Blogs from Magnetic Island, Queensland, Australia, Oceania - page 2

Magnetic island Another popular pit-stop for backpackers travelling up the east coast, Magnetic Island reminded us somewhat of Koh Tao and the Thai islands. Not just because of the lack of main roads around the islands, scenic walks and spectacular coastline, but also because of the full moon party hosted once a month. The island reminded Rach of a giant campsite because of the criss-crossing and large soaces of frass in between where numerous houses were plotted in rows with no driveway or obvious separation of land. The hostel we stayed at, Base Backpackers, was the most picturesque hostel we've been to so far with the bar area and swimming pool overlooking the crystal clear waters of Nelly bay. Even the toilets afforded a photographic opportunity with the view from the window showing a drooping palm ... read more

Well arrived in Magnetic Island after getting the Greyhound bus and a ferry across. We are staying in a tent for a few nights bit different from the cottage in Port Douglas but great all the same. The tents have a wooden like shack over with a metal roof to stop the coconuts falling off the trees landing straight on the tent - not sure what is best coconut on tin in the middle of the night or direct on to the tent, ha ha Well the island is small but very beautiful is all I can say and there is one road going around it for all of 10k - so you can see the island in a day and we are here for 3 nights. So after 2nd night we decided to rent a ... read more

A beautiful slice of paradise. Flew to Townsville and took a ferry to island. First went shopping at ferry wharf then took a taxi to Horseshoe Bay. Amazing house near a swamp (called a lagoon on the brochures) which was magical. A quick walk through the forest lead to beautiful Horseshoe Bay. Lovely beachfront with palm trees. Saw a turtle (which was not well). walked around and up a mountainous hill and ate often on the waterfront. YHA nearby so went to animal park/Koala Sanctuary Next to Arcadia where we went on lots of walks around the island. Walked to town along coast and generally enjoyed a peaceful 10 days. Bliss. Photos say more than I could.... read more

We didn't have to give the Moke back til 9am this morning so we got up early and made the most of having transport, making our way over to the IGA at Nelly bay to pick up a couple of provisions and stopping at the Harbour to take a few photos. Will also thought he would re-live his mini racing days and put the little Moke to the test up the hills and around the bends whilst Jo held on so as not to be thrown out the side of the car. It was then time to fill up with petrol and head back to our hostel in Nelly Bay to hand in the keys. With the Moke safely returned we made breakfast in the camp kitchen - a treat of bacon and egg sandwiches. We ... read more

The journey down the east coast started today and we were up early to catch our Greyhound bus to Townsville. Fortunately we'd walked the route the night before as Jo was still half asleep and suggested walking in the wrong direction! Once aboard it was a case of getting comfortable and trying to sleep, although a young kid did initially threaten to spoil the journey with a few screams albeit he fortunately settled down. Stopping at Cardwell our 5 hour drive passed by quickly with the highlight for Will being a brief drive along the V8 Supercup track coming into Townsillve before getting to the ferry terminal conveniently next to the bus stop! Fortunately we were soon boarding the ferry although we had to listen to a lady adamantly telling another passenger for the whole journey ... read more