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Magnetic Island Tour: Maggie Comprehensive

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Nelly Bay, AU

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Nelly Bay, AU

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Experience the beauty and hidden treasures of Magnetic Island on the Maggie Comprehensive Tour. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you'll embark on a scenic 5-hour journey, learning about the island's birds, wildlife, trees, geology, history, and folklore. Explore all the major sights, including secret spots known only to the locals. The tour concludes with an hour of free time in Horseshoe Bay, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch and take a refreshing swim. Throughout the day, you'll be captivated by the breathtaking views, unique rock formations, and the chance to spot adorable Allied Rock Wallabies. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Butterfly Forest during winter for a soul-soothing bush walk. Finish the tour with a stop at Aquasearch Aquarium, where you can encounter Nemo, Dory, and learn about Giant Clams. Book now and embark on an unforgettable adventure on Magnetic Island.

About this experience

Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
Admission Not Included
5 hours
Suitable for 1-15 Participants
Private Tour, Small Group Tour
Guided Experience

Highlights

Visiting secret spots known only to locals
Getting up close with the adorable Allied Rock Wallabies at Geoffrey Bay
Breathtaking views of the island while climbing the steep hill towards Horseshoe Bay
Opportunity to explore the Butterfly forest and take a short bush walk

Included

Bottled water
Local guide
Free Hotel Pick up /Drop off on Magnetic island

Not included

Ferry transfers to and from Magnetic Island.
Lunch
Aquasearch Aquarium entrance fees (AUD3 cash only for over 5's)
Hotel / Accommodation pick-up from Townsville

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction:

Experience the best of Magnetic Island with the Maggie Comprehensive Tour. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this 5-hour journey takes you through the scenic roads and hidden gems of this beautiful island. You'll be immersed in fascinating commentary on birds, wildlife, trees, geology, history, and folklore as you explore the island's major sights. From secret spots known only to locals to the breathtaking views from the hilltops, every moment of this tour is filled with wonder and discovery.

What to expect:

During the 300-minute excursion, you'll be picked up from the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal and meet your friendly guide, who will accompany you throughout the day. Starting on the western side of the island, you'll gain insight into the island's geography and fauna. Explore the heritage-listed Picnic Bay School and historic Butler Hut, where you can browse local craft and learn about the island's history. Stop by Geoffrey Bay to observe the adorable Allied Rock Wallabies and marvel at the remarkable rock formations. Afterward, indulge in an hour of free time in Horseshoe Bay, savoring the variety of food available and enjoying a refreshing swim. Finally, as you head back to the ferry, embark on a scenic route through Arcadia and make a stop at Aquasearch Aquarium to discover Nemo and Dory.

Who is this for?

The Maggie Comprehensive Tour is designed for anyone seeking an immersive and educational experience on Magnetic Island. Adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, and history buffs will all find something to enjoy. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, this tour offers something for everyone. Embrace the enchanting beauty of Magnetic Island as you learn from a local expert.

Why book this?

Joining the Maggie Comprehensive Tour is a perfect opportunity to explore the hidden gems of Magnetic Island. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you'll gain unique insights into the island's diverse flora, fauna, and history. From the moment you step aboard the bus, you'll be treated to entertaining commentary and fascinating stories. The tour offers a wonderful balance of sightseeing and free time, allowing you to experience the highlights while also enjoying personal exploration. Plus, the chance to spot the incredibly cute Allied Rock Wallabies in Geoffrey Bay and visit the Butterfly forest during the winter months gives this tour an added touch of magic. Make the most of your time on Magnetic Island with this comprehensive and captivating tour.

Good to know:

The tour begins either at 9:15am (Jan & Feb) or 10am (Mar-Dec). The bus will be located at the courtesy vehicle pick-up point, behind the public bus stops. Throughout the tour, you'll have the opportunity to take breaks, explore various locations, and enjoy a delicious lunch in Horseshoe Bay. Don't forget your swimsuit, as Horseshoe Bay offers a safe swimming enclosure during the summer months. Additionally, there is an optional visit to Aquasearch Aquarium, where a small entry fee of $3 (cash only) applies. Capture the incredible views of Magnetic Island as you head back to the Ferry Terminal in time for the 3pm departure to Townsville. This comprehensive tour ensures you make the most of your time on Magnetic Island.

Reviews:

Travelers who have embarked on the Maggie Comprehensive Tour have been impressed by the depth of knowledge and entertaining commentary provided by the local guides. Visitors have expressed their delight in spotting the cute Allied Rock Wallabies in Geoffrey Bay and have found the rock formations to be truly awe-inspiring. Many have appreciated the chance to explore the heritage-listed Picnic Bay School and Butler Hut, as well as their encounter with the island's rich history. The opportunity to enjoy free time in Horseshoe Bay and take a refreshing swim has also been highly valued. Overall, tourists have raved about the informative and captivating experience of this tour, making it a must-do activity on Magnetic Island.

About this product

How long before the event do I need to book?

You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

At least one adult or senior required per booking

Meeting point & End point

Jan & Feb - Tour departs at 9:15am Mar-Dec - Tour departs at 10am Bus will be in the courtesy vehicle pick up point. Behind the public bus stops.

