One of the most attractive and adventurous Islands off the Eastern
coast of North Queensland Australia is Magnetic island, so named because
of its iron ore. It is said that the magnetic influence was recorded by
none other than Captain Cook. He named the Island while sailing close to
it and saw the effect it had on his compass. With 25 spectacular beaches
and a dynamic coastline studded with magnificent hoop pines and huge
granite boulders, Magnetic Island is the perfect "natural vacation destination"
with a wide variety of environmental experiences and attractions.
Two thirds of the island is protected National Park
and is home
to over 100 species of bird-life including; Bluewing Kookaburras, Black
Cockatoos, Curlews, Plovers and Sea Eagles. Views from the winding roads
and walking tracks are among the most spectacular in the world. The Island
is the most northerly point in Australia to have large free ranging
colonies of Koalas. They can often be seen while bush walking on the
island, particularly on the forts walk. Rock Wallabies and Possums are
also commonly sighted.
For diving enthusiasts, superb fringing coral reefs and
shipwrecks provide spectacular diving sites, some just meters offshore.
If
you enjoy bush walking, the island’s 25 kilometers of walking tracks
provide an opportunity to see the wildlife in its natural
environment and also enjoy the many spectacular views from numerous
lookouts. One of the most popular walks
on Magnetic Island is the forts walk. The 2 kilometers walk takes you back
in time to World War II, where a defense base was built consisting of two
gun emplacements, an observation tower and a command post. Panoramic views
can be experienced from the command post over Magnetic Island and the
Coral Sea.
One of the most relaxing ways to explore the island is to take
a sail or cruise. On any of the island's gorgeous shores visitors can swim
and snorkel in uninhabited bays and beaches, feed the resident fish and
marvel at gra
vity
defying granite boulders overhanging the shoreline.
The staff of Travelers Digest toured this magnificent island in
Aug. 2002. I was fortunate to be one of them and was amazed at the level of
preservation that had kept this island so beautiful. There are villages,
shopping, restaurants, clubs, great beaches, hotels and a hundred
adventures, just waiting. It is truly one of the most remarkable islands
in the world and a must see to enjoy the absolute best of nature.
During our stay one of the island's small
resorts impressed me and that was the "Magnetic
Island Tropical Island Resort." It isn't a high-rise or overly
crowded hotel. The stylish and self catering cabins are
laid out in the wilderness with no disruption of the native plants and
wildlife. The center of the resort is
it's world class award winning restaurant and bar. The dining was
fabulous. After a great meal we decided to stay a few days and was
assigned a cabin. The cabins were all fairly large and very private, as
well as
masterpieces of rustic design. They provided guests with somewhat of a
camping experience, while still being quite comfortable.
Our entertainment at the resort was cheap and
extremely cute. One night while playing a
card game on the front deck of our cabin we were joined by several of the
local animals. We were quite taken by the friendliness of a small group of
possums, as they marched right up on the deck and climbed onto the railing
just inches from our table.
The lil' beggars with the most darling face's were too precious to deny. They
rose on their hind feet and put out their hands waiting patiently for some tidbits. All we had were some
"M&M candies, but needless to say, they loved them. In fact they
ate the entire bag and were quite unhappy when we ran
out. I snapped several great close-up photo's that I still treasure.
The resort's pool is gated, private and surrounded by tropical
trees
and plants. The entire grounds were natural and home to hundred's of
magnificent Rainbow Lorikeets, some of the most beautiful parakeets in the
world. I even saw a few large and stunning Cockatoo's.
If you visit Australia, go
to Townsville in North Queensland and take the short scenic ferry across
the bay to Magnetic Island. If you don't, then you have not seen the best
of Australia. Once you arrive, visit the Magnetic Island Tropical Resort
and get back to nature. Say hi to Blu, the owner, for me and mention
Travelers Digest and receive a discount.
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Review written by the touring editor; Mike Smith.
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