WILDLIFE AND PETS
The island boasts an impressive two-thirds coverage of pristine National Parks, making it a haven for a wide array of wildlife on land and in the water. Among its inhabitants are numerous vulnerable and endangered species, including the koala and green turtles. Magnetic Island is home to the largest known colony of koalas in Northern Australia and is a significant site for seasonal turtle nesting and whale watching. To enhance your holiday experience and provide valuable insights into the island's wildlife, we have curated the following points to guide your trip and educate you about the encounters you may have during your visit.
KOALAS ON MAGNETIC ISLAND
The largest colony of free-roaming koalas in Northern Queensland call Magnetic Island home, they are often found sitting in branches and eating eucalyptus leaves or snoozing through the day…
WALLABIES
Allied Rock Wallabies live in the rocky terrain and dense vegetation of the Island. Their subtle colouring camouflages these animals, making them difficult to see among the rocks…
OCEAN FRIENDS
Magnetic Island is located within the world heritage Great Barrier Reef and with that title comes great and amazing ocean animals including, whales, dugongs, dolphins, rays, and turtles…
BIRDS
The island is home to over 180 species of birds; some live on the island permanently while others are migratory visitors…
SNAKES
Several species of snakes inhabit the island including the non-venomous common (tree) snake, and the venomous death adder…
POSSUMS, BATS, AND ECHIDNAS
The island has around 40 species of mammals living in its parks, including near-threatened bats and the adorable short-beaked echidnas…
DOMESTIC ANIMALS
Domestic animals are not permitted in National Park or on tidal land, including sand-dunes, beaches, mangroves and rocky headlands.
In short, this means you can not take your dog on a beach that adjoins national park; this includes Rocky, Arthur, Florence, Balding, White Lady, Lovers and all of 5 beach bays.
You can take your dog to Picnic, Nelly, Geoffrey, Radical, Horseshoe and West Point. While pets are welcome on the island, please note there are no designated off-leash areas, and keep dogs out of swimming enclosures. Always be responsible and do not let your dog chase wildlife. Dog owners should be particularly careful at Geoffrey and West Point as vulnerable birds live on the dunes.
Please keep cats indoors and secure.
Bringing your pet to the island can be done onboard Magnetic Island Ferries or Sealink, Sealink requires for pets to be muzzled or in a pet carrier for travel and they are allowed at the back of the vessels on the lower deck. No dogs are allowed on buses.
OUR WILDLIFE LIKES
To sleep and have quiet time during the day to conserve their energy,
Native trees and flora as this is the safest place for them to be,
You to keep your dogs and other pets locked in at night,
You to keep an eye out and take it easy on the roads, especially at night,
Foraging for food,
When you stay calm, quiet, and keep your distance when you come across them in the wild, they like their personal space, so use the zoom on your camera if you’d like a photo!
OUR WILDLIFE DISLIKES
Your pets or feral dogs and cats, they frighten or may even attack wildlife if uncontrolled or allowed to roam,
Garden pesticides – wildlife can absorb chemicals through their paws, in runoff water, or through their food in the leaves they eat,
Fast traffic – animals usually take their time as they cross the road so PLEASE drive slowly
Rubbish – contaminates their habitat and food sources so find a bin and recycle where you can
Nets and fishing lines – marine life can get caught in these which often leads to death
Being fed by humans – in some cases can result in death or unnatural behaviours if they become reliant on being fed outside their natural diet.
The above information is part of the Sealink Magnetic Island Wildlife and Trails Guide, pick up your copy at the ferry terminal.
WILDLIFE CONTACT NUMBERS
Magnetic Island Veterinary Clinic
P: 07 4778 5977
Magnetic Island Koala Hospital
P: 07 4778 5977
Magnetic Island Wallaby Refuge
P: 07 4778 5977
Magnetic Island Fauna Care Organisation (MIFCO)
P: 0457 634 732
Licensed snake catchers:
Rod Thorne
P: 0403 292 295
Sally O’Connor
P: 0437 705 885
Stuart Evans
P: 0438 953 656