Richard’s guidebook

Richard
Richard’s guidebook

Restaurants

Our restaurants can be very busy, so advance bookings are almost vital to assure yourself of a table. The restaurants I have included here, are definitely in the category of essential booking required.
Saltwater is arguably the best restaurant on our island, and we have never been disappointed or heard complaints. Google reviews 123 (avge 4.3) Below is a link for their website. https://www.saltwatermagneticisland.com/ Phone 0414 352 762 Bookings are essential at least 2-3 weeks in advance to be seated here.
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Saltwater Magnetic Island
53 Sooning St
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Saltwater is arguably the best restaurant on our island, and we have never been disappointed or heard complaints. Google reviews 123 (avge 4.3) Below is a link for their website. https://www.saltwatermagneticisland.com/ Phone 0414 352 762 Bookings are essential at least 2-3 weeks in advance to be seated here.
Barefoot Food Art Wine is also one of the primo dining options on Magnetic Island. A little further out in Horseshoe Bay, it offers 3 different seating options, AND the best sunset views Australia has to offer. A visit here is worth it for the sunsets alone, however the food and your host Julie’s warm welcome and premium service, make this one a must do. Phone 07 4758 1170 Google reviews 179 (avge 4.8) Open for lunch and dinner
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Barefoot Art Food Wine
5 Pacific Dr
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Barefoot Food Art Wine is also one of the primo dining options on Magnetic Island. A little further out in Horseshoe Bay, it offers 3 different seating options, AND the best sunset views Australia has to offer. A visit here is worth it for the sunsets alone, however the food and your host Julie’s warm welcome and premium service, make this one a must do. Phone 07 4758 1170 Google reviews 179 (avge 4.8) Open for lunch and dinner
This one is a gem and can be booked out up to 4 weeks in advance. As locals we even put ourselves on a calling list to take advantage of cancellations. Bruce only does one sitting per evening to ensure his guests are treated and served in the best way possible. Phone 07 4758 1659 Takeaways are available from Thai Again. Google reviews 147 (avge 4.2)
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Thai Again
56 Yates St
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This one is a gem and can be booked out up to 4 weeks in advance. As locals we even put ourselves on a calling list to take advantage of cancellations. Bruce only does one sitting per evening to ensure his guests are treated and served in the best way possible. Phone 07 4758 1659 Takeaways are available from Thai Again. Google reviews 147 (avge 4.2)
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Peppers Blue on Blue Resort Magnetic Island
123 Sooning St
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This is one of our favorites. An authentic Italian restaurant in the beautiful picnic bay. It is a BYO restaurant with a bottle shop 100m away at the Picnic Bay Hotel. The staff are incredibly friendly and always happy to chat with their customers. If your fluent in Italian, then all of the staff are happy to converse with you in either Italian or English. Picnic Bay is breathtaking in the evenings, and there is no better way to finish the night, than with a stroll along our heritage listed jetty under the stars. Open for dinner only. Takeaway available Phone 07 4778 5456 Google reviews 272 (avge 4.5)
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Mamma Roma
9 Esplanade
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This is one of our favorites. An authentic Italian restaurant in the beautiful picnic bay. It is a BYO restaurant with a bottle shop 100m away at the Picnic Bay Hotel. The staff are incredibly friendly and always happy to chat with their customers. If your fluent in Italian, then all of the staff are happy to converse with you in either Italian or English. Picnic Bay is breathtaking in the evenings, and there is no better way to finish the night, than with a stroll along our heritage listed jetty under the stars. Open for dinner only. Takeaway available Phone 07 4778 5456 Google reviews 272 (avge 4.5)
6 Pacific Dr
6 Pacific Drive
Magnetic Island’s newest restaurant with a focus on shared style dining. Offering a fantastic tapas and pizza menu, and premium cocktails and wine lists.
Granite Magnetic Island
98-100 Sooning Street
Magnetic Island’s newest restaurant with a focus on shared style dining. Offering a fantastic tapas and pizza menu, and premium cocktails and wine lists.

