A traveller’s checklist

Getting there

Magnetic Island is a 20-minute ferry ride with SeaLink from Townsville in Nor th Queensland. Qantas and Virgin fly to Townsville from Brisbane direct with connections from other major capitals. Jetstar flies from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne to Townsville direct.

Staying there

MAGGIE A-FRAME is a barefoot island hideaway, sleeping up to five people, framed by palms and mango trees a short walk from Horseshoe Bay. airbnb.com.au

BEST OF MAGNETIC manages a portfolio of architecturally designed homes such as Headland House, built among the boulders above Picnic Bay with private beach access, and the cute and compact (and also pet-friendly) Little Bush Hut in Nelly Bay. bestofmagnetic.com

Playing there

THE BEACH CLUB MAGNETIC ISLAND PICNIC WITH BOAT

TRANSFER starts from $349 per couple with an additional charge to access more remote northern beaches, such as Five Beach Bay, and options to upgrade from gourmet antipasto to fresh local seafood. thebeachclubmi.com.au