.

The island is renowned for its exotic bird life and you'll see koalas and rock wallabies too. The walking varies from sandy beaches to tracks that are steep in places, leading to outstanding lookouts. Take your time and enjoy this beautiful island.

The itinerary is based on an Inn-to-Inn basis, with your accommodation being transported at the start of each day, to wait your arrival. The accommodation includes a B&B, tropical resort and a 4 star hotel.

Itinerary:
Day 1: Starts in Townsville any time after 2pm. There is no walking scheduled for today but you can easily spend the afternoon exploring the esplanade waterfront area. Accommodation: Townsville

Day 2: Join the locals on the island ferry as it plies its way across the azure ocean. The walk begins along a sandy beach then heads up through dense rainforest to high vantage points overlooking picturesque coves. Around dusk you will be able to see rock wallabies (like small kangaroos) feeding nearby. Accommodation: Arcadia Bay.

Day 3: A highlight for history buffs and koala lovers! Did you know that the Japanese bombed Townsville during WW11? As a result, Magnetic Island became a fort with gun emplacements carefully disguised into the rock faces, and false "rocks" constructed to hide ammunition dumps. Todays walk leads through many of these installations and it is still possible to climb up into the sentry posts and lookouts. The army has long since moved out and today the area is a haven for koalas. Spotting them is easy as the trees are low and the colonies are large. Accommodation: Horseshoe Bay

Day 4: The "Bay to Bay" walk is a real highlight. Walk over rocky headlands to emerge on clean, white, sandy beaches. There’s one picture-postcard bay after another, with plenty of time to swim in the warm blue waters along the way. Balding Bay is the pick of the bunch - isolated and classically beautiful. Finish the day with a popular local specialty - mango juice, a milkshake or ice cream from the working mango plantation. Accommodation: Horseshoe Bay

Day 5: Trip finishes today at any time of your choice, with a ferry ride back to Townsville.

Inclusions:
4 nights accommodation
4 breakfasts
3 lunches
3 dinners
luggage transfers
ferry and vehicle transfers as required for the itinerary
information booklets
insulated lunch bag
map case
walking notes
maps.

Departure Dates: Self-guided itineraries depart any day from March to November, with a minimum of 2 people booking together.

For more information on any of our Great Expeditions Travel Adventures, contact us today!

All photos are courtesy of Auswalk