Bib Number Collection
All participants must collect their own bib number in person and sign a waiver before taking part in The Great Island Trek.
Numbers cannot be collected on behalf of another person.
Pre-Collection Times:
Wednesday 5th August:
The Athlete's Foot, Castletown
5:00pm – 7:00pm
Friday 7th August:
Peppers Blue on Blue, Deck:
5:00pm – 6:45pm
Event Day Collection:
Saturday morning
Magnetic Island State School
from 6:00am
Please note:
Numbers cannot be collected on behalf of another person.
Pre-Collection Times:
Wednesday 5th August:
The Athlete's Foot, Castletown
5:00pm – 7:00pm
Friday 7th August:
Peppers Blue on Blue, Deck:
5:00pm – 6:45pm
Event Day Collection:
Saturday morning
Magnetic Island State School
from 6:00am
Please note:
- You must collect your own bib and sign the waiver yourself — no exceptions.
- Your trek number must be worn on the front of your shirt and clearly visible throughout the event.
- If you can't make the Wednesday or Friday sessions, arrive early on Saturday morning to collect your bib before the start.
Sealink Ferry Discount
Participants will receive a discount code for Sealink ferry travel via email two weeks before the event. Please keep an eye on your inbox (and check your spam/junk folder) in the lead-up to trek day.
Mandatory Equipment
Every participant must carry the following. It's an honour system — there are no equipment checks — but please take it seriously. The tropical terrain and heat are no joke, and this gear exists for your safety.
Hydration Pack Every participant must carry their own hydration pack. This event is plastic-free (see below), so there are no single-use bottles or cups on course. Don't be that person who didn't pack a hydration system and ends up dehydrated on the trail — bring your own water and sip often.
Snake Bandage A snake bandage is mandatory for everyone on the trail. Hopefully you'll never need it — but it also works as a firm wrap for a sprained or rolled ankle, so it earns its place in your pack either way.
Hydration Pack Every participant must carry their own hydration pack. This event is plastic-free (see below), so there are no single-use bottles or cups on course. Don't be that person who didn't pack a hydration system and ends up dehydrated on the trail — bring your own water and sip often.
Snake Bandage A snake bandage is mandatory for everyone on the trail. Hopefully you'll never need it — but it also works as a firm wrap for a sprained or rolled ankle, so it earns its place in your pack either way.
Hydration & Sustainability
This is a plastic-free event. To protect the pristine beauty of Magnetic Island and our National Park, The Great Island Trek does not provide single-use plastic water bottles or disposable cups at any of our stations.
How do I stay hydrated?
Because we're plastic-free, you must bring your own hydration system. This is mandatory for all distances. We recommend:
Where can I refill my water? Don't worry, we won't let you go thirsty! Hydration stations are positioned at key intervals along every course. Take a short break, refill your bladder or bottle, and keep moving. Check the course maps for exact station locations.
Why is this mandatory? The tropical heat of North Queensland is intense. Whether you're on the trail for 3 hours or 7, dehydration is the biggest risk on the course. Carrying your own supply means you can sip constantly rather than waiting for the next station — and it helps us keep "Maggie" beautiful by leaving zero waste behind.
How do I stay hydrated?
Because we're plastic-free, you must bring your own hydration system. This is mandatory for all distances. We recommend:
- Hydration vests/bladders — 2L capacity is ideal
- Reusable water bottles — sturdy, BPA-free, and easy to refill. Great for carrying electrolytes too.
Where can I refill my water? Don't worry, we won't let you go thirsty! Hydration stations are positioned at key intervals along every course. Take a short break, refill your bladder or bottle, and keep moving. Check the course maps for exact station locations.
Why is this mandatory? The tropical heat of North Queensland is intense. Whether you're on the trail for 3 hours or 7, dehydration is the biggest risk on the course. Carrying your own supply means you can sip constantly rather than waiting for the next station — and it helps us keep "Maggie" beautiful by leaving zero waste behind.
Preparation & Gear
What should I bring on the day?
What clothes should I wear?
Magnetic Island is a tropical environment, and even in August, the trails can get warm. We recommend:
- Hydration: A hydration vest with at least 2L is recommended, plus an extra reusable water bottle for electrolytes.
- Sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are non-negotiable in the tropics.
- Footwear: Comfortable, broken-in trail shoes.
- Sense of adventure: And maybe a camera for those sensational bay views!
What clothes should I wear?
Magnetic Island is a tropical environment, and even in August, the trails can get warm. We recommend:
- Loose & breathable: Light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing lets air circulate and reflects the sun's heat.
- Sun-smart: Long sleeves or a high collar with a UPF rating, if possible, to protect against intense Queensland UV.
- Avoid compression gear: Tight compression garments can trap body heat and increase the risk of overheating in the humid tropics.
- Moisture-wicking fabrics: Synthetic blends or lightweight merino wool are better than heavy cotton, which stays wet and heavy once you start sweating.
Safety & Communication
Should I carry a mobile phone?
Yes, absolutely. We recommend everyone carry a fully charged mobile phone. While the event is fully supported, having a phone is vital for your safety and lets you contact event organisers or emergency services if needed.
Will I have phone reception on the trails?
Most of Magnetic Island has good coverage (especially on the higher peaks), but there are areas of marginal reception in some of the deeper valleys and secluded bays.
Pro tip: If you're in a "no signal zone" during an emergency, try moving to higher ground or a clearing to find a signal.
How should I prepare my phone for the trek?
Yes, absolutely. We recommend everyone carry a fully charged mobile phone. While the event is fully supported, having a phone is vital for your safety and lets you contact event organisers or emergency services if needed.
Will I have phone reception on the trails?
Most of Magnetic Island has good coverage (especially on the higher peaks), but there are areas of marginal reception in some of the deeper valleys and secluded bays.
Pro tip: If you're in a "no signal zone" during an emergency, try moving to higher ground or a clearing to find a signal.
How should I prepare my phone for the trek?
- Download the Emergency Plus app — a free Australian app that uses your phone's GPS to give emergency operators your exact location, essential when you're on a trail without street signs.
- Save the event emergency number — we'll provide a "Race Director" contact number in your final briefing. Save it to your contacts before you start!
- Manage your battery — searching for signal in patchy areas drains battery quickly. Start with a full charge, and consider a small power bank if you're planning lots of photos and videos.
Food & Nutrition
Will there be water and food on the course?
Yes — hydration stations offer both water and electrolytes, plus a small serving of fruit along the route (thanks to our sponsors, including Woolworths). Check the course maps for exact locations.
Do I need to pack my own food?
While we provide some fruit on course, this is a long day on the trails, and being self-sufficient with your nutrition is key to a great experience. Depending on your chosen distance, you'll be out on the trails for anywhere between 3 and 7 hours.
What food should I pack?
Think high-energy, easy-to-digest snacks:
Can I buy food along the way?
No — as the trek is mainly on the trail network, there's no opportunity to buy food on course, so come prepared.
Yes — hydration stations offer both water and electrolytes, plus a small serving of fruit along the route (thanks to our sponsors, including Woolworths). Check the course maps for exact locations.
Do I need to pack my own food?
While we provide some fruit on course, this is a long day on the trails, and being self-sufficient with your nutrition is key to a great experience. Depending on your chosen distance, you'll be out on the trails for anywhere between 3 and 7 hours.
What food should I pack?
Think high-energy, easy-to-digest snacks:
- The basics: Sandwiches, wraps, or savoury snacks
- Quick energy: Lollies, energy gels, or fruit bars
- The classic: Scroggin (trail mix with nuts, dried fruit, and a bit of chocolate)
- Salt replacement: Pretzels or electrolyte tabs to help manage the tropical humidity
Can I buy food along the way?
No — as the trek is mainly on the trail network, there's no opportunity to buy food on course, so come prepared.
After the Trek
Do you provide a bag transfer?
Yes — we offer a bag transfer service from the start line to the finish line, so your dry clothes are waiting for you at the end.
When do I get my event tee?
Your high-quality performance tee is waiting for you at the finish line — our way of saying "congratulations" on conquering the island trails. There's nothing like pulling on a fresh, clean shirt to celebrate at the beachfront after-party.
Can I swap my shirt size at the finish line?
Unfortunately, no. To make sure every trekker gets the shirt they ordered, we stick strictly to the sizes chosen during registration. Please double-check the sizing chart at the time of registration, as we can't facilitate swaps on the day.
