It’s hard to believe this largely unknown idyllic waterfall is just five minutes walk from the town of Arcadia on Magnetic Island! With no crocodiles or stingers, we this series of idyllic cascades makes for the perfect spot to beat the heat! Although there is little information and no signs about this Magnetic Island waterfall, it is surprisingly easy to find. Just be aware that depending on rains the creek feeding the falls may not be flowing, so best visit in rainy season.

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Secret Waterfall – Magnetic Island

HOW TO FIND THE SECRET WATERFALL – MAGNETIC ISLAND

So this waterfall is not marked on any maps and requires a bit of exploring to find it, but fear not we will point you in the right direction. It turns out the waterfall is really accessible and it’s a wonder that it is usually very quiet!

• Drive to the suburb of Arcadia on Magnetic Island.
• Turn right off Hayles Ave up Endeavour Rd.
• After a couple of hundred metres the road is blocked by a gate.
• Park the car to the side of the gate in the makeshift parking area.
• Walk around the gate and head uphill along Endeavour Rd.
• After maybe 100m or so you should round a corner where the road and Petersen Creek seem closest (you should hear the water flowing, that’s when you know it’s time to get off the road. You should be able to spot a rough unmarked bush trail that heads down the gully towards the creek. Be super careful as the ground is quite steep and slippery.
• Be aware there may be a few dirt tracks heading down there in seperate spots, but once you reach the creek you should be able to walk up and down it to find a nice spot!

SECRET WATERFALL – MAGNETIC ISLAND ENTRANCE FEES

Entrance & Parking – Totally FREE!

BEST TIME TO VISIT + TIPS

The best time to visit Magnetic Island for the waterfalls is between November to April, the island’s wet season. Obviously the shoulder period after rainy season would be the ideal combination of good weather and some water in the watering holes.

This Secret Waterfall on Magnetic Island is still one of the lesser known spots on the island so is typically not crowded with tourists. However, on a hot day you can occasionally find a few others cooling off here.

If you’re a waterfall lover, photographer or just looking to escape the heat we can totally recommend this awesome series of lagoons!

Just make sure to be aware of your surroundings especially whilst climbing down the gully and watch out for snakes.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT SECRET WATERFALL – MAGNETIC ISLAND

Hidden amongst the Aussie bush is the beautiful Petersen Creek, a creek with vivid emerald green water. The creek itself runs for quite a distance and there are various lagoons and small cascades making for the perfect swimming hole. Because the waterfalls are all extremely small they make for quite safe swimming with little risk of going over any edges. Even Ollie sat in the flow of the river and was in no danger of falling anywhere.

Where to stay on Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island has lots of accommodation options to choose from, so we have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay on the island. See the list of accommodations below that we personally recommend:

Luxury: Grand Mercure Apartments Magnetic Island

• With the character of Magnetic Island reflected in its distinctive architecture, Grand Mercure Magnetic Island offers a secluded sanctuary, with oceanfront accommodation comprising of four buildings nestled around tropical landscaped gardens. It features 4 great pools including a rooftop infinity pool. Grand Mercure Magnetic Island offers a selection of deluxe one, two and three bedroom beach house style apartments designed to take advantage of uninterrupted views of the Coral Sea and enhance the natural space and lighting with sliding door panels, louvered walls and breezeways and private balconyies.

Click Here to check rates and availability.

Midrange: Peppers Blue on Blue

• Peppers Blue on Blue Resort offers luxury accommodation overlooking the Magnetic Island marina and ferry terminal. Peppers Blue on Blue offers guest rooms including resort style suites and one, two and three bedroom apartments. Fully embracing its waterfront location, the resort’s sleekly decorated suites boast sun drenched balconies. The property also has two great pools.

Click Here to check rates and availability.

Budget: Bungalow Bay Koala Village

• An eco village catering for overnight guests with bungalow accommodation + camp grounds in a natural setting full of wildlife. Bungalow Bay Koala Village showcases open-air building designs and communal spaces for guests. The accommodation is located in the heart of Horseshoe Bay, 4-minute walk from Horseshoe Bay beach, nearby many island activities and walking trails through the national park to beaches offering snorkelling.

Click Here to check rates and availability.

For all other places to stay on Magnetic Island, Click Here to search on Booking.com

We also highly recommend searching for homes on Airbnb. If you have been living under a rock, here’s a link to sign up for Airbnb that will automatically give you $55 off your first booking, whatever and wherever that may be.

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GOOD LUCK FINDING THE SECRET WATERFALL ON MAGNETIC ISLAND AND ENJOY YOUR WATERFALL CHASE!