Our major sponsors, Magnetic Island Ferries have put on an extra early barge service for the Trek and it will depart Townsville at 5:20am on Saturday 22nd September. Free car parking is available opposite their terminal in Ross St, South Townsville.
Make sure you are ready to board by 4:50 am
The last barge departs Nelly Bay at 5:15pm - so there will be plenty of time to trek and then enjoy some post trekking festivities.
If you haven't already booked the barge, give Magnetic Island Ferries a call on 4796 9300 and use the promo code FDACOM19 to purchase your discounted walk on or car pass tickets. This can be used at any time over the weekend - just be sure to let magnetic Island Ferries know what ferry you are coming on.
Buses
There will be chartered buses meeting the 5:20am barge at the Nelly Bay Terminal for those that have purchased the bus transfer to Picnic Bay. To help ensure a smooth registration process, can we please ask those participants on the 30km course catch the first buses to depart Nelly Bay. Those doing the 15km will have plenty of time to catch the second buses.
Charter buses have also been booked to return everybody from Bungalow Bay at 12:55pm, 3:00pm and 4:45pm to meet the last three barges. Alternatively the regular Island Bus service will be operating and you can catch the bus directly outside Bungalow Bay, at your own cost.
Race Bibs
You will collect your race number for the Trek at registration. Please ensure that is attached to the front of your top for the duration of the event.
Registration, Event briefing & Start Times
Beat the rush and pre-registration Friday 21st September at Peppers Blue on Blue deck from 5:30-7pm. Why not stay for a beer or champers??
Otherwise registration opens at 6:00am on Saturday 22nd at Picnic Bay.
The Great Island Trek briefing is at 6:45am in front of the Picnic Bay Jetty.
The 30km event starts at 7:00am and the 15km event starts at 7:15am
Bag drop
We will take your bags from Picnic Bay to the finish line at Bungalow Bay, Horseshoe Bay. Please ensure your name is on your bag. Bag tags will be available at Picnic Bay when you have registered. Once named, please place them on the Destination Adventure truck at Picnic Bay.
MORE IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Children participating in the event
A requirement of our police permit for the event is that all children participating in the Trek “must be fully supervised and closely monitored by responsible adults at all times.”
If you have registered children to participate in the event they must always stay with you for the duration of the Trek.
Water Stations & Electrolytes
The Great Island Trek will not be providing any cups as it is a plastic free event. Please ensure you have a hydration system with you that can be refilled at the water stations. We also have electrolytes at the water stations on the course thanks to Magnetic Island Pharmacy.
There will be water stations at the start line, Mandalay Avenue/Sooning Street, Forts Carpark, Radical Bay and at the finish line. We suggest carrying at least 750ml of water per hour. So, if it will take you two hours to complete 5 km then you will need to have capacity to carry 1.5 litres of water.
We suggest packing some food to nibble on along the way – fresh fruit, sandwiches, dried fruit and nut mix are great options.
Facilities
There are toilets located at the start line at Picnic Bay, Sooning Street, Alma Bay, Florence Bay, Horseshoe Bay foreshore and Bungalow Bay. Bungalow Bay also has shower facilities, if you would like to bring a change of clothes for the post event festivities. Event T-Shirts will be handed out at the finish line.
Rubbish
As majority of the course utilises our National Park, we kindly ask everyone to respect the park and facilities and leave no trace - take all rubbish with you.
Sweepers
Sweepers will be deployed onto the course with the aim of ensuring there is no one left on the course unaccounted for. If you leave the trail at any time, please leave your pack in the middle of the trail so the sweeper doesn't go past you.
Mandatory Equipment – 2x Compression Bandages
As we are using the National Parks, we need to be mindful of snakes and as a precaution require everyone to bring along with you 2 compression bandages. This will be checked on registration.
Please ensure you all have a fully charged mobile phone with you also. There will be parts of the course with limited reception, but you will be able to coverage for most of the course.
Event T-Shirt
Your event t-shirts will be available at the finish line for all participants. All shirts have now been ordered so unfortunately no late changes can be made to the shirt sizes.
Bungalow Bay has a swimming pool and licensed bar. We are very excited to have the talented local Townsville band Zer0 Patience playing live for us from noon.
The lovely Kate will be around offering post event Massages, $20 for 15 minutes, to ease those tired legs.
