More than half of Magnetic Island is national park, and the activities that define a visit here reflect that: hiking through eucalyptus woodland, watching koalas in the trees, snorkelling over coral gardens, and swimming from beaches that rarely feel crowded. The pace is relaxed and the island draws a mix of backpackers, day-trippers from Townsville, and families. Horseshoe Bay is the hub for water sports; the Forts Walk is the essential hike. Do both and you've seen the best of what Magnetic Island does.