Radical Bay

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Radical Bay is a picturesque bay on the northeastern end of Magnetic Island.  It is approximately 19.3 km from the Palleranda Boat ramp or 18.3 km from the strand launch site and has the following GPS coordinates S19 06 46.5  E146 52 28.8  Google Map Link

Radical Bay is one of my favorite swimming beaches to visit on Magnetic Island.  It has a 700m wide gentle sloping, smooth sand beach surrounded by crystal clear water.  I usually stop for a break here when circumnavigating the island as it is roughly the half way point.   

One of the first things you notice as you first approach this bay are the Coconut and Banyan fig trees which line the beach.  The thought of a quick swim followed by a long break under the abundant shade of the banyan fig trees draws me to this bay time and time again.












There is a road and walking tracks which lead into Radical Bay, but no other amenities.  The road is in a poor state of repair, so there isn't a lot of tourist traffic to the bay. There is a guy who sometimes, sets up a small gazebo on the eastern side of the bay, where he hires out kayaks and does kayak tours between Horseshoe Bay and Radical bay.


Looking towards the eastern side of the bay.


Looking towards the western side of the bay.

Rock formations on the western side of the bay.


Looking back towards radical bay from the boulders on the western headland.


Facts and Further Info

  • Best launch site from Townsville is Palleranda Boat Ramp.
  • Best launch site from Magnetic Island is Horseshoe Bay.
  • Camping not permitted.
  • Fishing not permitted.
  • No Freshwater source.
  • No phone reception.

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