Start location, event start and cut off times
All distances will start at Peppers Blue on Blue deck, Nelly Bay.
The 25km event starts at 6:15am and has a cut off time of 7.5 hours
The 18km event has two waves at 6:30 and 6:45am and has a cut off time of 6.5 hours
The 12km event starts at 7:00am and has a cut off time of 5 hours
The Bay to Base Ability 5km event start time is 10:00am
All distances will start at Peppers Blue on Blue deck, Nelly Bay.
The 25km event starts at 6:15am and has a cut off time of 7.5 hours
The 18km event has two waves at 6:30 and 6:45am and has a cut off time of 6.5 hours
The 12km event starts at 7:00am and has a cut off time of 5 hours
The Bay to Base Ability 5km event start time is 10:00am
Discount passenger ferry
Our partners at SeaLink have a special return ticket deal for Bay to Base.
You will receive an email two weeks prior to the event with the promo code which can be used when either purchasing tickets online, or quote the promo code when purchasing in person from the sales team at the Breakwater Terminal. This promo code is valid for guest travel taken to the Island from Wednesday 24th April to Saturday 27th of April 2024 . You can use the return ticket off the Island on any date you like. Click here for the ferry timetable.
Passenger ferry to catch on event day
If you plan to travel to the Island on the morning of the event
The Breakwater Ferry Terminal will be open from 5:00am. Please allow yourself plenty of time for car parking.
All trekkers in the 18km and 25km events will need to board the 5:30am ferry from Townsville on Saturday. Any 12km trekker who has not pre-registered will also need to board the 5:30am ferry from Townsville.
Any 12km trekkers who have pre-registered can have a sleep in and will have time to catch the 6:30am Sealink ferry from Townsville. Please allow yourself plenty of time for car parking.
All trekkers in the Ability 5km event should catch the 8:45am ferry on Saturday to arrive in time for registration (if not already completed) and for the 10:00am event start time. Allow plenty of time for parking!!
Our partners at SeaLink have a special return ticket deal for Bay to Base.
You will receive an email two weeks prior to the event with the promo code which can be used when either purchasing tickets online, or quote the promo code when purchasing in person from the sales team at the Breakwater Terminal. This promo code is valid for guest travel taken to the Island from Wednesday 24th April to Saturday 27th of April 2024 . You can use the return ticket off the Island on any date you like. Click here for the ferry timetable.
Passenger ferry to catch on event day
If you plan to travel to the Island on the morning of the event
The Breakwater Ferry Terminal will be open from 5:00am. Please allow yourself plenty of time for car parking.
All trekkers in the 18km and 25km events will need to board the 5:30am ferry from Townsville on Saturday. Any 12km trekker who has not pre-registered will also need to board the 5:30am ferry from Townsville.
Any 12km trekkers who have pre-registered can have a sleep in and will have time to catch the 6:30am Sealink ferry from Townsville. Please allow yourself plenty of time for car parking.
All trekkers in the Ability 5km event should catch the 8:45am ferry on Saturday to arrive in time for registration (if not already completed) and for the 10:00am event start time. Allow plenty of time for parking!!
Event number
Every participant will need to collect a bib event number for Bay to Base. Event numbers will not be posted out.
Your Bay to Base bib event number must be attached to the FRONT of your shirt for the duration of the event.
Early event number collection
You can collect your bib event number early (and any pre-purchased caps) and save time on Saturday morning before the event.
5:15pm-7:00pm Wednesday 24th April
Townsville Podiatry
75 Ingham Rd West End
5:00pm until 6:45pm Friday 26th April
Peppers Blue on Blue deck
Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island.
Join us for a sundowner on the deck at Peppers.
Saturday morning number collection & event briefing
Number collection for the 25km, 18km and 12km events opens at 6:00am Saturday morning at Peppers Blue on Blue Deck
Number collection for the Ability 5km event opens at 9:15am on the deck at Peppers Blue on Blue
You will need to check-in at the finish line for your Bay to Base number to be checked off - otherwise we will send out a rescue party! Once checked-in at the finish line you will receive your event t-shirt.