Sightseeing

We are blessed to have some amazingly beautiful scenery and beaches. Unfortunately some of these places require a little bit of a walk, but we all need a little exercise every day.
A must do walk on Maggie. Take in breathtaking views, spot koalas in the trees, and echidnas keeping cool in the shade of the rocks.
The Forts - Command Post
A must do walk on Maggie. Take in breathtaking views, spot koalas in the trees, and echidnas keeping cool in the shade of the rocks.
Picnic Bay jetty is a heritage listed jetty on the Esplanade at Picnic Bay, Magnetic Island. It was built between 1959 and 1977, and added to the Queensland Heritage Register. in April 2004. Originally this was the main access point to Magnetic Island, but repeated damage seen to it from cyclone after cyclone has resulted in the building of the Nelly Bay Terminal which now provides safe all weather access. The jetty is a photographers dream, and there are literally thousands of images available online of this beautiful bay and jetty. It’s also a fisherman’s paradise. No matter if it’s a rod or hand line, your bound to catch something.
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Jetty At Picnic Bay, Magnetic Island
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Picnic Bay jetty is a heritage listed jetty on the Esplanade at Picnic Bay, Magnetic Island. It was built between 1959 and 1977, and added to the Queensland Heritage Register. in April 2004. Originally this was the main access point to Magnetic Island, but repeated damage seen to it from cyclone after cyclone has resulted in the building of the Nelly Bay Terminal which now provides safe all weather access. The jetty is a photographers dream, and there are literally thousands of images available online of this beautiful bay and jetty. It’s also a fisherman’s paradise. No matter if it’s a rod or hand line, your bound to catch something.
Whilst we have not been on this cruise, we have heard nothing but good things about it, and Drew’s incredible sense of humour. For those that walking is not easy, this is a fabulous way to see the beauty of our island from the water. For those who find walking easy, it does however provide another beautiful perspective. Departs Horseshoe Bay daily 1/2 day and sunset cruises. Phone 0499 996 653 Website. https://www.islandtimecruises.com.au
Magnetic Island Time Cruises
Horseshoe Bay Road
Whilst we have not been on this cruise, we have heard nothing but good things about it, and Drew’s incredible sense of humour. For those that walking is not easy, this is a fabulous way to see the beauty of our island from the water. For those who find walking easy, it does however provide another beautiful perspective. Departs Horseshoe Bay daily 1/2 day and sunset cruises. Phone 0499 996 653 Website. https://www.islandtimecruises.com.au
Magnetic Islands Aquasearch is a small aquarium in Nelly Bay run by Dr. Rick Braley. Open 9;30 to 4:30 daily Phone. 0447 769 481 Conveniently, it’s within walking distance, as it’s right next door.
Aquasearch Aquarium
6 Elena St
Magnetic Islands Aquasearch is a small aquarium in Nelly Bay run by Dr. Rick Braley. Open 9;30 to 4:30 daily Phone. 0447 769 481 Conveniently, it’s within walking distance, as it’s right next door.
Nelly Bay Snorkel Trail The snorkel trail commences close to the Magnetic Island X-Base Backpackers in Nelly Bay. The trail starts 100m off the beach, and provides easy access for beginners. Corals you will find along this trail are Lettuce, Cauliflower, Boulder and Staghorn corals. Just follow the white surface floats.
Nelly Bay
Nelly Bay Snorkel Trail The snorkel trail commences close to the Magnetic Island X-Base Backpackers in Nelly Bay. The trail starts 100m off the beach, and provides easy access for beginners. Corals you will find along this trail are Lettuce, Cauliflower, Boulder and Staghorn corals. Just follow the white surface floats.
This snorkel trail commences 390m off of the beach at Geoffrey Bay at the Arcadia Hotel end of the beach. This trail offers an array of marine life around the Moltke wreck, a German passenger and cargo ship which was deliberately scuttled off of Magnetic Island in 1911. There are 23 wrecks off the island.
Geoffrey Bay Snorkel Trail
This snorkel trail commences 390m off of the beach at Geoffrey Bay at the Arcadia Hotel end of the beach. This trail offers an array of marine life around the Moltke wreck, a German passenger and cargo ship which was deliberately scuttled off of Magnetic Island in 1911. There are 23 wrecks off the island.
Pro Dive Magnetic Island
43 Sooning St
Pilgrim Sailing is one of Magnetic Island’s premium experience providers offering all-inclusive sailing cruises and charter services aboard a luxury 58-foot yacht. Whether it be a charter, or one of the daily lunchtime or sunset cruises, hop on board and be transported in luxury around our beautiful island waters. https://www.pilgrimsailing.com.au Phone 0424 296 406 Located at Peppers Blue on Blue Resort Sooning Street, Nelly Bay Reviews Google (104 avge 5.0) Trip advisor (491 avge 5.0) Facebook (255 avge 5.0) Also there is Big Mama Sailing but it unfortunately does not have an Airbnb profile that I could add. Big Mama Sailing is owned and operated by a small family (Stu, Lisa, Fletcher and thief dog Coco). They offer a small and personalized service for half day, full day, and sunset cruises, departing Townsville and Magnetic Island on board Big Mama and Ragamuffin 111 https://www.bigmamasailing.com Phone 0437 206 360 Reviews Trip Advisor (997 avge 5.0) Google (41 avge 4.7) Facebook (221 avge 5.0)
Pilgrim Sailing
123 Sooning St
Pilgrim Sailing is one of Magnetic Island’s premium experience providers offering all-inclusive sailing cruises and charter services aboard a luxury 58-foot yacht. Whether it be a charter, or one of the daily lunchtime or sunset cruises, hop on board and be transported in luxury around our beautiful island waters. https://www.pilgrimsailing.com.au Phone 0424 296 406 Located at Peppers Blue on Blue Resort Sooning Street, Nelly Bay Reviews Google (104 avge 5.0) Trip advisor (491 avge 5.0) Facebook (255 avge 5.0) Also there is Big Mama Sailing but it unfortunately does not have an Airbnb profile that I could add. Big Mama Sailing is owned and operated by a small family (Stu, Lisa, Fletcher and thief dog Coco). They offer a small and personalized service for half day, full day, and sunset cruises, departing Townsville and Magnetic Island on board Big Mama and Ragamuffin 111 https://www.bigmamasailing.com Phone 0437 206 360 Reviews Trip Advisor (997 avge 5.0) Google (41 avge 4.7) Facebook (221 avge 5.0)

