When and where is Bay to Base 2026?
Bay to Base will be held on Saturday, 18 April 2026. The event traverses the stunning landscapes of Magnetic Island, with the main hubs located at Picnic Bay and Arcadia
Is this a race?
Not at all! It’s a non-competitive adventure. Whether you want to run the trails or take a slow scenic walk to spot koalas and sea turtles, the goal is to enjoy the tropical paradise at your own pace.
What distances can I choose from?
We offer four different routes to suit all fitness levels:
Hydration & Sustainability
Is this a plastic-free event?
Yes!.To protect the pristine beauty of Magnetic Island and our National Park, Bay to Base is a Plastic-Free Event. We do not provide single-use plastic water bottles or disposable cups at any of our stations.
How do I stay hydrated?
Because we are plastic-free, you must bring your own hydration system. This is a mandatory requirement for all distances. We recommend:
Hydration Vests/Bladders: 1.5L to 2L capacity is ideal for the longer treks.
Reusable Water Bottles: Sturdy, BPA-free bottles that can be easily refilled. These are great for the electrolytes
Where can I refill my water?
Don't worry, we won't let you go thirsty! We have Hydration Stations positioned at key intervals along every course. You can pull in, refill your own bladder or bottle, and keep moving.
Why is this mandatory?
The tropical heat of North Queensland is intense. Whether you are walking for 3 hours or 7, dehydration is the biggest risk on the trail. By carrying your own supply, you can sip constantly rather than waiting for the next station—and you help us keep "Maggie" beautiful by leaving zero waste behind.
Preparation & Gear
What should I bring on the day?
Safety and Communication
Should I carry a mobile phone?
Yes, absolutely. We recommend that everyone carries a fully charged mobile phone. While the event is fully supported, having a phone is vital for your safety and allows you to contact event organizers 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.
Magnetic Island is a tropical environment, and even in August, the trails can get quite warm.
We recommend:
Will there be water and food on the course?
Yes! We have fruit and hydration stations. We provide fruit, thanks to our sponsors Woolworths. There will both water and electrolyte available at the hydration stations.
Do I need to pack my own food?
While we provide some support on the course,—this is a long day on the trails, and being self-sufficient with your nutrition is key to a great experience. Depending on you chosen distance, you will be out on the trails for anywhere between 3 and 7 hours.
What food should I pack in my bag?
Think high-energy, easy-to-digest snacks. We recommend a mix of:
Can I buy food along the way?
As the trek takes place mainly on the trail network there is no opportunity to buy food.
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.
When do I get my event tee?
Your high-quality performance tee is waiting for you at the finish line! It’s our way of saying "congratulations" on conquering the island trails. There’s nothing like the feeling of pulling on a fresh, clean shirt to celebrate at the beachfront after-party.
Can I swap my shirt for a different size at the finish line?
Unfortunately, no. To ensure every trekker gets the shirt they ordered, we stick strictly to the sizes chosen during registration. Please double-check our sizing chart at the time of registration, as we cannot facilitate any swaps on the day!
Accommodation & Travel
Are there any accommodation discounts?
Yes! We want you to stay and play on "Maggie." At the time of registration, you will receive a special discount code from Best of Magnetic. They 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 or Horseshoe Bay are all great options
Bay to Base will be held on Saturday, 18 April 2026. The event traverses the stunning landscapes of Magnetic Island, with the main hubs located at Picnic Bay and Arcadia
Is this a race?
Not at all! It’s a non-competitive adventure. Whether you want to run the trails or take a slow scenic walk to spot koalas and sea turtles, the goal is to enjoy the tropical paradise at your own pace.
What distances can I choose from?
We offer four different routes to suit all fitness levels:
- 23km: The ultimate island challenge.
- 17km: A serious trek for active explorers.
- 11km: Perfect for a solid morning adventure.
Hydration & Sustainability
Is this a plastic-free event?
Yes!.To protect the pristine beauty of Magnetic Island and our National Park, Bay to Base is a Plastic-Free Event. We do not provide single-use plastic water bottles or disposable cups at any of our stations.
How do I stay hydrated?
Because we are plastic-free, you must bring your own hydration system. This is a mandatory requirement for all distances. We recommend:
Hydration Vests/Bladders: 1.5L to 2L capacity is ideal for the longer treks.
Reusable Water Bottles: Sturdy, BPA-free bottles that can be easily refilled. These are great for the electrolytes
Where can I refill my water?
