Magnetic Island

---

‘Hot and stuffy Townsville’ as it was noted in our guidebook lived up to its name, probably not helped by local bush fires. We wasted no time stuffing our rucksacks full and jumping on a ferry to Magnetic Island. We spent the first two nights in The Base hostel with a rowdy bar and a large village of huts and teepees. We spent time on the beach and in the bar as well as investigating the ice cream shops of Nelly bay! We then caught the bus to Horseshoe bay - notably the bus drivers have to wear a uniform on the island but it is a floral shirt and shorts (very Hawaii!). This second hostel was quieter and we spent our days reading on the beach and bushwalking between bays where we could snorkel amongst the coral.

---