Epic photos of the Magnetic Island wreck and where to find it

Epic photos of the Magnetic Island wreck and where to find it

A quick guide to exploring the SS City of Adelaide, the famous Magnetic Island wreck reclaimed by nature. Find out how to get here with tips for taking great shots.

The Magnetic Island wreck, or more specifically the SS City of Adelaide, is one of the most famous wrecks on the Australian coast.

What makes it so unique is that it has been revived by dense mangroves growing from the wreckage. It is also now home to a flock of cockatoos that live in the mangrove trees that sprout from the rusted deck.
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Magnetic Island Wreck – The SS City of Adelaide

While there are dozens of wrecks on Magnetic Island, the SS City of Adelaide is one of the most famous.

It was originally a Scottish steam passenger ship that became stranded due to a fire in shallow water in Cockle Bay, Magnetic Island.

At the time of the sinking in 1916, it was decided that the shallow waters would make it too difficult to cut up and salvage the ship. Instead it was decided that it would remain in Cockle Bay.
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RELATED: 12 BEST THINGS TO DO ON MAGNETIC ISLAND

How to get to Magnetic Island Wreck?

The wreck is located in Cockle Bay at the southern end of Magnetic Island. The best way to get there is to go to Picnic Bay first and walk.

There are buses that run around the island and it only takes about 15 minutes to get from Nelly Bay bus station to Picnic Bay. If you're coming from Horseshoe Bay, expect a 40-minute drive.

From Picnic Bay Wharf, you have several options to get to the legendary Magnetic Island Wharf. For your convenience, I have pinned the exact location of the wreck on Google Maps below.

From Picnic Bay, walk around the rocks

At low tide it is possible to walk all the way around the rocks from Picnic Bay. It can get a bit muddy and you need to watch out for the tide. However, this is the quickest way to reach the wreck.

Walk up the road from Picnic Bay

You can walk around the headland and follow suburban streets to the end of W Point Road to reach the wreck site from Picnic Bay Wharf. It's just a short walk that won't take more than 20 minutes.

For detailed directions follow the map above.

Walking to the wreck at low tide

At low tide the water rushes out and causes the wreck to rise completely out of the water. It's entirely possible to walk all the way outside at low tide. However, watch the soft, sinking mud.

Otherwise, admire the wreck from a distance on the edge of the shore or even rent a kayak to paddle out at high tide.

Secret local wreck lookout

The best viewing point at the southern end of Magnetic Island is also a prime location to view the Magnetic Island wreck. It's not clearly marked on any map, and we found it purely by chance while looking for a place to fly the drone from. Apparently locals called this viewpoint Sails Rock.

The viewpoint is right next to a water tower in Cockle Bay. I have marked the directions on the map below. If you're coming from Picnic Bay, it only takes about 20 minutes following a steep road to the top.

Once you reach the water tower, there is a small, unmarked path that leads a little further to a clearing with some huge, overhanging rocks on the edge of the cliff.

From the lookout you have excellent views over Cockle Bay and the wreck, as well as all the way past Picnic Bay and into the rolling hills inside.
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Overnight accommodation on Magnetic Island

Below I have summarized the three best places to stay on Magnetic Island for different budgets. The links lead to Booking.com, which I personally always use to book the best deals on accommodation.

• Übernachten Sie im Koala Sanctuary: Bungalow Bay Koala Village – Dieses Hostel ist eine der am besten bewerteten günstigen Unterkünfte auf Magnetic Island. Es hat einen guten Chill-Out-Bereich, einen Pool und natürlich die Koalas vor Ort.
• Bestes Hostel mit Aussicht: Base Backpackers – Base Backpackers ist ein Synonym für preisgünstiges Reisen in Australien. Dieses Hostel bietet Mehrbettzimmer für unter 35 $ pro Nacht. Die Zimmer sind eigentlich kleine Hütten und blicken auf das Riff direkt am Wasser in Nelly Bay.
• Bestes Gästehaus für Paare: CStay in Picnic Bay – Eine der preisgünstigsten Unterkunftsmöglichkeiten für Paare ist Cstays in Picnic Bay. Es gibt mehrere Doppelzimmer für weniger als 65 $ pro Nacht.

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Sailing on Magnetic Island

I explored the island on my two-month sailing trip from Mackay to the Daintree River. If you're interested in finding out what we did or are looking for ideas for your Magnetic Island itinerary, then be sure to check out the sailing log.

READ THE SAILING LOG: Sailing Diary Week 7 – Magnetic Island

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More photos of the Magnetic Island shipwreck

As promised, here are some of the photos I was able to take of the SS City of Adelaide in Cockle Bay. Before you head out to see the famous Magnetic Island wreck, why not check out some of my other Maggie and Greater Queensland travel guides?

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