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Did you know that you can't drive or camp on Magnetic Island beaches, especially during the turtle nesting season?
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Annual Magnetic Island Events
Remember to check the What's On Calendar closer to the event date, for updates on all of these events:
Australia Day
Sunday 26 January 2020
Whether you're listening to the Triple J Top 100 countdown over a BBQ with friends, or wanting to head out, check the weekly What's On calendar for last minute listings and events celebrating Aus Day.
Fantasea Destination Adventure
Women's Mountain Bike Retreat
(2020 date to be confirmed - Feb)
Get ready for the Fantasea Destination Adventure 'Magnetic Island Women's Mountain Bike Retreat'. The retreat includes mountain bike skills coaching, strength session, yoga, free diving, mobility workshop, informative semiar with all meals included. For more information check the daily What's On Calendar, closer to the event date.
PLUS
Fantasea Destination Adventure
Mountain Bike Retreat
(2020 date to be confirmed - Feb)
For more information about this great weekend, visit destinationadventure.com.au
Adventurethon Magnetic Island
(2020 date to be confirmed)
Ready for a dirty weekend? Adventurethon Magnetic Island has grown from 79 competitors in the first year to over 2000 competitors and has seen continual growth with more and more participants looking to join the fun and find out exactly how tough and dirty they are.
Adventurethon attracts competitors from all abilities and skill levels, from top athletes from around Australia like Jarad Kohlar (one of Australia's best Adventure racers, trail runners and paddling instructors), Guy Andrews (3 x Uncle Toby’s Ironman winner turned Adventure racer), John Jacoby (3 x World Multisport Champion) and internationals such as Sam Clark (professional adventure athlete), Jess Simson (professional adventure athlete) to mid-range competitors challenging themselves with new goals, to regular mums and dads having a go at their first off-road event and families getting outdoors together. Whatever the skill level or ability, there is an option to suit everyone.
Events include 'Ultra Adventurethon', 'Enduro Adventurethon', 'Dirty Endurance Duathon', 'Taste of Adventurethon' and 'Junior Adventurethon'. It's going to be BIG so check out the details today! For more information, or to register visit Adventurethon.
Easter Weekend
Friday 10 April to Monday 13 April 2020
Easter is peak season on Magnetic Island, so book your accommodation early and settle in for a tropical island holiday. Check the weekly What's On calendar for last minute listings, live music and events, plus church services.
Fantasea Destination Adventure
Ocean Paddling Retreat with Clint Robinson
(2020 date to be confirmed - March)
For more information about this great weekend, visit destinationadventure.com.au
ANZAC Day
Saturday 25 April 2020
The dawn ANZAC Day service on Magnetic Island can be a particularly moving ceremony of up to 1000 people. At 5am a pre-dawn start at the RSL leads a parade to Alma Park where the main ceremony is held. After the main ceremony participants usually venture back to the RSL Hall for a hearty breakfast. Check out the calendar for this year's event details.
Fantasea Destination Adventure
Trail Running Retreat with Melinda Gainsford Taylor
(2020 date to be confirmed - April)
For more information about this great weekend, visit destinationadventure.com.au
Labour Day (Long Weekend)
Monday 4 May 2020
Check the daily What's On calendar for all of this long weekend's events and activities close to the event date.
Mother's Day Classic
Sunday 10 May 2020
The Mother’s Day Classic (MDC) in Alma Bay, Magnetic Island raises money for breast cancer research, and is an easywalk or run. This annual fundraising event has been held in major cities and regional areas across Australia since 1998, with local volunteer groups driving the regional events. The 2015 event will be Magnetic Islands first event, so lets make it a great one! Check the What's On calendar for event details.
40 Hour Jammin
(2020 dates to be confirmed - mid May)
This colossal weekend of music is not to be missed! For over 40 plus hours Magnetic Island will resonate with a vast selection of music from musicians based within the region and from around Australia. Venues will range from restaurants to outdoor stages, jetty’s, beaches, night clubs and cafes. The experience will be up close and moving. The 40 hour jammin is Australia's only community engagement, fund raising music festival. Bringing awareness, entertainment and lasting change.
