Picnic Bay Jetty

The jetty at Picnic Bay on Magnetic Island reflects the island’s long history of tourism. The Butler family settled here in 1877 and initiated an intermittent ferry service, bringing holiday makers to the island. In 1899, Robert Hayles purchased the Butlers’ facilities. He then built a two storey hotel, dance hall, and a new jetty. In 1900 Hayles built a longer jetty which was extensively damaged by cyclone Leonta in 1903, and although repaired, it needed replacing by 1910. By this time, Hayles was developing a significant tourism business based in Townsville, later expanding to Cairns, Cooktown, Darwin and Brisbane. Hayles continued to increase facilities on Magnetic Island. The Townsville Harbour Board assumed responsibility for the island foreshores from 1920. Tourism ceased during WWII, with the Picnic Bay facilities taken over as a recreation camp for military personnel. After the war, the Harbour Board commissioned a new jetty in 1959. Hayles maintained a lease for a further 20 years. By 1984 the jetty was used by around 300,000 people annually. Another new jetty was planned, but an attempt to dismantle the old one was met with public opposition and a local management committee was established to maintain it.