Food scene

If you enjoy a curry don’t miss this one. The backdrop is spectacular, the food is awesome, and Nate and his family are just lovely people. It’s BYO, so come prepared. Getting there is easy, just ask any of the friendly Sunbus drivers to drop you off at the curry corner. In fact, the bus driver’s are a wonderful source of information, and a daily or weekly bus ticket is a very cheap option to getting around.
Ceylon Curry corner foodtruck
If you enjoy a curry don’t miss this one. The backdrop is spectacular, the food is awesome, and Nate and his family are just lovely people. It’s BYO, so come prepared. Getting there is easy, just ask any of the friendly Sunbus drivers to drop you off at the curry corner. In fact, the bus driver’s are a wonderful source of information, and a daily or weekly bus ticket is a very cheap option to getting around.
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Man Friday Restaurant
37 Warboys St
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Picnic Bay Hotel
3 Esplanade
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Why fish and chips? Simply grab your picnic rug, a bottle of wine, your fish and chips, and enjoy the magnificent sunsets over Horseshoe Bay. We try to do this at least once a week.
Horseshoe Bay Fish and Chips
6 Pacific Drive
Why fish and chips? Simply grab your picnic rug, a bottle of wine, your fish and chips, and enjoy the magnificent sunsets over Horseshoe Bay. We try to do this at least once a week.
I love the awesome range of gelatos and enjoy a cone 5 days a week on my lunch breaks. Cannot stress what a great family run operation this is. Adrian and Michelle are sensational hosts and sources of local knowledge. No visit to Maggie is complete unless you’ve enjoyed one of their delights by the beach.
Adele’s Cafe
I love the awesome range of gelatos and enjoy a cone 5 days a week on my lunch breaks. Cannot stress what a great family run operation this is. Adrian and Michelle are sensational hosts and sources of local knowledge. No visit to Maggie is complete unless you’ve enjoyed one of their delights by the beach.
Nelly Bay Cafe
55 Sooning Street

