Magnetic Island Part One

We headed across the water from Townsville to Magnetic Island with the sun and the wind and the clouds all happening at once. 

 

We were early for check-in, so while we waited, we went for a walk along Picnic Bay and up to Hawkings Point, admiring bird life and rock and bark formations. 

Picnic Bay jetty

Nelly Bay from Hawkings Point

Picnic Bay from Hawkings Point

Him Outdoors is near...

...and far away.

After checking in and 'freshening up', we naturally went to the brewery for hearty refreshment - accommodation planned nice and handy.

Tasting paddles at Maggie Island Brewery

The next day we set out to explore slightly further afield, with our first stop being breakfast at Scallywags cafe in Nelly Bay. I loved the piratical decor and the Dr Seuss-themed table tops. Oh, and the food was very tasty too.

It may just be that it was cold when we left Canberra and I'm enjoying the warmth, but I was particularly impressed with the bright colours of the flowers at the hippy shop.

Meanwhile, this is what passes for entertainment at the Arcadia Village Inn - note the advert in the middle for what's on on Wednesdays.

We drove to Horseshoe Bay for a walk along the beach.

And then we went for a roughly 10km walk across the island which included World War II fortifications, koala spottings, and snorkelling in Florence Bay.

Tourism information tells us, "The Forts Walk is the island's most popular walking experience, showcasing many highlights of Magnetic island National Park - koalas, stunning views and World War II relics all set in the island's tropical dry landscape... Towards the top, impressive WWII concrete fortifications sit naturally amongst the granite boulder and hoop pine landscape... The Forts Walk protects the best-preserved WWII coastal defence fortifications in Queensland and is a heritage listed site... From the very top, the views take in the surrounding ocean encompassing Bowling Green Bay National Park to the south and the Palm Islands and Hinchinbrook Island National Park to the north."

The brochure has some helpful hints for koala interractions:

• Do not touch or disturb koalas! Stay back, give koalas space.
• It's normal for koalas to be low in the trees and sometimes on the ground, especially in hot weather. This is how they beat the heat.
• Never touch, feed or give koalas water.
• Do not wake sleeping koalas. They need at least 20hr of sleep per day.

Let sleeping koalas lie

Florence Bay