Pre-event briefing for the 25km event will be at 6:10am.
Pre-event briefing for the 18km event will be at 6:25am.
Pre-event briefing for the 12km event will be at 7:15am.
Pre-event briefing for the Ability 5km event will be at 9:55am. The 5km event starts at 10:00am from Peppers Blue on Blue deck
Due to COVID safe requirements, each wave start will have a colour coded race number to ensure everyone starts in their correct wave.
Medications
We recommend that anyone who may require medication has it with them. (e.g. asthma, diabetes, EpiPen, epilepsy). We also request that anyone with known medical issues writes the details on the back of their participant number in case of an emergency.
Chartered buses
After the event
Chartered buses will depart from Base Backpackers (Nomads) from noon and will do shuttles to the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal roughly every half hour until 2pm. As there is limited seating on the buses it is first in, best dressed.
Course maps
Check out the course maps here
Physiotherapy
Cat and Sam from NQ Physio will be at the start line from 6:00-7:30am, and then at Base from 11:00am. They can assist with joint strapping (BYO tape) and injury management, and will be offering post-hike massages for a donation to Brighter Lives.
Volunteers, sweepers, and event photographer/videographers
Out on the trails we will have a team of volunteers to help keep you safe. Give them a wave and a smile, they are there for you. Let them know if you are experiencing any difficulties.
Sweepers will be deployed at the back of the field for each event distance, 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.
There will be professional photographers and videographers on course taking amazing photos/video of our adventurous trekkers. Make sure to give them a wave 😊 and keep an eye out on Facebook for all the happy snaps!
In case of emergency & First Aid
Please ensure you all have a fully charged mobile phone with you. There are parts of the Bay to Bay course with limited or no mobile reception, but you will be able to get coverage for most of the course.
If you have any difficulty on course please notify the nearest volunteer, call 000 in the case of an emergency, or if you require first aid/medical assistance during the event please call:
Cut off times and short cut to finish line.
It's not a race. It's an adventure.
We want you to have fun and enjoy the walk , but we do expect you to keep a steady walking pace of approximately 2.5km per hour.
Given the nature of the course and remoteness of parts of the Magnetic Island trail network, there are strictly enforced operational and safety based cut off times.
The 18 and 25km trek have until 11:00am to pass the Fruit and Hydration station at the 10km mark of the 18km and the 12km mark for the 25km. Trekkers arriving after 11:00am will be short cut ( via a vehicle pick up) back to Base. Any trekker wishing to continue after this time of their own accord, will be required to hand in their trek bib number and will have deemed to have withdrawn.
The Fruit and Hydration station on Mandalay ave is at the 8km mark of the 12km, 14km mark of the 18km and the 16km mark of the 25km. Cut off time to pass this checkpoint is 12:00 noon for all trekkers. Trekkers arriving after 12:00 noon will be short cut (via a vehicle pick up) back to Base. Any trekker wishing to continue after this time of their own accord, will be required to hand in their trek bib number and will have deemed to have withdrawn.
Short Cut Options
Both the 18km and 25km will have a short cut option at the Fruit Station near the Forts which is approximately at the 6km and 10km into the 18km walk and the 7km and 12km mark of the 25km walk. There will be an option to get a lift from this area and avoid the steep climb up the Nelly Arcadia track.
The 25km walkers also have the option of not completing the final 5km return loop out to Hawkings Point in Picnic Bay.
There is no short cut option for the 5km and 12km participants.
Withdrawals during the event
If for any reason, after starting Bay to Base you decide not to finish, please let one of the volunteers know or send a text to 0425 796 042 notifying us that you have withdrawn from the event. Otherwise we will send out a search party to find you. Remember to collect your event tee at the finish line if you can.
Bag drop
Bag drop is available at the Peppers Blue on Blue registration area prior to the start of the event. Bag tags will be provided to put your name and bib number on your bag and then you can place them on the Destination Adventure ute. We will take your bags to the finish line at Base Backpackers.
