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Published: August 12th 2010
We loved Magnetic island. Peaceful, laidback and slightly off the backpacker run from Sydney to Cairns. From Townsville it's an easy 30 minute crossing on the Sun Ferries catamaran and then, if you stay in the Arcadia Beach Guest House, there's a good chance that Pete will pick you up in the Roller! This turned us into Flashpackers apparently. We got a little tour round in it as well and ooh didn't people stare. Louise gave them a little wave.
We spent three nights on the island. Alma bay, a short stroll, is picturesque and tranquil and great for a swim or a snorkel. There are a couple of great walks on the island, 'The Forts Walk' takes you up to the old WW2 installation (a hundred or so Aussie men and women were stationed here during the second world war) where there are views over the island and you might see a koala or two. The second walk connecting Arcadia Beach with Nelly Bay sweeps through the centre of the island. We enjoyed this one best. It was a bit more challenging and we saw four Koalas that day.
Close to Arcadia beach there are Rock Wallabies. The
Magnetic Island
from Castle Rock Townsvillelocals have taken to feeding them once a day and if you turn up around 5pm they're all there waiting around for a bit of carrot. It's not really like spotting them in the wild but it was fun to be able to get closer and see them bouncing around, they move really quick!
Magnetic Island, so called because Captain Cook couldn't get his compass to work. But it turns out the island is not really magnetic after all and the Captain's compass was just broken. Broken Compass island? But then there is something quietly attractive about Magnetic Island and you might find it hard to leave. So maybe the name is appropriate after all.
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