Things to do
Wildlife encounters
Source: Bungalow Bay Koala Village
Selina Wildlife Park
Learn about our beautiful native wildlife from passionate rangers.
You can even have breakfast with the koalas!
Contact the team to find out what's on offer.
Contact
40 Horseshoe Bay Road, Horseshoe Bay
Phone: 0475 219 295
www.selina.com/australia/magnetic-island/
More than 75% of the island is protected by the Magnetic Island National Park. This is an astonishing feat for this modern age and it has resulted a thriving native wildlife population.
Koalas
Magnetic Island boasts the largest population of wild koalas in northern Australia. These cute creatures inhabit the eucalyptus trees that are abundant on the island.
Where to spot them
The Forts walk is one of the most likely places that you will spy these guys. Look out for sticks placed in an arrow shape left by locals to give you clues.
Keep glancing upwards while on any walking tracks or even strolling through the suburbs, as you may get lucky.
Rock wallabies
Rock wallabies look like small kangaroos and live in rugged, rocky terrain.
Where to spot them
There are two main locations on Maggie where these adorable marsupials can be found. The old car barge at Geoffrey Bay and the breakwater at Nelly Bay past the boat ramp.
Check out the interactive map below for their locations.
Butterflies
Appreciate a once in a lifetime experience as you wander through an enchanted forest.
Every year between April and September thousands of gorgeous Blue Monarch butterflies inhabit the secluded forest. Keep your eyes peeled as they can look just like leaves.
The track has three entrances, near the old school off Dent St, at the corner of Heath St and Horseshoe Bay Road and at an unnamed road off Dent St (see interactive map below for further info).
A lesser known track where they are also found in abundance is on Pacific Drive, Horseshoe Bay (see interactive map below for further info).
Please be respectful of these creatures and walk quietly during breeding season between June-July.
Brush tailed possums
The island has a sizeable population of these possums. They can often be spotted climbing trees as they go adventuring in the evening.
Birds
There is such abundant birdlife on the island that you are guaranteed to come across the gorgeous rainbow lorikeets, cockatoos, kookaburras and many more. There are 316 identified bird species that call Maggie home. Look forward to being treated to their pleasant and diverse calls.
Horseshoe Bay Lagoon is a popular area for birdwatching. The track begins on Horseshoe Bay Road, about 200m from the beach, and leads to a lagoon where a number of waterbirds can be seen.
(See interactive map below for further info).
Magpie geese nest in the bulkuru sedges, and the melaleuca woodland is ideal habitat for a number of woodland species.
Snakes
Please be aware that venomous Death Adders and other snake species inhabit the island. Watch where you are placing your feet when out walking.
Aquasearch Aquarium
Learn about beautiful corals, tropical fish and other marine species from a world expert.
6-10 Elena Street, Nelly Bay
Ph 47 785 096 or 0447769481
Interactive map of wildlife locations
Click on the map icons to reveal some additional info.
You can also use these points as 'starting points' or 'destination points' in Google Maps to help navigate to them.