Hydration & fruit stations
Bay to Base 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. It’s likely to be a hot day, so please hydrate yourself well so you can enjoy the event experience.
Due to COVID regulations, the volunteers at the water stations will turn the tap to fill your hydration system, whilst you hold it underneath the tap.
Please, at no stage touch the water containers. Hand sanitiser will be available at all hydration stations.
There will be hydration stations at the:
Public water taps are also available at the:
We recommend you carry AT LEAST 2 litres of water and refill at every opportunity. There is a real risk of heatstroke if you fail to stay well hydrated!
We also suggest packing some food to nibble on along the way – fresh fruit, sandwiches, dried fruit and nut mix are great options.
Fruit stations
The two fruit stations are:
Toilets and shower facilities
There are limited toilets located near the start line at Peppers Blue on Blue. We suggest making use of the toilets onboard SeaLink, Magnetic Island Ferries, and at the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal.
On course there are toilets at Florence Bay, The Forts carpark, Sooning St near the Mandalay Ave intersection, at Nelly Bay beach (for the 5km event), and at Base Backpackers.
Base Backpackers has shower facilities if you would like to bring a change of clothes for the post-event festivities. There's also a pool and the beach straight out the front (don't forget your stinger suit as it is still stinger season)!
Be pest free - care of the Magnetic Island National Park
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 your clothes/shoes are seed-free before you arrive on the Island. Don’t forget to check your socks, pockets, and velcro on your backpacks for any seeds.
Make sure to always remain on the marked tracks to avoid spreading weeds across the Island. Leave no trace and take all rubbish with you.
If you encounter wildlife such as wallabies and koalas, please stay a few metres away to avoid stressing them out. These are wild animals, do not attempt to touch or feed them!
Plastic-free event
There will be no plastic bottles or cups at Bay to Base. Make sure to bring your own hydration pack which can be filled at the water stations and taps along the track.
Post-event party at Base Backpackers (Nomads)
The post-event party is held at the finish line at Base Backpackers (Nomads). Celebrate the completion of your Island adventure with live music, food, and drinks at this spectacular oceanside location. You can use the pool, swim in the ocean (don't forget your stinger suit), dance the afternoon away, and stay for sunset if you please.
Event caps
You can pick up your pre-purchased Bay to Base cap at the pre-registration opportunities or at registration on the morning of the event.
There will be a limited number of caps for sale at pre-registration and on event day until they run out!
Event t-shirt
The event tees will be available for collection at the finish line of Bay to Base. You will receive the t-shirt size you pre-ordered. Unfortunately there can be no size changes on the day. If you have obtained a ticket transfer, you will receive the shirt size ordered by the original ticket holder.
Mandatory equipment
ABILITY TO CARRY 2 litres of water, with either combination of water bottles and hydration pack
Snake bandage
As we are using the National Park, we need to be mindful of snakes and as a precaution require everyone to bring along with them 1 x snake compression bandages. We will be conducting spot checks at registration.
To learn how to use a compression bandage correctly in case of a snake bite check out this great video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k8nDlfaA9
Trek, Snap and Win
We have 8 pairs of Goodr Sunglasses and 2 pairs of HOKA shoes to giveaway.
Every participant will need to collect a bib event number for Bay to Base. Event numbers will not be posted out.
Your Bay to Base bib event number must be attached to the FRONT of your shirt for the duration of the event.
Early event number collection
You can collect your bib event number early (and any pre-purchased caps) and save time on Saturday morning before the event.
5:15pm-7:00pm Wednesday 24th April
Townsville Podiatry
75 Ingham Rd West End
5:00pm until 6:45pm Friday 26th April
Peppers Blue on Blue deck
Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island.
Join us for a sundowner on the deck at Peppers.
