How to get to Florence Bay and the surrounding tracks, Magnetic Island

How to get to Florence Bay and the surrounding tracks, Magnetic Island

Wondering how to get to Florence Bay on Magnetic Island? If you like hiking, viewing, and snorkeling, I highly recommend taking one of the short hiking trails to Magnetic Island's northeastern bays.

Magnetic Island is one of Australia's many hidden gems. Located just a short ferry hop from Townsville, it's both accessible and wild! Here's a guide to finding one of my favorite spots on the island; Florence Bay by taking one of the many short hikes accessible from the road.
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First: How to get to Magnetic Island

Getting to Magnetic Island is as easy as a 40-minute ferry ride from Townsville.

The best ferry company is SeaLink, which operates ferries from Townsville to Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal on Magnetic Island approximately every hour.

The cheapest SeaLink ticket can be booked online in advance at GetYourGuide, which gives you a scannable QR code to use on your phone when boarding.

The cost of a round-trip trip to Magnetic Island on SeaLink is $34 per adult, with several discount options also available.
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How to get to Florence Bay on Magnetic Island?

Wondering how to get to Florence Bay? Walkers have two options, either take a bus from Nelly Bay and walk the Arthur Bay Track or walk from Horseshoe Bay past Balding and Radical Bay.

Florence Bay from Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal

If you are coming directly from Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal, it is best to take a bus from the terminal to The Forts bus stop. The cost of the bus ticket is $3.70. However, I would recommend purchasing a day pass which gives you unlimited travel around Magnetic Island for the price of just two tickets.

From The Forts you should follow the Radical Bay Road past Arthur Bay. It's about a 30 minute walk, but the scenery is worth it. If you have time, be sure to stop in Arthur Bay too.

Walk the Balding, Radical and Florence Tracks from Horseshoe Bay

By far the best way to get to Florence Bay is to take the Balding, Radical and Florence Bay Track from Horseshoe Bay.

The hike takes you around the best bays on Magnetic Island for sightseeing and snorkeling. There are also some incredible viewpoints along the way that you shouldn't miss. The hike takes approximately 3 hours round trip.
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The Florence Bay hiking trail begins at the eastern end of Horseshoe Bay, just past the beach bus stop. There are several signposts along the way and it should be fairly easy to find. To help you, I have marked the start of the route on the map below.

Sailing on Magnetic Island

I explored Magnetic Island on my two month sailing trip from Mackay to the Daintree River. During this time we anchored in Horseshoe Bay for a week.

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

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Things to do in Florence Bay

Made it to Florence Bay? Aside from just relaxing on the beach, here are some epic things to do once you arrive.

Snorkeling

Florence Bay is famous for being one of the best snorkeling spots on Magnetic Island. There are several white, diamond-shaped reef markers that indicate a clear snorkeling path.

The reef extends from the northern end into the bay. The other side is mostly sand and small patches of seaweed. Keep an eye out for manta rays, which frequently visit these bays.

It's best to snorkel in Florence Bay at high tide as it's easier to get out to the reef.
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RELATED: 12 BEST THINGS TO DO ON MAGNETIC ISLAND

Find the secret secluded beach

At the other end of the bay there is a small, secret, secluded beach. It may not be immediately obvious, but if you walk around the rocks on the right side of the bay you can reach it in about 20 minutes.

You'll have to climb some large rocks and balance on some logs as you make your way across. However, once you arrive, you'll have a secluded spot perfect for snorkeling or simply enjoying Florence Bay in complete seclusion.
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Continue to Arthur Bay

If you didn't catch Arthur Bay on the way there, there is a road and trail that continues from the southern end of Florence Bay towards Arthur Bay that you could take.

For those returning to Horseshoe Bay, it's just a quick 20-minute detour to one of the island's best bays.

If you want to explore more of Magnetic Island's hidden gems then I highly recommend walking around the headland to Arthur Bay

Keep an eye out for koalas

Magnetic Island is home to hundreds of koalas. They keep to themselves, but like to chill in the eucalyptus trees. Keep an eye on the route.

Remember, when you see them, they are quite shy. Give them some space and admire them from a distance.
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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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