Alma Bay Magnetic Island – Visitor’s Guide (2024)

Alma Bay is one of Queensland’s top beaches and without a doubt a must-see when visiting Maggie Island.

Located in Arcadia on the east coast of Magnetic Island, this beautiful bay is a beloved location of choice for travelers.

Featuring a sandy beach framed by large rock formations, this is a great setting for water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and swimming.

I have put together this complete visitor’s guide of Alma Bay Magnetic Island to help you plan your trip.

You’ll find everything you need to know including where it’s located, the best time to visit, and what to expect at this stunning spot on the island.

QUICK ANSWERS: ALMA BAY MAGNETIC ISLAND

Let’s start this guide with the essentials you should know about Alma Bay, from its location to the best time to visit and more.

WHERE IS ALMA BAY?

Alma Bay is located in Arcadia on the east coast of Magnetic Island.

The island itself, Maggie or MI as the locals call it, is situated approximately 8km offshore from Townsville in Queensland.

Click here to see the location on Google maps.

Two-thirds of the island is a protected national park, and part of the World-heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

HOW TO GET TO ALMA BAY MAGNETIC ISLAND?

You can get here quite easily by public bus (#250) or by car, as you’ll find a bus stop and a car park opposite the beach. From here, there is a sealed pathway leading down to the shoreline.

WHEN IS STINGER SEASON MAGNETIC ISLAND?

Magnetic Island stinger season varies and slightly changes year by year. However, it’s mostly during the summer months from November to May.

But do not worry, just check with local media reports for recent stinger sightings to make sure you’ll still be able to take a dip in the ocean.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ALMA BAY?

Alma Bay Magnetic Island is known for its often calm wave conditions and belongs to the sunniest area on the Queensland coast, boasting over 320 days of sunshine.

So, no matter the season, you can definitely expect sunny days almost all year round to kick back, relax, and enjoy the tranquil paradise vibes.

Besides, the bay has a very stable climate with inviting sea temperatures during the humid and warm summers as well as during the comfortable winters.

The maximum temperature is around 28°C and the minimum temperature is around 19°C.

If you’re looking for the perfect combination of warm temperatures and cooler moments, I’d definitely recommend visiting during the winter months between June and August.

RELATED ARTICLE: 35 THINGS TO DO ON MAGNETIC ISLAND

If you don’t mind the heat, November to April is the wet season and also the hottest time of year. This means very little rain and lots of sunshine, but it can be a bit extreme for some travelers.

As mentioned previously, a good thing to keep in mind is the Alma Bay stingers season. While this fluctuates each year, it’s mostly during the summer months between November and May.

Fun Fact: Magnetic Island is home to 23 beaches and bays, each one more beautiful than the other.

WHAT ARE THE FACILITIES AT ALMA BAY?

This is one of the smallest bays on Magnetic Island. Though small in size, it has plenty of facilities available for its visitors.

If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll be happy to know that this bay is a family-friendly location. There is a shaded children’s playground and it has good accessibility for less-mobile travelers.

Lifeguards patrol Alma Bay Magnetic Island on a daily basis and there are yellow and red flags indicating the safest spots for beachgoers.

When you’re in for some light activity besides being in the water, there is a basketball court for the sports enthusiast and a grassy area that can be used as a playground for soccer, cricket, or other fun outdoor activities.

RELATED GUIDE: BEST TOURS IN MAGNETIC ISLAND

You’ll also find public amenities like showers, toilets, and barbeque areas. Picnic tables can be found beneath the trees.

Multiple ATMs are available near the Arcadia Village accommodation and several shops are located across the street from the Bay selling drinks, snacks, and beachwear. Open daily from around 7 am – 5 pm.

Also, there are plenty of options for accommodation which is great if you wish to stay here overnight or for a few days.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT ALMA BEACH MAGNETIC ISLAND

Alma Bay has a very welcoming and laid-back tropical lifestyle, and it’s overall one of the best beaches on Magnetic Island.

You can feel comfortable chatting with a local, visit restaurants and bars, pop into a few shops nearby, or simply enjoy your time on the beach.

The bay is best known for its stellar reef, which makes it a popular destination for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. You should definitely give Alma Bay snorkelling a try.

There’s a large and diverse fish population that can be easily spotted during a dive session.

Keep in mind that fishing or shell collecting is not allowed as it’s a protected Marine National Park Green Zone.

There are large rock formations on either side of the sandy beach and there’s a beautiful combination of granite boulders combined with palm trees, tall hoop pines, and small areas of forest.

Apart from taking a refreshing dive in the ocean, I’d also recommend exploring the surroundings as it’s absolutely stunning. No wonder this place is a World Heritage-listed area!

With all that this beautiful bay has to offer, you can very easily spend a long time here.

It’s a beautiful place to relax in the sun with your friends and family, enjoy the waters, and make the beach your perfect companion.

RELATED ARTICLE: HORSESHOE BAY MAGNETIC ISLAND

WHAT TO PACK FOR MAGNETIC ISLAND

When visiting Magnetic Island best beaches, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

FINAL THOUGHTS – ALMA BAY MAGNETIC ISLAND

I hope this guide gives you all the information you need to have an epic adventure on the island.

Whether you’re a solo backpacker, traveling as a couple, or whether you’re taking a trip with the entire family, you know you’re never going to be short of things to see and do.

If you have any questions about Alma Bay Magnetic Island, please leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

THANKS FOR READING

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