Picnic Bay

Travel Guide

Picnic Bay featuring tranquil scenes, a small town or village and boating
Picnic Bay featuring general coastal views and a sunset
Picnic Bay which includes general coastal views and a sunset
Picnic Bay featuring general coastal views, rugged coastline and swimming
Picnic Bay

See koalas in the wild, laze on the beach, snorkel around a coral reef or hike along a rugged trail in one of Magnetic Island’s most idyllic bays.

Picnic Bay forms Magnetic Island’s southern tip. Its name refers to the bay itself and the picturesque little settlement nestled on its shores. With a population of just over 350, it is only a small place, but there is a lot to do, with a beach, coral reef, golf course and shipwrecks to explore.

Head down to the beach first to take in the bay’s stunning vistas as you stroll over the golden sands. Jump in for a swim to cool off, then take a walk out along the jetty. Since nearby Nelly Bay got its ferry terminal, the jetty is no longer used by mainland ferries and is now the domain of local fishermen and walkers.

While fishing is allowed, most visitors prefer to see the fish swimming among the coral of the island’s fringing reef. Snorkel through this hidden world of wonder and watch for turtles, which occasionally pass by.

Take a hike along the coast or into the hills to experience the abundant nature of Magnetic Island. With over half of the island covered in national park, it is a haven for Australia’s iconic wildlife, such as koalas and rock wallabies.

Climb up to Hawkings Point Lookout to take in the panoramic views of the ocean and mainland. A short walk farther on takes you to Rocky Bay, another popular beach for swimming and snorkeling.

Head the opposite way along the coast from Picnic Bay to Cockle Bay to see the wreck of the SS City of Adelaide. The doomed ship ran aground in 1916 and, at low tide, offers a glimpse of the plants and birds that have made it their home.

Stay a night or two in Picnic Bay to sample the finer things in life, whether you hit the golf course at the Magnetic Island Country Club or dine at the bay’s restaurants. Of course, you can’t leave before you have enjoyed a picnic beneath a shady tree with views over the bay. Only then can you say you’ve seen Picnic Bay.

Tropical Palms
Tropical Palms
3.5 out of 5
34 Picnic Street, Magnetic Island, Picnic Bay, QLD
Stay at this 3.5-star spa motel in Picnic Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (129 reviews)
"Owners were amazing and the room and facilities were great, we’ll be back"

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

Tropical Palms
The Palmer Collective
The Palmer Collective
4 out of 5
12 14 Palmer Street, South Townsville, QLD
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (717 reviews)
"Very happy with everything."

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

The Palmer Collective
Aquarius on the Beach
Aquarius on the Beach
4 out of 5
75 The Strand, North Ward, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P5,612 per night from Jul 30 to Jul 31
P5,612
P6,173 total
Jul 30 - Jul 31
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Townsville. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Sensational view"

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

Aquarius on the Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Madison Ocean Breeze
Madison Ocean Breeze
3.5 out of 5
81 Mitchell Street, North Ward, QLD
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (539 reviews)
"We had the best stay! Thank you Madison Ocean Breeze!"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Madison Ocean Breeze
Oaks Townsville Metropole Hotel
Oaks Townsville Metropole Hotel
4.5 out of 5
81 Palmer Street, South Townsville, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,509 reviews)
"I liked the property because its quite and private love staying there"

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

Oaks Townsville Metropole Hotel
Grand Mercure Apartments Magnetic Island
Grand Mercure Apartments Magnetic Island
4 out of 5
146 Sooning Street, Nelly Bay, QLD
Stay at this 4-star luxury aparthotel in Nelly Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Nelly Bay Beach and Massage on Magnetic ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (303 reviews)
"Loved everything :) amazing stay"

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025

Grand Mercure Apartments Magnetic Island
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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