CAR HIRE & TRANSPORT on Magnetic Island
Getting Around Magnetic Island By Road
With over 20 kilometers of scenic roads to explore, getting around Magnetic Island is simple and flexible. Here are the best ways to discover the island at your own pace:
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Cars, Scooters & Electric Bikes: Hire a vehicle for complete freedom. Scooters are a fun, popular choice and only require a standard car license. Electric bikes are available for hire in Nelly Bay.
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eScooters: Electric scooters are available to pick up and ride along the coastal stretch from Nelly Bay to Alma Bay.
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Trail Bikes: A great option for riders with a valid motorcycle license looking to take on a bit more adventure.
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Local Bus Service: Convenient and budget-friendly, local buses meet every arriving ferry. They run on a regular island-wide schedule with flexible single-trip, full-day, and multi-day passes.
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Guided Bus Tours: Sit back, relax, and enjoy an informative commentary about the island's history, wildlife, and top sights.
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Taxis & Maxi Taxis: The safest and easiest choice for getting home after a night out enjoying the island's local food and nightlife.
Traveler Tip: Check vehicle rental rules before heading off the beaten track. Most scooters and select hire cars are restricted beyond the Golf Club in Picnic Bay toward Cockle Bay or West Point. If you're heading to West Point, always check current road conditions first—especially during the wet season (December to April).
By Water
You can also circumnavigate the Island on the water by jetski, kayak or with a wide variety of guided boating and fishing tours. Visit our tours and activities page for more information.
Car and vehicle hire
1st ARCADIA BEACH CAR HIRE
22 McCabe Crescent
ARCADIA
PRICE RANGE: $$
Open top Suzuki 4WD, Suzuki Vitara and Sierra 4WD, Kia 5 seat 4WD available - all great family cars. Plus 8 seat 4WD vehicles. Manual and automatics available. Prices start from $50. See our website for pricing details. Find us opposite the beach in Geoffrey Bay.
JEEPS ON MAGGIE
& MI RENTALS
45 Sooning St
NELLY BAY
PRICE RANGE: $$-$$$
Offering a fabulous range to suit most budgets and needs, including the iconic topless Jeep Wranglers, available in 2, 4 or 5 seat models, zippy MG3 compact hatchbacks, family sized Hyundai Tucson's and for the larger families or groups the 7 seat people mover. Visit our website to book your choice of vehicle or call us.
MAGNETIC ISLAND ROAMING
106 Sooning Street
NELLY BAY
PRICE RANGE: $ - $$
Hire an electric road registered moped (21+) or pedal assist bicycle (16+) to roam Magnetic Island and have more fun! Mopeds require motorbike or moped experience and can get you out to West Point to enjoy the sunset. Pedal Assist Bicycles have child seats (under 10 years old) and multi day hire options. See our 350 Google 5-star reviews!
SEALINK FERRY SERVICE
Departs:
BREAKWATER TERMINAL & NELLY BAY
PRICE RANGE: Single, return or flexi pass
Your quickest passenger link to Magnetic Island, we also offer great package deals (including care hire), brilliant experiences, our Sunrise Saver and family return packages.
BEST OF MAGNETIC CAR RENTAL
IGA Shopping Complex
NELLY BAY
PRICE RANGE: $$
Magnetic Islands best hire cars and best deals. New hatchbacks only $75 per day. Explore in comfort with a SUV or 4WD. Best of Magnetic hire cars are quality air conditioned, and late model vehicles.
MAGNETIC ISLAND CAR HIRE
34 Picnic Street
PICNIC BAY
PRICE RANGE: $$
Magnetic Island Car Hire at Tropical Palms Resort has quality 4WD vehicles available at affordable rates. 5 and 7 seat automatics, all wheel drive, unlimited kilometres, fuel used not included and baby seats are available. Call Rob or Jen for their latest 4WD deals.