NQ Ocean Paddle Series
- Race 3 Fantasea Horseshoe Gallop
(2020 date to be confirmed - mid to late May)
(Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island to Townsville)
The long course takes competitors on a wild journey from Horseshoe Bay, around tropical Magnetic Island ending in Townsville, landing at the Rockpool on The Strand. For more information, see the What's On calendar or visit NQ Ocean Paddle Series.
Outer Limits Two Bays Trail Run
(2020 date to be confirmed - May)
Long course: Approx. 20km
Short course: Approx. 10km. Start in Nelly Bay (next to the ferry terminal) and finish at Horseshoe Bay. More info at:
outerlimitsadventure.com.au
Australia's Biggest Morning Tea
(2020 date to be confirmed - May/June)
If the Melbourne Cup is the race that stops a nation, then the Australia's Biggest Morning Tea is the cuppa that stops an island. Magnetic Island's Australia's Biggest Morning Tea has been a long held tradition where local residents take a break to support the Cancer Council’s leading fundraising events and the largest, most successful event of it's kind in Australia. A day in the park full of great home-made entertainment, scones and tea. Check out the What's On calendar for this year's venue and times.
Fantasea Destination Adventure
Health Reset Week
(2020 date to be confirmed - June)
For more information about this great weekend, visit destinationadventure.com.au
World Oceans Day
(2020 date to be confirmed Queen's Birthday Holiday - Long weekend)
Magnetic Island celebrates World Oceans Day with a mix of fun family events, activities, a beach BBQ and live music at Base Magnetic Island in Nelly Bay - check the What's On calendar for details. Also check the calendar for last minute long weekend listings and events.
The Coral Coast Yacht Race & Rally
(2020 date to be confirmed - June)
Formerly known as the Dent To Dunk race, the race was renamed in 2012 and starts at Airlie Beach (Whitsundays) and finishes at Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island. The distance is approximately 130nm. For more information contact the Abel Point Yacht Club.
June (Winter) School Holidays
Sat 27 June - Sunday 12 July 2020 (QLD)
It's a busy time of year for Magnetic Island, but it's also a great time to get outdoors and enjoy your holidays by the sea. Check the weekly What's On calendar for last minute listings and events. Just make sure you book your accommodation early, as this is peak season for the island.
Fantasea Destination Adventure
Yoga Tropical Island Holiday
(2020 date to be confirmed - June)
For more information about this great weekend, visit destinationadventure.com.au
Fantasea Destination Adventure
Health Reset Week
(2020 date to be confirmed - June)
For more information about this great weekend, visit destinationadventure.com.au
Battle The Barge
(2019 date to be confirmed)
(Townsville to Magnetic Island return)
Take on the Townsville Fantasea Barge as it takes off to Magnetic Island and back. Battle your way through Townsville's ocean waters and attempt to beat the Barge to the finish line. This race is filled with adrenalin and suspense as competitors give it all they got to prove man can overcome machine! See the What's On calendar or the NQ Ocean Paddle Series.
Fantasea Destination Adventure
Celebrate U Weekend
(2020 date to be confirmed - August)
For more information about this great weekend, visit destinationadventure.com.au
Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim
(2019 date to be confirmed - August/September)
The Magnetic Island To Townsville Swim starts at the waters edge in front of the Picnic Bay SLSC Magnetic Island and finishes at water's edge in front of the SLSC Clubhouse on the Strand Beach adjacent to the Strand Park jetty in Townsville. The swim has been held almost every year since 1954. Over the years, the who's who of Australian swimming and surf-lifesaving have competed in the race. Over the past 60 years, the event has grown to become a very iconic event unique to Townsville. They encourage all capable swimmers to train hard, put in the distances and, have a go at conquering the waters of Cleveland Bay and, become a part of both Australian and World Swimming History. It doesn't matter whether you come first or last, it is about giving it your best shot.