What happens after the Trek?
We celebrate! The trek finishes with TrekFEST, a beachfront celebration featuring live music from 10:30am til late. It’s the perfect spot to grab a drink, some food, and toast for your achievement. We also have the team from NQ Physio Solutions there providing perhaps a much needed massage
Where does the bus transfer leave from?
Bus charters depart from Nomads to the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal from 12noon until 2pm, running on a constant shuttle. The public bus is also available directly across the road from Nomads for 50c to the ferry terminal.
Check out the Public Bus Timetable here
Yes — we offer a bag transfer service from the start line to the finish line, so your dry clothes are waiting for you at the end.
When do I get my event tee?
Your high-quality performance tee is waiting for you at the finish line — our way of saying "congratulations" on conquering the island trails. There's nothing like pulling on a fresh, clean shirt to celebrate at the beachfront after-party.
Can I swap my shirt size at the finish line?
Unfortunately, no. To make sure every trekker gets the shirt they ordered, we stick strictly to the sizes chosen during registration. Please double-check the sizing chart at the time of registration, as we can't facilitate swaps on the day.
What happens after the Trek?
We celebrate! The trek finishes with TrekFEST, a beachfront celebration featuring live music from 10:30am til late. It’s the perfect spot to grab a drink, some food, and toast for your achievement. We also have the team from NQ Physio Solutions there providing perhaps a much needed massage
Where does the bus transfer leave from?
Bus charters depart from Nomads to the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal from 12noon until 2pm, running on a constant shuttle. The public bus is also available directly across the road from Nomads for 50c to the ferry terminal.
Check out the Public Bus Timetable here
Accommodation
Are there any accommodation discounts?
Yes! We want you to stay and play on "Maggie." At the time of registration, you'll receive a special discount code from Best of Magnetic, who offer the island's largest range of holiday homes and apartments — perfect for groups or a solo retreat.
Where on the island should I stay?
The choice is yours! Each bay has its own unique charm and is within easy access of both the start and finish line. Nelly Bay, Picnic Bay, Arcadia, and Horseshoe Bay are all great options.
Yes! We want you to stay and play on "Maggie." At the time of registration, you'll receive a special discount code from Best of Magnetic, who offer the island's largest range of holiday homes and apartments — perfect for groups or a solo retreat.
Where on the island should I stay?
The choice is yours! Each bay has its own unique charm and is within easy access of both the start and finish line. Nelly Bay, Picnic Bay, Arcadia, and Horseshoe Bay are all great options.
How do I get to Magnetic Island?
"Maggie" is just a 20-minute ferry ride from Townsville. You have two great options:
SeaLink Queensland: Fast passenger-only ferry departing from the Breakwater Terminal.
Magnetic Island Ferries: Vehicle and passenger ferry (the "Barge") departing from South Townsville.
Are there any travel discounts?
Yes! All registered participants receive SeaLink discount travel codes via email approximately two weeks prior to event day. Keep a close eye on your inbox (and check your junk folder just in case!) so you can book your passage at the special trekker rate.
What time should I catch the ferry?
To make things easy, we have listed the perfect ferry timings for each trek distance on our individual event pages. We highly recommend aiming for these specific services to ensure you have plenty of time to check in and soak up the pre-start atmosphere.
How do I get to the start line?
The start line is at Magnetic Island State School; a simple 5 min, flat walk from the Nelly Bay Ferry terminal. We provide chartered bus transfers after the event from the finish line back to the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal to make your return trip seamless.
Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately, no. Much of the trek passes through Magnetic Island National Park, where domestic animals are strictly prohibited to protect the local wildlife
Registration & Policies
What is included in my entry fee?
Your registration includes your event tee, on-course support (fruit/water), professional photography, bag transfers, entry to the TrekFEST beachfront after-party and chartered buses back to the ferry!
What if I can’t make it?
We understand that plans can change. You can generally transfer your registration to another person or request a refund (minus an admin fee per entry) if done before the 27th June deadline. Please see our full Refund Policy for details.
Is there an age limit?
The 5km, 12km, and 18km events are open to all ages. However, due to the length and potential heat, the 25km route is not suitable for children.