We have spot prizes throughout the afternoon and the official Presentation will be at 3:00pm
Buses have been booked for 12:55pm, 3:00pm and 4:45pm to take those returning to Townsville, back to meet the barges.
Be Pest Free
Let's keep our trails magic and protect Magnetic Island's National Park Biosecurity!
Pests can easily hitch a ride with people. They can hide on your clothes and shoes so make sure you clothes are seed free before you arrive on the island. Don't forget to check your socks, pockets and the velcro on your backpacks for any seeds.
Make sure that you stay on the marked tracks to avoid spreading weeds across the island.
Leave no trace , removing all rubbish with you.
Should I plan to stay on the island or can I come on the day?
You can do either - it's up to you!
Magnetic Island Ferries have a put on an extra ferry service, that departs Townsville at 5:20am on Saturday 16th September. They have free car parking opposite their terminal in Ross St, Sth Townsville. We have great prices on discounted ferry tickets you can purchase at the time of your registration.
There will be a Charter Bus to meet you off the ferry and deliver you to the start line at Picnic Bay. Bus tickets can be purchased at time of registration.
The last barge departs Nelly Bay at 6:55pm - so plenty of time to trek and then enjoy some post trekking festivities!!
Of course you could always come over Friday night and make a weekend of it. We have great accommodation packages available through Best Of Magnetic and Bungalow Bay.
When do I register and pick up my race number?
You can register and pick up your number at Peppers Blue on Blue Friday night between 5:45 and 7 pm or on Saturday morning at the start line Picnic Bay Jetty from 6:00am.
When do I get my event tee?
It will be waiting for you at the finish line as a reward for making it! Plus what's not to love about having a brand spanking fresh t-shirt to pop on post event!!
What time is the event briefing?
The Great Island Trek briefing is at 6:45am Saturday morning at Picnic Bay Jetty.
What is the start time?
The 30km event starts at 7:00am and the 15km event starts at 7:15am on the Picnic Bay Jetty.
Where does it start and finish?
Both the 15 and 30km trek start in Picnic Bay and finish at Bungalow Bay, Horseshoe Bay - see the course maps for more info.
Will there be checkpoints and water stops along the way?
There will be water and checkpoints approximately every 5km along the trek. There is also a water tap on The Forts walk for the 30km trekkers.
Are there toilets on course?
There are toilets at Picnic Bay, Nelly Bay near the corner of Sooning st and Mandalay ave, at Scallywags Cafe, Alma Bay and at Florence Bay.
Is there food along the way?
The Precinct Fresh Food Market will be on course with fresh fruit at approx the 7.5km mark for the 15km trek and the 20km mark for the 30km. trek.
Scallywags Cafe is at the 5km mark if you feel like a cuppa.
Otherwise pack what you need.
Is the a bag drop?
Yes. There will be a truck at Picnic Bay for you to load your bags into. We will have bag tags for you to pop your name on. We will then take your bags from Picnic Bay to Bungalow Bay, Horseshoe Bay for you. All you need carry is what you will need for the trek. There are shower facilities at Horseshoe Bay.
What fitness level do I need to have?
The 15km trek has a combination of flat walking, trails, rocky stairs and hills. You will need to be able to tackle stairs, both climbing and descending. A general level of fitness is required and a sense of adventure.
The 30km trek is to be completed within the 8 hour cut off so you will need to be moving at a steady 4 km per hour. We expect most people to complete the trek within 5 hours if running and 7 hours if walking. Therefore you need to be fit enough to be on your feet for 7-8 hours if you are going to walk it.
Can the kids do the 30km?
No, children are encouraged to do the 15km trek and must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
What shoes should I wear?
As the trek has a mixture of trails, roads and beach we suggest using a trail running shoe. Our partners The Athletes Foot have a great range to choose from.
What about electrolytes?
Hydralyte eletrolytes will be available at water stations.
Rubbish?
Leave no trace - take all rubbish with you.
Will there be sweepers?
Sweepers will be deployed onto the course with the aim of ensuring there's no one left on the course unaccounted for. If you leave the trail at any time, please leave your pack in the middle of the trail so the sweeper doesn't go pass you!!
What's the weather that time of year on Magnetic Island?
September usually has a 28°C max day temperature, and an overnight low of 17°C, we have 12 hours of daylight with 9 hours of sunshine. The sea temperature is usually 24°C - perfect for a post trek swim!
Are there snakes on the island?
Although rarely seen, there are snakes on the island so all trekkers will need to carry compression bandages - just in case!
