Since first arriving on Magnetic Island in 2011, Tim Hempstead, founder of MI Ride, has been passionate for the splendour, beauty, history, and ecological values that Maggie has to offer. He has always wished to share his wonder for the island with others.

Tim hails from South Africa where after his career as an elite Olympic rowing coach, he turned to his passion as a wildlife photographer and conservationist, focusing on Africa’s mega fauna.  

Tim is a graduate of our local James Cook University, where he excelled in studies of Zoology and Ecology. It is this knowledge base, combined with his passion for the environment, and in particular Magnetic Island and the Great Barrier Reef, that has steered him towards MI Ride’s guided discovery tours.

MI Ride’s Wild West Eco and Sunset Tours were born out of a desire to show visitors a side of the Island that is seldom seen. To expose tourists to the wonders of Maggie’s western side and provide an “alternative” experience to the beauty of her other bays and attractions.

In 2023 a specific all-terrain, 27 seat bus “Bessie” was purchased to ensure safe travel on the upper West Point track and to allow for creek crossings and sandy conditions. Since 2023 we have also purchased a smaller all-terrain, 11 seat bus "Buster" who predominantly does the small group tours along the west coast of Magnetic Isalnd.

One of the delights of bus transport is the height passengers sit at, providing excellent viewing, deep into the surrounding vegetation.