Saturday morning number collection & event briefing
Number collection for the 25km, 18km and 12km events opens at 6:00am Saturday morning at Peppers Blue on Blue Deck
Number collection for the Ability 5km event opens at 9:15am on the deck at Peppers Blue on Blue
You will need to check-in at the finish line for your Bay to Base number to be checked off - otherwise we will send out a rescue party! Once checked-in at the finish line you will receive your event t-shirt.
Pre-event briefing for the 25km event will be at 6:10am.
Pre-event briefing for the 18km event will be at 6:25am.
Pre-event briefing for the 12km event will be at 7:15am.
Pre-event briefing for the Ability 5km event will be at 9:55am. The 5km event starts at 10:00am from Peppers Blue on Blue deck
Due to COVID safe requirements, each wave start will have a colour coded race number to ensure everyone starts in their correct wave.
Medications
We recommend that anyone who may require medication has it with them. (e.g. asthma, diabetes, EpiPen, epilepsy). We also request that anyone with known medical issues writes the details on the back of their participant number in case of an emergency.
Chartered buses
After the event
Chartered buses will depart from Base Backpackers (Nomads) from noon and will do shuttles to the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal roughly every half hour until 2pm. As there is limited seating on the buses it is first in, best dressed.
Course maps
Check out the course maps here
Physiotherapy
Cat and Sam from NQ Physio will be at the start line from 6:00-7:30am, and then at Base from 11:00am. They can assist with joint strapping (BYO tape) and injury management, and will be offering post-hike massages for a donation to Brighter Lives.
Volunteers, sweepers, and event photographer/videographers
Out on the trails we will have a team of volunteers to help keep you safe. Give them a wave and a smile, they are there for you. Let them know if you are experiencing any difficulties.
Sweepers will be deployed at the back of the field for each event distance, 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.
There will be professional photographers and videographers on course taking amazing photos/video of our adventurous trekkers. Make sure to give them a wave 😊 and keep an eye out on Facebook for all the happy snaps!
In case of emergency & First Aid
Please ensure you all have a fully charged mobile phone with you. There are parts of the Bay to Bay course with limited or no mobile reception, but you will be able to get coverage for most of the course.
If you have any difficulty on course please notify the nearest volunteer, call 000 in the case of an emergency, or if you require first aid/medical assistance during the event please call:
- Dr Jay on 0415 085 148
- Daina on 0425 796 042
Cut off times and short cut to finish line.
It's not a race. It's an adventure.
We want you to have fun and enjoy the walk , but we do expect you to keep a steady walking pace of approximately 2.5km per hour.
Given the nature of the course and remoteness of parts of the Magnetic Island trail network, there are strictly enforced operational and safety based cut off times.
The 18 and 25km trek have until 11:00am to pass the Fruit and Hydration station at the 10km mark of the 18km and the 12km mark for the 25km. Trekkers arriving after 11:00am will be short cut ( via a vehicle pick up) back to Base. Any trekker wishing to continue after this time of their own accord, will be required to hand in their trek bib number and will have deemed to have withdrawn.
The Fruit and Hydration station on Mandalay ave is at the 8km mark of the 12km, 14km mark of the 18km and the 16km mark of the 25km. Cut off time to pass this checkpoint is 12:00 noon for all trekkers. Trekkers arriving after 12:00 noon will be short cut (via a vehicle pick up) back to Base. Any trekker wishing to continue after this time of their own accord, will be required to hand in their trek bib number and will have deemed to have withdrawn.
Short Cut Options
Both the 18km and 25km will have a short cut option at the Fruit Station near the Forts which is approximately at the 6km and 10km into the 18km walk and the 7km and 12km mark of the 25km walk. There will be an option to get a lift from this area and avoid the steep climb up the Nelly Arcadia track.
The 25km walkers also have the option of not completing the final 5km return loop out to Hawkings Point in Picnic Bay.
There is no short cut option for the 5km and 12km participants.
Withdrawals during the event
If for any reason, after starting Bay to Base you decide not to finish, please let one of the volunteers know or send a text to 0425 796 042 notifying us that you have withdrawn from the event. Otherwise we will send out a search party to find you. Remember to collect your event tee at the finish line if you can.
