Magnetic Island; Selfcare and Therapy from Ride to Island
Kingsley from Nigeria, one of our 2025 Student Ambassadors shares one of the ways he finds time for self-care as an international student studying in Townsville, North Queensland. Kingsley is studying a Master of Social Work at @James Cook University in Townsville.
Nestled just off the coast of Townsville, this time nearly a stone throw away from the mainland, Magnetic Island is one of my favourite escapes not just only as a Study Townsville Student Ambassador, but personally as visiting the island is a self-care option for me. The ferry ride is only around 20 minutes from Townsville with very affordable return tickets and that short journey already shifts you into island mode. The ride might just be 20mins, but that feeling of the breeze, sound of the waves and view around happens to be therapeutic for me.
What I loved most was how the island blends laid-back beach life with nature and adventure. On one of my personal visits I hiked the track through bushland to the old wartime fortifications, the views over the bays were stunning and I spotted wild koalas up in the trees, which was a special moment. For someone like me who didn’t even know Koalas existed, I get excited each time I see one. The bush track climbs among hoop pines and granite boulders then opens out to panoramic ocean views.
Another highlight was heading to Horseshoe Bay at sunset: the calm sea, golden light, and palm-fringed beach made for a perfect few hours away from study and campus. And for water lovers, the snorkelling at Geoffrey Bay or along the fringing coral reef around the island will give you a chance to float above colourful fish and explore underwater life very close to Townsville.
If I were giving tips to a prospective student or fellow ambassador: bring your sneakers for the walks, pack a snorkel or use one of the hire shops, and try to time your visit for either a weekday or early morning to beat crowds. Well, that’s advice for the active and extroverts. For people like me who enjoy their alone times, just go with a beach towel, headsets and sunscreen and enjoy the peace and tranquillity. Also take time just to sit and listen to the waves, the island atmosphere is a pause in the otherwise busy student life. For me, Magnetic Island is a reminder that studying in Townsville isn’t just classroom and city, it’s also island beach, forest walks and wild nature right on the doorstep.
Photo credit: Kingsley Onunka
October 2025