Bookfest
(2019 date to be confirmed - August/September)
Bag a bargain book or two at Bookfest. Kids or adults, fact or fiction, romance, biographies, reference, westerns, text books - loads of fun for all including trash and treasure, raffles, cake stalls, coffee shop, sausage sizzle and children's activities. Come along to C&K Magnetic Island Early Childhood Centre at 25 Nelly Bay Rd, Nelly Bay with all proceeds going to Magnetic Island Early Childhood Centre. Feel free to drop off books or donations before the Bookfest at the centre, or to book a stall contact Lana or Kirralea on 4758 1168.
Fantasea Destination Adventure
Steve Moneghetti Running Retreat
(2019 date to be confirmed)
For more information about this great weekend, visit destinationadventure.com.au
MI Musos Youth Talent Quest
Saturday 10 August 2019
This quest gives kids the opportunity to strut their stuff on stage in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Come along and enjoy the fun at 5pm and then stay on for the monthly Musos Jam Night.
13th Annual Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week
Thursday 29 August - Tuesday 4 September 2019
North Queensland is becoming one of Australia's premier sailing destinations. The 13th annual SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week will offer first-class racing on the crystal blue waters of Cleveland Bay from 29th August to 4th September 2019, following on from the Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island Race Weeks and is the finale of the Queensland Season of Sailing.
Magnetic Island Race Week in 2009 was a huge success with plenty of great sailing, picture perfect weather and parties to be had with approximately 56 entries. 2011 grew with 86 entries and excellent sailing. The 2019 race looks to be even bigger with fun social events for everyone to take part in! Check out all the info at SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week.
Rotary Magnetic Island Beer Can Regatta
Sunday 1 September 2019
The challenge is on! Warm up with giant bean bag races, try your strength at the kids tug of war, and then sit back and enjoy the fun of The Grand Challenge - the Beer Can Regatta.
Great Barrier Reef Film Festival
No event date scheduled in the near future.
GBRFF also offers kids and audiences a great way of enjoying film and related media through a variety of experiences and workshops including FREE kids film workshops.
Magnetic Island Bay Dayz Festival
No event datecscheduled in the near future.
It was a fantastic month that includes 50+ events including:
PLUS:
• Junior Fishing Competition
• Talk Like A Pirate Day
• Oktoberfest
• Bookfest
• Magnetic Island State School Fete
• MI Musos Youth Talent Quest
• Twin Peaks Challenge
• Photographic Competition
• The island-wide Festival Front Yard Fantasies Competition
• Sand Sculpture Competition...
...plus writing workshops, ceramic workshops, live music, art exhibitions, environmental walks and talks, kids workshops, restaurant discounts and mega markets - you name it, the Magnetic Island Bay Dayz Festival has something for everyone. Plus extra mid-week kids activities during the school holidays! Just remember to book your accommodation early.
The Great Island Trek Magnetic Island
21 September 2019
An awesome adventure with spectacular scenery and amazing spot prizes. Trek, walk or run across Magnetic Island and see secluded bays, spot koalas in the wild, keep at eye out for sea turtles and discover the hidden gem that is Magnetic Island. For more information about this great weekend, visit destinationadventure.com.au
Magnetic Island School Fete (Bi-annual)
(2019 date to be confirmed - September)
The Magnetic Island School Fete is a fabulously fun evening for the entire community. Locals support this bi-annual event with great gusto to make the day a success with live entertainment, great kids activities, market stalls, bargain buys, food stalls, plant sales, book sales and fun games - a definite 'must see' on the Magnetic Island calendar! The day is a major revenue builder for the Primary School.
Best Of Magnetic Ocean Swim Classic
(2019 date to be confirmed - September)
With over $5,500 in prize money, this family friendly event includes swim and board races ranging from the 400m Splash For Cash race, to a 5km Ocean Swim race. Check the What's On calendar closer to the event date for more info, or check out/like the Best Of Magnetic Ocean Swim Classic Facebook page to stay in touch.
