Magnetic IslandMagnetic Island is the only island on the North Queensland Coast with a delightful blend of untouched National Park, a resident population of about 2,500 and a variety of holiday resorts.
Although in the Tropics, the Townsville area is in a rain shadow which makes it the sunniest city on the Queensland coast (Magnetic Island averages over 300 days of sunshine per year). Just twenty minutes by fast "Cat" across Cleveland Bay from Townsville and you could be in what many consider Paradise.
More than half of the Island's 5,184 hectares is National Park, with Mt.Cook in the centre rising to 497 metres. Huge granite boulders are softened by tall Hoop pines, eucalypt forest and small patches of rainforest. Where the rocky headlands meet the sea many secluded beaches have been formed, some may only be reached on foot or by boat.
There is 24 kms of walking track through the park with many spectacular lookouts. The National Park is a haven for wildlife, like rock wallabies, possums, koalas and a wide variety of bird-life.
To really see the Island you need to stay a few days at the very least, laze under a coconut palm on the warm golden sand and relax - then plunge into cool, clear, blue water. If you come only for a day, then you will probably be planning your next holiday here.
|
|
