Arthur
Bay
Arthur
Bay is a secluded bay which is less visited than most, as many people are
unfamiliar with what it has to offer.Arthur has limited road access due to a weather beaten road which can be difficult for standard vehicles. Having such limited access makes Arthur and the other bays located on this road very peaceful and sometimes even deserted. Perfect for those who want to get away from it all and relax.
Snorkelling and diving is recommended as there are free standing coral reefs just out off the edge of the bay. Beautiful hard coral, soft coral and colourful fish can be viewed here and swimming is excellent as Arthur is usually protected from the winds.
Just two small coves to the northern side of Arthur is the wreck of the Platypus which is excellent for diving to view colourful aquarium fish in abundance.
On the southern side of Arthur, there are "Swim Throughs" located within the rocky edge which lead to some incredible marine life. These swim throughs can be experienced by moderate to experienced snorkellers or scuba divers.
- Sign Posted Walking Track
- Limited Road Access
- Coral Reef
- Ship Wreck
Alma
Bay is a family oriented bay which is patrolled by Surf Lifesavers on
weekends and public holidays. Alma Bay is part of Arcadia
and is opposite the Arcadia Hotel.Despite it's popularity, Alma Bay is still very natural and the beach is an excellent spot for a swim and if the winds permit even some boogie boarding for the kids.
- Patrolled by Surf Life Savers
- Picnic tables
- Children's playground
- Public Toilets / Changing Rooms
Geoffrey
Bay
Geoffrey
Bay is located in the Arcadia
settlement which includes Alma Bay.Geoffrey Bay is another large bay which has over a kilometre of beach and fringing reef. This bay is a Marine Park Zone and fishing is prohibited. Up until recently, reef walks where allowed at low tide, but due to recent rains the coral has been badly bleached and needs regenerating. Please read all signage at Marine Park Zones as they contain important information about what activities are forbidden in these natural reserves.
On the northern edge of the bay
is a vehicular ferry ramp and access road. At dusk you may be able to see
some Rock Wallabies come down from the hills.Rock wallabies are from the kangaroo family and grow to about 3 foot in height. These Wallabies feed on the multitude of grasses on the mountainous areas of the Island.
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Nelly
Bay
Nelly
Bay is the second largest bay on Magnetic Island that has over a kilometre
of beach and a large residential population. Nelly Bay is now the focal
point of the Island with a new Ferry Terminal and the Magnetic Harbour
Marina becoming fully operational in September 2003. Centrally located is
the Nelly Bay Supermarket complex which includes a Cafe, Video Store,
Chemist and Bottle Shop. Just across from the Supermarket is a Medical
Centre which has 2 doctors and visiting specialists such as a
physiotherapist, chiropractor, pathologist, psychologist and naturopath.
Rocky
Bay is a sun lover's bay which can only be reached by a steep walking track
or by small boat.
Picnic
Bay is the only, passenger ferry, entry point to Magnetic Island, however
this will change in 2003 when the Terminal will be located at Nellie Bay. The
Picnic Bay Jetty is used to load and unload passengers safely onto ferries
from Townsville and is a popular fishing spot for the locals. If the tide
is low, you may be able to see coral and small fish as you are walking
down the jetty. If you are really lucky you may catch a glimpse of a Manta
Ray which regularly visits the jetty.
On the right hand side is
the Picnic Bay Mall which includes the Picnic Bay Hotel & TAB, Cafes,
Moke Hire, Scooter Hire, Bicycle Hire, Harley Rides, Snorkel Hire,
Newsagency, General Store, Post Office and a Credit Union.