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
Madison Plaza Townsville

Madison Plaza Townsville

4 out of 5
409 Flinders St., Corner Of Stanley And Flinders St., Townsville, QLD
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Had a great stay with Madison"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Madison Plaza Townsville
Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville

Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville

4.5 out of 5
334 Flinders Street, Townsville, QLD
The price is P6,388 per night from Aug 22 to Aug 23
P6,388
P7,027 total
Aug 22 - Aug 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star business-friendly hotel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Townsville
"Great location, helpful staff but room was too cold"

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2025

Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville
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.
Oaks Townsville Hotel

Oaks Townsville 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! (1,526 reviews)
"Always good to return to a favourite hotel which is accessible, quiet, familiar and safe."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Oaks Townsville Hotel
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! (551 reviews)
"Very good"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Madison Ocean Breeze
Oaks Townsville Gateway Suites

Oaks Townsville Gateway Suites

4 out of 5
2 Dibbs Street, South Townsville, QLD
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Townsville. Enjoy free parking, a fitness center, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,182 reviews)
"Very good will be back"

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2025

Oaks Townsville Gateway Suites
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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