Oktoberfest
(2019 date to be confirmed - mid to late October)
The 2013 inauguaral Magnetic Island Oktoberfest was a huge success at Sandi's On Magnetic Island, in Horseshoe Bay and it's looking to be even bigger in 2018. With imported German beer, traditional Bavarian Brass Band music, beer wenches and lederhosen, Bavarian food specials including succulent 'spit roast' pig, beef roast, steaks, pretzels, pork belly, schnitzels, bratwurst and sauerkraut, you'll be set to enjoy another authentic Oktoberfest in 2018! 10am-late each day.
Great Tropical Jazz Party
(2019 date to be confirmed)
For 22 years the Great Tropical Jazz Party has been a highlight weekend of cool jazz, held beneath the palms on beautiful Magnetic Island, attracting visitors and jazz aficionados from all over the world. The Party will be one night only featuring an all start line-up of musicians from around Australia starting at 6.30pm at Amaroo On Mandalay. For more information on the artists performing visit the Magnetic Island Great Tropcial Jazz Party. Check out the What's On calendar for more details.
Townsville Road Runners, Magnetic Island Race
(2019 date to be confirmed - September/October)
Four runs are set by the Townsville Road Runners, but it is possible to take sections of any of the runs to create your own. The Magnetic Island run starts from the Nelly Bay terminal after the 7.05am ferry from Townsville arrives (at about 7.30am). This event consists of any one of four runs, all finishing at Horseshoe Bay, where there will be tea / coffee etc. There is no timing or placings for this event. Register on the day at the start. More info at:
Townsville Road Runners
Tuesday 5 November 2019
It's the race that stops the nation, (and Magnetic Island), and one of the best places to be is the Picnic Bay Hotel. Big screens, HEAPS of atmosphere, and the only place on the island to place your bets. So head to Picnic Bay to catch Melbourne Cup fever.
9.00am: TAB help desk and R&R Restaurant open.
10am: Sports bar opens.
Fashion on the field prizes and live music. Come dressed for race day!
Schoolies Week (QLD)
Mid to late November
Unlike many other southern centres, schoolies week on Magnetic Island is a much safer and quieter celebration.The island offers schoolies the opportunity to get out on the water or stroll it's many beaches during the day before enjoying nights out with friends. Additional activites and police and support are scheduled for the island during Schoolies Week. Visit magneticislandschooliesweek.com.au or Schoolies.com for more information.
Carols By Candelight on Magnetic Island
(2019 date to be confirmed, usually the second week of December)
With lots of popular carols for everyone to join in singing, Magnetic Island Carols By Candelight areheld on from 7.00pm at Alma Bay and led by Graeme MacCourt and a group of singers from the Magnetic Island Churches while the children from the Magnetic Island State School will present a Nativity Pageant during the evening. The Townsville Brolga Brass Band will accompany the singing. The programme will conclude at approximately 8pm. Entry to the Carols by Candlelight is free. Donations received on the evening will be donated to help people in need.
Christmas Day Lunch
Wednesday 25 December 2019
You'll need to book early to secure your Christmas Day Lunch at The Boardwalk Restuarant at Pepper Blue on Blue, or at Sandi's On Magnetic Island. (See the daily calendar for details). All of the other restaurants on Magnetic Island are usually closed on Christmas Day, although you have free BBQ's at Horseshoe Bay, Alma Bay, Nelly Bay and Picnic Bay if you want to enjoy Christmas by the beach.
New Year's Eve on Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island is buzzing with a massive selection of NYE events to choose from. From live music, dinners and shows, it's famous NYE Full Moon Down Under Party and fireworks on the shoreside in Nelly Bay. Just make sure you book your accommodation early, as this is peak season for the island. For more information, visit the NYE listing on our home page (Dec), or check the daily What's On calendar's 31 December NYE listing.
Check out the daily Magnetic Island What's On calendar (on the top left of this page), for the latest listings of events, festivals, gigs, exhibition openings and fun things to do while you're visiting. If you're more of a nature lover, check out the Magnetic Island Eco Calendar.
Top things to do on Magnetic Island
Download our handy list of the Top Things To Do while you're visiting.
Staying over? Find your Magnetic Island Accommodation.
Remember to book early for the high seasons!: Easter, June and September school holidays and the Christmas/New Year break.