Don't worry, we won't let you go thirsty! We have Hydration Stations positioned at key intervals along every course. You can pull in, refill your own bladder or bottle, and keep moving.
Why is this mandatory?
The tropical heat of North Queensland is intense. Whether you are walking for 3 hours or 7, dehydration is the biggest risk on the trail. By carrying your own supply, you can sip constantly rather than waiting for the next station—and you help us keep "Maggie" beautiful by leaving zero waste behind.
Preparation & Gear
What should I bring on the day?
- Hydration: A hydration vest with at least 2L recommended for water and a reusable water bottle for electrolytes
- Sun Protection: Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are non-negotiable in the tropics.
- Footwear: Comfortable, broken-in trail shoes or sturdy sneakers.
- Sense of Adventure: And maybe a camera for those sensational bay views!
Safety and Communication
Should I carry a mobile phone?
Yes, absolutely. We recommend that everyone carries a fully charged mobile phone. While the event is fully supported, having a phone is vital for your safety and allows you to contact event organizers 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 find yourself in a "dead zone" during an emergency, try moving to higher ground or a clearing to find a signal.
-
- Download the Emergency Plus App: This is a free Australian app that uses your phone's GPS to give emergency operators your exact latitude and longitude—essential when you are on a trail without street signs.
- Save the Event Emergency Number: We will provide a specific "Race Director" contact number in your final briefing. Save this to your contacts before you start!
- Battery Management: Searching for a signal in patchy areas drains your battery quickly. Start with 100% charge and consider bringing a small power bank if you plan on taking lots of photos and videos.
-
Magnetic Island is a tropical environment, and even in August, the trails can get quite warm.
We recommend:
- Loose & Breathable: Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothes. These allow air to circulate around your body and reflect the sun's heat.
- Sun-Smart: Choose long sleeves or high collars with a UPF rating if possible to protect your skin from the intense Queensland UV.
- Avoid Compression Gear: While popular for recovery, tight compression garments are generally not recommended during the trek as they can trap body heat and lead to overheating in the humid tropics.
- Moisture-Wicking: Opt for synthetic blends or lightweight merino wool rather than heavy cotton, which stays wet and heavy once you start sweating.
Will there be water and food on the course?
Yes! We have fruit and hydration stations. We provide fruit, thanks to our sponsors Woolworths. There will both water and electrolyte available at the hydration stations.
Do I need to pack my own food?
While we provide some support on the course,—this is a long day on the trails, and being self-sufficient with your nutrition is key to a great experience. Depending on you chosen distance, you will be out on the trails for anywhere between 3 and 7 hours.
What food should I pack in my bag?
Think high-energy, easy-to-digest snacks. We recommend a mix of:
- The Basics: Sandwiches, wraps, or savory 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?
As the trek takes place mainly on the trail network there is no opportunity to buy food.
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.
When do I get my event tee?
Your high-quality performance tee is waiting for you at the finish line! It’s our way of saying "congratulations" on conquering the island trails. There’s nothing like the feeling of pulling on a fresh, clean shirt to celebrate at the beachfront after-party.
Can I swap my shirt for a different size at the finish line?
Unfortunately, no. To ensure every trekker gets the shirt they ordered, we stick strictly to the sizes chosen during registration. Please double-check our sizing chart at the time of registration, as we cannot facilitate any swaps on the day!
Accommodation & Travel
Are there any accommodation discounts?
Yes! We want you to stay and play on "Maggie." At the time of registration, you will receive a special discount code from Best of Magnetic. They 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 or 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 for all distances is at Picnic Bay Jetty. We will provide a courtesy chartered bus from the Nelly Bay Ferry terminal from 6:00am until 7:45am. If you are staying on the island you can catch the public bus to Picnic Bay.
How do I get back to the ferry?
Two options. You can catch the public bus that will take you to the ferry terminal . There is a bus stop across the road from Arcadia Villager hotel at Alma Bay. Or it is a short 1500m walk, up over Gabul Way.
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, chartered bus in the morning from the ferry terminal, on-course support (fruit/water), professional photography, bag transfers, entry to the beachfront after-party at Arcadia Village Hotel.
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 20th February deadline. Please see our full Refund Policy for details.
Is there an age limit?
The 11km, and 17km events are open to all ages. However, due to the length and potential heat, the 23km route is recommended for adults and experienced trekkers only.
The Finish Line
What happens after the trek?
We celebrate! The trek finishes with a beachfront celebration featuring live music from 11am til 2pm. It’s the perfect spot to grab a drink, some food, and toast for your achievement.