Don’t miss Geoffrey Bay on your trip to Magnetic Island, check out the underwater wrecks and meet the resident rock wallabies!
Geoffrey Bay on Magnetic Island is one of the best places near Townsville for snorkeling and checking out the unique Aussie wildlife. In this quick guide, I’ll outline everything you need to know about Geoffrey Bay, including how to get here and what to do once you arrive.
How to Get to Magnetic Island
Getting to Magnetic Island is as easy as a 20-minute ferry ride from the coast of Townsville, operating daily.
The best ferry company is SeaLink, which has ferries operating roughly every hour from Townsville to Nelly Bay ferry terminal on Magnetic Island.
The cheapest SeaLink ticket can be booked online in advance on GetYourGuide, which gives you a scannable QR code to use on your phone when you board. The cost for the return trip to Magnetic Island on SeaLink is $40.50 per adult with some concession options available.
Book: SeaLink Ferry Ticket
How to Get to Geoffrey Bay from Nelly Bay
Getting to Geoffrey Bay is only a short hop from the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal. It'll only take around 20 minutes to walk, following the reef-speckled shoreline on Magnetic Island Road, passing Alma Bay on the way.
However, there are also regular buses that run around the island, usually on a one-hour schedule.
Those coming from Horseshoe Bay might need to consider a bus as the easiest way to get to Geoffrey Bay.
The cost of the bus ticket will be $3.60 for a single ride. However, I'd recommend buying a day pass for $7.20 which lets you take unlimited transport around Magnetic Island for the cost of less than three tickets.
Where to Spot Rock Wallabies at Geoffrey Bay
If you read the above, you'll know that the snorkeling entry point is also the best place to spot rock wallabies at Geoffrey Bay. The rock wallabies can be found near the old ferry terminal and the rocky outcrops along the bay.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon, as this is when the wallabies are most active and visible.
- Entrance Fee: Free
If you don't immediately spot any, you can walk further around the rocks, passing a balancing rock tunnel. These rock wallabies are much smaller than other wallabies and kangaroos that you might be used to seeing, so keep a sharp eye out.
They are quite used to human interaction, but it's best to not feed them in order to prevent them from becoming reliant on human feeding.
Snorkeling and Freediving at the Moltke Wreck
Looking to get into the water at Geoffrey Bay? Fortunately for you, this is one of the best places to check out the underwater world.
The Moltke Wreck
Geoffrey Bay is the resting place of a large 50-meter wreck known as Moltke. This was a three-masted barque that came all the way from Hamburg in Germany. It sunk on the Australian East Coast in 1889 and was relocated to Geoffrey Bay, joining the many other wrecks on Magnetic Island.
It is now home to an abundance of sea life and coral. It's also very easy to get to for divers and snorkelers alike. The wreck sits in only five to eight meters of water, making it a novice site suitable to even beginner divers.
To get to the Moltke Wreck in Geoffrey Bay, you'll need to head to the small carpark at the end of Amand Way. Coincidentally, this is also the place where you'll be able to spot the rock wallabies.
Once there, enter the water at the boat ramp and swim approximately 50 meters offshore. The wreck is marked by floating buoys and is easy to find.
Don't Miss Florence Bay
If you've got a bit of time on Magnetic Island, then make sure to also visit Florence Bay. It's best to take the bus from Geoffrey Bay and stop at the Forts Walk bus stop. You can then take the scenic hike past Arthur Bay and into Florence Bay.
There is plenty of good snorkeling in both Florence and Arthur Bays.
Where to Stay on Maggie
1. Selina Magnetic Island Top-Pick
This is one of the best-rated accommodation options on Magnetic Island. It has a good chill-out area, pool, yoga an option to sleep on a converted bus, and on-site koala tours.
This hostel offers shared rooms and private rooms. Rooms are small cottages that overlook the reef right on the water's edge in Nelly Bay.
3. CStay
One of the best value accommodation options for couples is CStay in Picnic Bay. There are several twin rooms available with an outdoor pool. It is located close to public transport and walking distance to many restaurants.
I hope you enjoyed this quick travel guide! If you're after more adventure inspiration for Maggie, make sure to check out some of my other blogs below too.
- Things to do on Magnetic Island - Ultimate travel guide to Maggie with the top attractions and hidden gems not to miss!
- Magnetic Island Sunset Spots - My favourite sunset spots around Magnetic Island, from Horseshoe Bay to the famous wreck lookout.
Jen
Tuesday 18th of May 2021
Thank you for all the info and great photos We are heading to magnetic next month and not been for over 30 years, we went whilst back pan king many moons ago. It’s really helped me work out what to do and where to spend time. Cheers and happy travels.
Olly Gaspar
Tuesday 18th of May 2021
Awesome Jen have a great time on Maggie!