Beaches

Radical, Florence, Arthur, and Balding Bays, make up the four bay walk. It’s easy to do one or two a day, or all 4 in the day if your fitness allows. These are all beautiful and picturesque bays, with good snorkeling available at each. Our personal recommendation is Balding Bay, as the must do beach , if no other. It is also listed as one of the most beautiful Nudist beaches in the world (just in case you forget your bathers). So be forewarned, you may see a little bit more skin than you expected, however it’s remoteness also lends itself to its quietness. Most weekdays it’s extremely quiet or empty. Get there early and secure a shady spot under the trees. Don’t forget to take your own water, lunch, hat and sunscreen.
Radical Bay
LOT 11 Radical Bay Rd
Radical, Florence, Arthur, and Balding Bays, make up the four bay walk. It’s easy to do one or two a day, or all 4 in the day if your fitness allows. These are all beautiful and picturesque bays, with good snorkeling available at each. Our personal recommendation is Balding Bay, as the must do beach , if no other. It is also listed as one of the most beautiful Nudist beaches in the world (just in case you forget your bathers). So be forewarned, you may see a little bit more skin than you expected, however it’s remoteness also lends itself to its quietness. Most weekdays it’s extremely quiet or empty. Get there early and secure a shady spot under the trees. Don’t forget to take your own water, lunch, hat and sunscreen.
Balding Bay
“Rocky Bay” Possibly the most photographed bay of all. It’s stunning, with a pure sand base stretching out seemingly forever. It is however a bit of a scramble to get down to it, but certainly worth it. Rocky is also another unofficial nudist beach and had been used as such for as long as anyone can remember. Just catch a bus to Base Backpacker’s and walk up to the carpark and the trek to the beach.
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Magnetic Island
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“Rocky Bay” Possibly the most photographed bay of all. It’s stunning, with a pure sand base stretching out seemingly forever. It is however a bit of a scramble to get down to it, but certainly worth it. Rocky is also another unofficial nudist beach and had been used as such for as long as anyone can remember. Just catch a bus to Base Backpacker’s and walk up to the carpark and the trek to the beach.
Arthur Bay
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Magnetic Island
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Arthur Bay
Florence Bay
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Magnetic Island
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Florence Bay

Facilities

Shops, Pharmacy, Medical Facilities
Magnetic Island’s pharmacy is located next to Foodworks on Sooning Street. The closest bus stop is the Kelly Street stop, which is about 60m from the pharmacy, and directly opposite the medical centre.
Magnetic Island Pharmacy
55 Sooning St
Magnetic Island’s pharmacy is located next to Foodworks on Sooning Street. The closest bus stop is the Kelly Street stop, which is about 60m from the pharmacy, and directly opposite the medical centre.
Small friendly grocery store located on Sooning Street. The closest bus stop is the Kelly Street stop approximately 60m
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FoodWorks
55 Sooning St
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Small friendly grocery store located on Sooning Street. The closest bus stop is the Kelly Street stop approximately 60m
68 Sooning Street, Nelly Bay With a staff of 4 doctors, and a Phlebotomy Centre, providing care for visitors and permanent residents alike. The closest bus stop is the Kelly Street stop, approx 50m walking distance. Website: mImedical.com.au Phone 07 4778 5614
Magnetic Island Pharmacy
55 Sooning St
68 Sooning Street, Nelly Bay With a staff of 4 doctors, and a Phlebotomy Centre, providing care for visitors and permanent residents alike. The closest bus stop is the Kelly Street stop, approx 50m walking distance. Website: mImedical.com.au Phone 07 4778 5614
Located at 55 Sooning Street, Nelly Bay. Next to foodworks.
Nelly Bay Bottle Shop
55 Sooning St
Located at 55 Sooning Street, Nelly Bay. Next to foodworks.
IGA Supermarket , Nelly Bay Conveniently located at the ferry terminal is this large supermarket carrying a wide variety of food products.
Nelly Bay
IGA Supermarket , Nelly Bay Conveniently located at the ferry terminal is this large supermarket carrying a wide variety of food products.