‘Fun, non-competitive’: Maggie Island to explode with biggest ever Great Island Trek

The sold-out Great Island Trek will kick off this Saturday, with 1000 hikers to hit the 5km, 12km, 18km and 25km adventure trails, live music on the beach, fruit at the ferry, and more.

Great Island Trek: The SeaLink fruit station sees a wild turnover of watermelon on the day

The sold-out Great Island Trek will kick off this Saturday, with 1000 hikers to hit the 5km, 12km, 18km and 25km adventure trails.

The event is back for its ninth year and is expecting its biggest turn out ever, 1000 trekkers, who’ll spread themselves out over four different routes on the day.

Destination Adventure founder Daina Clark said people come to Magnetic Island for the challenge of the Great Island Trek, but they leave with friends, memories, and a deep appreciation for the island.

“We’re all about creating a safe, supportive and non-competitive environment,” Ms Clark said.

Peter Dunn from the Gold Coast participates in the Great Island Trek.

- WHEN: Saturday, June 7

- People with disabilities can participate on the 5km All Abilities trek

- Trekkers coming from as far as New Zealand, Victoria, NSW for the event

- Event injects an estimated $1.8m into the local economy

- Welcome fruit stand at SeaLink ferry terminal

Great Island Trek: Harvey Guy on the koala quest

- Magnetic Island Ferries will also be running the Great Koala Quest (treasure hunt for a hidden Koala ornament) to raise funds for the Magnetic Island Koala Hospital

- Post-trek beachside music event ‘Magnetic Island LIVE’

- Volunteer beach clean-up on Sunday, June 8 for World Oceans Day

Great Island Trek: A 'Where's Wally' group. Costumes are encouraged at the event

Great Island Trek (L-R) Linda Nardini, Tracey Spencer, Tanya Bryant, Wendy Wockner

Great Island Trek: Founder Daina Clark high-fives Sarah Jane Hancox at the finish line

Nearly all of the island is getting behind the event - trekkers will be kept on trial by the Magnetic Island SES and Horseshoe Bay Rural Fire Brigade, and when they get tired, the Magnetic Island Drumming Circle will drum them along.

The event charity for 2025 is Fuel for Schools. The Island Burger Bar has a special “Destination Adventure” Burger with $5 from every burger donated to this wonderful, local charity.

Originally published as ‘Fun, non-competitive’: Maggie Island to explode with biggest ever Great Island Trek