Magnetic Island ferry terminal, Nelly Bay QLD 4819, AU

Your Itinerary

Pilgrim Magnetic Island

After boarding the bus at Nelly Bay terminal you will meet your friendly local guide who will escort you throughout the day. Our guides are all locals, with a depth of knowledge about life on the island. After a brief introduction you will make your way through Nelly Bay to the western side of the island. On the way you’ll get some background facts on the island and an introduction to the geography and fauna.

Magnetic Island History and Craft Centre

Closed Tuesdays and between Australia Day to Easter. Set in the heritage listed Picnic Bay School and historic Butler Hut, the centre operates a museum and sells locally made craft and historical publications. The museum shows island history through permanent displays and varying annual exhibitions.

Picnic Bay Jetty

Optional stop where we will discover its story and how it was saved from demolition, and take in the beautiful surrounds

Geoffrey Bay

No visit to the Maggie would be complete without a stop at Geoffrey Bay to see if you can find some of our extremely cute Allied Rock Wallabies. These wallabies are found only in Northern Queensland between Townsville and the Burdekin River. Geoffrey Bay is also an opportunity to get out of the bus and get up close and personal with our incredible rock formations.

Horseshoe Bay Beach

As the bus climbs the long steep hill towards Horseshoe Bay you will get breathtaking views across the island. You will then head down the other side into the old farming precinct before we stop for an hour’s free time in Horseshoe Bay where a variety of food is available. During the winter when the butterflies are around we will definitely visit the Butterfly forest for a short bush walk. Its an experience not to be missed and great balm for the soul. Horseshoe Bay also offers year round swimming with a safe swimming enclosure in place during the summer months. An excellent place to cool off if you bring your swimmers.

Aquasearch

After lunch you will return to the Ferry, giving you the chance to catch those incredible views once more. This time though we will head through the back of Arcadia, along pretty Hayles avenue with a short stop at Aquasearch Aquarium ($3 entry fee, cash only) where we will try and find Nemo and Dory and chat about our Giant Clams, before heading back to the Ferry Terminal in time to meet the 3pm depature to Townsville.

Admission Not Included

Additional information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews

(308)

5 (308)

HeatherN1607

From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed and introduced to all onboard. Our guide was an absolute wealth of knowledge and information and made every experience all the more enjoyable with loads of quips and funny tales about the history of the island and the locals who founded it. He went out of his way to find wild koalas for us to see and the rock wallabys which Maggie is famous for. Bus was large and very comfortable, a lovely morning tea supplied (even if he did forget the milk) and provided us with a huge choice of restaurants, pubs or takeaways for lunch at Horseshoe bay. (own expense for lunch). All in all- highly recommended

Roving56207464724

An amazingly insightful, enjoyable and relaxed ‘Maggie Comprehensive’ tour. When we told someone what we had planned for the day they said “Neil is an encyclopedia” and they weren’t wrong. We learnt so much, and even visited places on Magnetic Island that we didn’t even know were there, despite having holidayed on and explored the Island many, many times before. So glad we did it and would recommend it to everyone, even if you think you’ve seen and done everything that you think there is to do. Thanks Neil!

David_W

Fantastic day out and a great way to understand a little more about the island whilst taking I the beautiful scenery. Tim our guide was excellent, very knowledgeable and nothing was too much trouble. Even bonus visit to his own koala hospital. Excellent morning tea and snacks. Very much recommend, just do it you won't regret it. Julie and Dave UK.

chrismC9810DH

Best Holiday Island in Queensland!. Perfect weather ,fantastic beaches and food and bars are superb. Magnetic island Brewery in Picnic Bay has terrific people boutique beers food and live music. Mamma Romas Italian food puts Lygon St to shame.

darlenevalerie

This was a last minute tour selection for us and a great day on Magnetic Island. Neil was a very well informed, friendly and accommodating host. I would highly recommend this tour and make sure to visit Magnetic Island while in the are.

steve4lee220

Brilliant day, great value for money. The bus is waiting for you in the ferry terminal car park, the ferry process itself is easy to navigate. Neil was an excellent tour guide, very knowledgeable and his passion for the island was infectious. It felt like we covered every inch of the island and Neil was never short of interesting facts. Unfortunately we were not able to see any koalas but we were lucky enough to see and feed some wild wallabies. The length of the tour was perfect and Neil kindly offers to drop you anywhere on the island if you wanted to stay. There is no requirement to leave the island after the tour but we felt as though we had done and seen everything. Magnetic Island is definitely worth a visit and if you do we’d highly recommend this tour.

wayneannm2024

Had a wonderful time with Neil, had my brother & sister in law from Buffalo NY enjoying all the scenery and wildlife. Bought back so many memories of when I went to Maggie as a teenager in the 1960's. Had not been there for a few years and oh how the place has changed. Thoroughly enjoyed our day. Will recommend the tour to our friends.

stevekC7712VV

The Maggie Comprehensive Tour is the perfect way to get a big picture of the Island, visit various locations and learn about the history of the Island. Neil is a friendly and knowledgeable host. I highly recommend this tour.

Szilvia_A

Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and told us interesting stories. We were quite a small group, which made it even better to connect and ask questions and get information.

Kathryn247

Best Tour to familiarize ourselves with the Island and seeing things without having to navigate or drive ourselves! A great Tour with driver very informative and humorous about historical facts and current marine conservation. Good time frame, not too rushed, and plenty of opportunities at each stop for photos and discussions about each area.

Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator

2024-04-24 01:03

Magnetic Island Tour: Maggie Comprehensive