MI RIDE BUS CHARTERS
ALL BAYS INCLUDING WEST POINT
Looking for hassle-free, flexible, and reliable transport on Magnetic Island? We're Magnetic Island's locally owned, premier private bus charter. From weddings to corporate events, group tours to sunset adventures – MI Ride Charters gets you there!
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Comfort, space and off-road capability
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Seamless transport for your special day
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Tailored experiences for groups and private bookings
Let us handle the journey while you enjoy the destination!
0413 517 651
SHAMBHALA RETREAT BUS HIRE
NELLY BAY
This 8-10 seat accessible van is available for wheelchair users and their friends and families. Call us for prices and availability. Accommodation and bus hire package deals are also available.
BUBBLEGUM CARS
1 Nelly Bay Road
NELLY BAY
PRICE RANGE: $$
Book with Bubblegum Cars to take you from bay to bay today!Bubblegum Cars allows drivers aged 18 and over, provided they hold a valid licence. You can also pick up and drop off your car directly from Nomads in Nelly Bay.
MAGNETIC ISLAND FERRIES
Departs:
SOUTH TOWNSVILLE & NELLY BAY
PRICE RANGE: Dependent on vehicle size
Explore Magnetic Island with ease. Take your car and see more! Our ferry barge can get you and/or your vehicle to Magnetic Island in just 40 minutes! Perfect for a day trip or an extended stay. Be sure to book your vehicle in advance by visiting our website and arrive 20 minutes before departure.
ROAD RUNNER SCOOTER HIRE
56a Kelly Street
NELLY BAY
PRICE RANGE: $ - $$
Scooter hire both single and dual seat, trail bikes, road bike and utes, new to the fleet we have 4x4 Suzuki Vitara's. 18+ welcome for all vehicles.
TOWNSVILLE SHUTTLE SERVICE
TOWNSVILLE
A warm welcome to town at best prices of $10 Single, $15 Couple and $5 per person for a group of 3 or more between Townsville Airport, Hotels and Magnetic Island Sealink Ferry terminal. Please book at least 3 hours in advance (otherwise give us a call) to allow for scheduling.
Guided Bus Tours & Charters on Magnetic Island
MAGNETIC ISLAND TOURS (& CHARTERS)
Departs: Ferry terminal
TOURS: HORSESHOE BAY TO COCKLE BAY
PRICE RANGE: $$
Our local guides will take you on a journey to discover Magnetic Island's stories by air conditioned bus. Experience first-hand why so many have been drawn to her charms. Tours include:
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Maggie Comprehensive
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Behind the Scenes
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Private Tour with Izzy’s Dad
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Maggie Highlights
Charter bus is also available.
Our private tours and charters offer a flexible and tailored option for individuals or groups seeking a unique adventure.
MI RIDE DISCOVERY TOURS (& CHARTERS)
Departs: Ferry terminal
TOURS: NELLY BAY TO WEST POINT
PRICE RANGE: $$
Embark on an unforgettable journey with MI Ride Discovery Tours, offering exclusive all-terrain, guided bus tours along Magnetic Island's secluded west coast. Our Magnetic Island tours provide unique access to areas that few visitors experience. Our knowledgeable, eco-accredited tour guide shares in-depth insights into the Island's history, wildlife, and conservation efforts, enriching your adventure.
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West Point Sunset Safari
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West Coast Eco Adventure
Charters:
Whether you're planning a wedding, corporate event, group adventure, or special celebration, MI Ride Charters offers a premium, flexible, and stress-free way to explore the island. Accommodating up to 11 + 22 + 27 guests comfortably in our three buses.
STOP WILDLIFE CARNAGE!
PLEASE DRIVE SLOWLY and always be AWARE of our wildlife when driving - day or night.
Slow moving animals like echidnas are hard to see on the road. Photo by Ethan Mann.
Injured Wildlife
If you’ve found an animal in need of rescuing please call the
MI Wildlife Rescue Hotline: 0457 634 732