Island Palms Resort

If the island's natural landscape does not encourage you to swim in a private bay or conquer a walking track - you might choose one of a variety of island tours. Or ... due to the magic of "Maggie", you might just sit under a palm tree and wonder what all the busy people are doing.

If you are considering a tour, we usually recommend you wait and book tours through Reception. We can try and predict the best weather day during your stay for your activity.

Magnetic Island Community Markets
Second Saturday and last Sunday of the Month*: 9:30am-2pm on the foreshore, Horseshoe Bay. (*Some variations occur & can also close in January and recommence in March).

Bush Walks
If you like walks you have come to the right place, there are plenty to choose from. Two thirds of the island is zoned National Park.

Friday &/or Saturday nights approx April-January - Winners of the 2011 Magnetic Island Tourism & Business Awards, for Best Tourist Attraction was the FABULOUS "Stage Door Theatre Restaurant". 3 course meal plus a professional comedy cabaret show. Try to fit this into your schedule.

Tropicana Tours
Winner of nine Tourism Awards! Offers a unique, informative, great fun three, five or eight hour tour daily in their super stretch jeep. Have the most fun you can have on 4 wheels.

Horse Riding
Head over to Horseshoe Bay Ranch at Horseshoe Bay. Walk your horse through the waters of the bay (subject to your horse's co-operation!). Two hour bush 'n' beach rides depart at approximately 9am and 3pm. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Horseshoe Bay, its wildlife, beach, lagoon and hinterland.

Toad Races
EVERY WEDNESDAY (FOR THE PAST 22 YEARS): Toad Races, 8pm for 8.15pm start. Island Tavern, Arcadia. Unlike our northern cousins, no entrance fee, just what you bet. Eight toads per race, three races. You bid for a toad. All proceeds donated to Island community groups. What more can we say? It's an Island institution, an absolute must!

Awesome Sport Fishing Charters
Are you a serious Fisherman? Awesome Sport Fishing Charters will offer you an exceptional experience. 8.2m Sport Fisher or 5.95 Goodwin long boat vessels to choose from. Half and full day trips. Quality Shimano rods and reels provided. Experienced crew.

Aquascene
Magnetic Island 360 degrees: Circumnavigate Magnetic Island - Bay hop, fish feed, snorkel and fish. Full day and half day options available. Snack, snorkeling/fishing gear/stinger suits included. Excellent local guide/operator. Will tailor a full day boat charter, even to the outer reef. Discuss with Reception.

Adrenalin Jet Ski Tours
Every week we get a thrill seeker or speed nut that wants to try this adrenalin adventure. Add circumnavigation of an island to your thrill-seeking resume! Three hour guided tour around the island. Or try their 75 minute 'Top End Tour'. (Combined weight limit 240kg. 8yo+ can drive if shares a ski with an adult. To drive solo, you must be 16yo+).

Providence Sailing
Enjoy the waters surrounding the island on this 62 foot gaff rigged topsail classic schooner. Day trips approximately 9:30am-1:30pm (snorkelling gear and stinger suits supplied) or a Sunset Cruise approximately 4.30-7.30pm.

Aquasearch Lab and Aquarium
Just turn up, 9.30am-4.30 daily. 6-10 Eleena St, Nelly Bay. 20-25minute walk. See hundreds of 'Nemos' and feel the amazing texture of a living giant clam mantel while inquisitive clown fish nibble your fingers. Kids big and small love it!!

Magnetic Island History and Craft Centre
Like to see some fantastic old photos of the Island? Visit this volunteer run centre, Granite St (next to Police Station), Picnic Bay 10.00am-2.30pm daily except Tuesdays. (Closes annually after Australia Day weekend re-opening for Easter).

Sea Kayaks
Paddle your own kayak (sharing a double kayak), led by an experienced and qualified guide, departing from Horseshoe Bay, drifting over sea grass beds and coral gardens. Sea Kayaks was the Island's first 'Advanced Ecotourism' certified tour. No experience necessary as full instruction is provided.

Planning on going to Townsville for the day?
Get your tickets for the award winning Billabong Sanctuary from Reception before you go (price includes Townsville bus transfer) and the unique Reef HQ. Strand Water Park - most of you with children spy it on your taxi ride from the airport to the ferry! Just remember it's closed every Tuesday and Wednesday (but open daily during QLD and NSW school holidays).

Other Special Things You Can Do
To the left of Reception, walk along the harbour break-wall on dusk. Head to the rock wall near the heli-pad, to see our community of Rock Wallabies. They're timid so keep the noise down and don't try to get too close to them. If you have a car or take a bus to Arcadia, walk along the old barge road at Geoffrey Bay. Plenty of Rock Wallabies there any time of the day + possums after dark. Take some bread to feed the large Diamond Backed Mullet (DON'T give bread to the wallabies or possums even if you see others doing it. It will eventually kill them!).