Bag drop
Bag drop is available at the Peppers Blue on Blue registration area prior to the start of the event. Bag tags will be provided to put your name and bib number on your bag and then you can place them on the Destination Adventure ute. We will take your bags to the finish line at Base Backpackers.
Hydration & fruit stations
Bay to Base 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. It’s likely to be a hot day, so please hydrate yourself well so you can enjoy the event experience.
Due to COVID regulations, the volunteers at the water stations will turn the tap to fill your hydration system, whilst you hold it underneath the tap.
Please, at no stage touch the water containers. Hand sanitiser will be available at all hydration stations.
There will be hydration stations at the:
- Start line
- Just before the Forts Carpark
- End of the Nelly Arcadia Trail on Mandalay Ave
- Finish line
Public water taps are also available at the:
- Forts carpark
- Water tank along the Forts Walk
- Nelly Bay toilet block at the Mandalay Ave/Sooning St intersection
- Nelly Bay beach toilet block next to the bridge to the breakwater (for 5km event participants)
We recommend you carry AT LEAST 2 litres of water and refill at every opportunity. There is a real risk of heatstroke if you fail to stay well hydrated!
We also suggest packing some food to nibble on along the way – fresh fruit, sandwiches, dried fruit and nut mix are great options.
Fruit stations
The two fruit stations are:
- Just before the Forts Carpark
- At the exit of the Nelly Arcadia Trail at Mandalay Ave
Toilets and shower facilities
There are limited toilets located near the start line at Peppers Blue on Blue. We suggest making use of the toilets onboard SeaLink, Magnetic Island Ferries, and at the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal.
On course there are toilets at Florence Bay, The Forts carpark, Sooning St near the Mandalay Ave intersection, at Nelly Bay beach (for the 5km event), and at Base Backpackers.
Base Backpackers has shower facilities if you would like to bring a change of clothes for the post-event festivities. There's also a pool and the beach straight out the front (don't forget your stinger suit as it is still stinger season)!
Be pest free - care of the Magnetic Island National Park
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 your clothes/shoes are seed-free before you arrive on the Island. Don’t forget to check your socks, pockets, and velcro on your backpacks for any seeds.
Make sure to always remain on the marked tracks to avoid spreading weeds across the Island. Leave no trace and take all rubbish with you.
If you encounter wildlife such as wallabies and koalas, please stay a few metres away to avoid stressing them out. These are wild animals, do not attempt to touch or feed them!
Plastic-free event
There will be no plastic bottles or cups at Bay to Base. Make sure to bring your own hydration pack which can be filled at the water stations and taps along the track.
Post-event party at Base Backpackers (Nomads)
The post-event party is held at the finish line at Base Backpackers (Nomads). Celebrate the completion of your Island adventure with live music, food, and drinks at this spectacular oceanside location. You can use the pool, swim in the ocean (don't forget your stinger suit), dance the afternoon away, and stay for sunset if you please.
Event caps
You can pick up your pre-purchased Bay to Base cap at the pre-registration opportunities or at registration on the morning of the event.
There will be a limited number of caps for sale at pre-registration and on event day until they run out!
Event t-shirt
The event tees will be available for collection at the finish line of Bay to Base. You will receive the t-shirt size you pre-ordered. Unfortunately there can be no size changes on the day. If you have obtained a ticket transfer, you will receive the shirt size ordered by the original ticket holder.
Mandatory equipment
ABILITY TO CARRY 2 litres of water, with either combination of water bottles and hydration pack
Snake bandage
As we are using the National Park, we need to be mindful of snakes and as a precaution require everyone to bring along with them 1 x snake compression bandages. We will be conducting spot checks at registration.
To learn how to use a compression bandage correctly in case of a snake bite check out this great video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k8nDlfaA9
Trek, Snap and Win
We have 8 pairs of Goodr Sunglasses and 2 pairs of HOKA shoes to giveaway.