Any other questions? Contact us and we are more than happy to help out
Let's keep our trails magic and protect Magnetic Island's National Park Biosecurity!
Pests can easily hitch a ride with people. They can hide on your clothes and shoes so make sure you clothes are seed free before you arrive on the island. Don't forget to check your socks, pockets and the velcro on your backpacks for any seeds.
Make sure that you stay on the marked tracks to avoid spreading weeds across the island.
Leave no trace , removing all rubbish with you.
Should I plan to stay on the island or can I come on the day?
You can do either - it's up to you!
Magnetic Island Ferries have a put on an extra ferry service, that departs Townsville at 5:20am on Saturday 16th September. They have free car parking opposite their terminal in Ross St, Sth Townsville. We have great prices on discounted ferry tickets you can purchase at the time of your registration.
There will be a Charter Bus to meet you off the ferry and deliver you to the start line at Picnic Bay. Bus tickets can be purchased at time of registration.
The last barge departs Nelly Bay at 6:55pm - so plenty of time to trek and then enjoy some post trekking festivities!!
Of course you could always come over Friday night and make a weekend of it. We have great accommodation packages available through Best Of Magnetic and Bungalow Bay.
When do I register and pick up my race number?
You can register and pick up your number at Peppers Blue on Blue Friday night between 5:45 and 7 pm or on Saturday morning at the start line Picnic Bay Jetty from 6:00am.
When do I get my event tee?
It will be waiting for you at the finish line as a reward for making it! Plus what's not to love about having a brand spanking fresh t-shirt to pop on post event!!
What time is the event briefing?
The Great Island Trek briefing is at 6:45am Saturday morning at Picnic Bay Jetty.
What is the start time?
The 30km event starts at 7:00am and the 15km event starts at 7:15am on the Picnic Bay Jetty.
Where does it start and finish?
Both the 15 and 30km trek start in Picnic Bay and finish at Bungalow Bay, Horseshoe Bay - see the course maps for more info.
Will there be checkpoints and water stops along the way?
There will be water and checkpoints approximately every 5km along the trek. There is also a water tap on The Forts walk for the 30km trekkers.
Are there toilets on course?
There are toilets at Picnic Bay, Nelly Bay near the corner of Sooning st and Mandalay ave, at Scallywags Cafe, Alma Bay and at Florence Bay.
Is there food along the way?
The Precinct Fresh Food Market will be on course with fresh fruit at approx the 7.5km mark for the 15km trek and the 20km mark for the 30km. trek.
Scallywags Cafe is at the 5km mark if you feel like a cuppa.
Otherwise pack what you need.
Is the a bag drop?
Yes. There will be a truck at Picnic Bay for you to load your bags into. We will have bag tags for you to pop your name on. We will then take your bags from Picnic Bay to Bungalow Bay, Horseshoe Bay for you. All you need carry is what you will need for the trek. There are shower facilities at Horseshoe Bay.
What fitness level do I need to have?
The 15km trek has a combination of flat walking, trails, rocky stairs and hills. You will need to be able to tackle stairs, both climbing and descending. A general level of fitness is required and a sense of adventure.
The 30km trek is to be completed within the 8 hour cut off so you will need to be moving at a steady 4 km per hour. We expect most people to complete the trek within 5 hours if running and 7 hours if walking. Therefore you need to be fit enough to be on your feet for 7-8 hours if you are going to walk it.
Can the kids do the 30km?
No, children are encouraged to do the 15km trek and must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
What shoes should I wear?
As the trek has a mixture of trails, roads and beach we suggest using a trail running shoe. Our partners The Athletes Foot have a great range to choose from.
What about electrolytes?
Hydralyte eletrolytes will be available at water stations.
Rubbish?
Leave no trace - take all rubbish with you.
Will there be sweepers?
Sweepers will be deployed onto the course with the aim of ensuring there's no one left on the course unaccounted for. If you leave the trail at any time, please leave your pack in the middle of the trail so the sweeper doesn't go pass you!!
What's the weather that time of year on Magnetic Island?
September usually has a 28°C max day temperature, and an overnight low of 17°C, we have 12 hours of daylight with 9 hours of sunshine. The sea temperature is usually 24°C - perfect for a post trek swim!
Are there snakes on the island?
Although rarely seen, there are snakes on the island so all trekkers will need to carry compression bandages - just in case!
Any other questions? Contact us and we are more than happy to help out
