Start times
The start line for the Trek is the picturesque Picnic Bay Jetty. The Trek is a point to point walk and finishes at Bungalow Bay in Horseshoe Bay
The 30km event starts at 6:45am and waves for the 15km event start from 7:00am
Please be aware that the course includes many climbs on the trails and therefore will take you longer that a flat walk
Registration, Race bibs and Event briefing
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 opens 6:00-7:00pm Friday 20th September at Peppers Blue on Blue deck. Collect your number and stay for a beer or champers??
On the morning of the trek registration opens at 6:00am on Saturday 22nd at the jetty Picnic Bay.
The Great Island Trek briefing is at 6:30am in front of the Picnic Bay Jetty.
Getting to the Island
Our partners at SeaLink have a special $24 return ticket deal for The Great Island Trek.
Use the promo code which has been sent to you in an email when either purchasing tickets online at https://www.sealinkqld.com.au/ferry/prices or quote the promo code when purchasing directly from the sales team. This promo code is valid for guests travel taken from the 19th of September through till the 21st of September.
With the volume of travellers expected we suggest you pick up your ferry ticket prior to the Saturday of the trek to save any potential delays on the morning.
If you plan on coming to the island early you can use your return ticket for travel on any of the 18 SeaLink ferry services on Thursday or Friday before the Trek. Check here for the timetable
Otherwise if you plan on travelling the morning of the trek
The Breakwater Ferry terminal will be open from 5:00am. Please allow yourself plenty of time for car parking.
We have two special ferries running on Saturday 21st September for The Great Island Trek - 5:30am and 6:00am departure
5:30am
All 30km trekkers will need to be on this ferry. We also welcome any 15km trekkers who would like to get to the start line early to also travel on this ferry.
6:00am
All remaining 15km participants need to be on this ferry.
Chartered buses will be waiting at Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal for those participants who have pre purchased bus tickets to transport you directly to the start line at Picnic Bay
Buses
There will be chartered buses meeting the ferry at the Nelly Bay Terminal for those that have purchased the bus transfer to Picnic Bay. Please print off your confirmation email to show the bus driver as proof of purchase.
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 11:50am, 1:10pm ,2:40pm and 4:00pm to meet the SeaLink ferry at Nelly Bay.
If you have not pre purchased a chartered bus pass the regular Island Bus service will be operating and you can catch the bus directly outside Bungalow Bay, at your own cost.
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 limited toilets located at the start line at Picnic Bay - we suggest making use of the toilets on board SeaLink or at the ferry terminal. On course there are toilets at 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.
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
The start line for the Trek is the picturesque Picnic Bay Jetty. The Trek is a point to point walk and finishes at Bungalow Bay in Horseshoe Bay
The 30km event starts at 6:45am and waves for the 15km event start from 7:00am
Please be aware that the course includes many climbs on the trails and therefore will take you longer that a flat walk
Registration, Race bibs and Event briefing
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 opens 6:00-7:00pm Friday 20th September at Peppers Blue on Blue deck. Collect your number and stay for a beer or champers??
On the morning of the trek registration opens at 6:00am on Saturday 22nd at the jetty Picnic Bay.
The Great Island Trek briefing is at 6:30am in front of the Picnic Bay Jetty.
Getting to the Island
Our partners at SeaLink have a special $24 return ticket deal for The Great Island Trek.
Use the promo code which has been sent to you in an email when either purchasing tickets online at https://www.sealinkqld.com.au/ferry/prices or quote the promo code when purchasing directly from the sales team. This promo code is valid for guests travel taken from the 19th of September through till the 21st of September.
With the volume of travellers expected we suggest you pick up your ferry ticket prior to the Saturday of the trek to save any potential delays on the morning.
If you plan on coming to the island early you can use your return ticket for travel on any of the 18 SeaLink ferry services on Thursday or Friday before the Trek. Check here for the timetable
Otherwise if you plan on travelling the morning of the trek
The Breakwater Ferry terminal will be open from 5:00am. Please allow yourself plenty of time for car parking.
We have two special ferries running on Saturday 21st September for The Great Island Trek - 5:30am and 6:00am departure
5:30am
All 30km trekkers will need to be on this ferry. We also welcome any 15km trekkers who would like to get to the start line early to also travel on this ferry.
6:00am
All remaining 15km participants need to be on this ferry.
Chartered buses will be waiting at Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal for those participants who have pre purchased bus tickets to transport you directly to the start line at Picnic Bay
Buses
There will be chartered buses meeting the ferry at the Nelly Bay Terminal for those that have purchased the bus transfer to Picnic Bay. Please print off your confirmation email to show the bus driver as proof of purchase.
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 11:50am, 1:10pm ,2:40pm and 4:00pm to meet the SeaLink ferry at Nelly Bay.
If you have not pre purchased a chartered bus pass the regular Island Bus service will be operating and you can catch the bus directly outside Bungalow Bay, at your own cost.
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 limited toilets located at the start line at Picnic Bay - we suggest making use of the toilets on board SeaLink or at the ferry terminal. On course there are toilets at 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.
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
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.
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!!
Can I change my t-shirt size if it doesn't fit me?
Unfortunately no.
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.
What is the cut off times for the 30km trek?
You must be at The Forts carpark by 12:30pm ( approx 20km into the trek). Otherwise the course will be shortened for you
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.
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!!
Can I change my t-shirt size if it doesn't fit me?
Unfortunately no.
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.
What is the cut off times for the 30km trek?
You must be at The Forts carpark by 12:30pm ( approx 20km into the trek). Otherwise the course will be shortened for you
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
