Magnetic Island, a Most Unique Barrier Reef Island

Magnetic Island brings something unique to the Great Barrier Reef, it is the only island on the reef with an untouched National Park, a Resident population and a variety of Holiday Resorts. The island has an average of 320 sunshiny days each year, and is only about 20 minutes by a "fast Cat" across Cleveland Bay, from Townsville, one of the most popular holiday towns in northern Queensland.

All visitors to the island can choose from a vast array of things to do, however some of them require that you stay more than just a day. Water activities visitors can pursue on their own include, snorkeling over the coral reefs, renting catamarans, sailboards, canoes and aquabikes to go exploring on your own, their are a few beaches, on the island, that are accessible by boat only. Kayak tours and scuba diving trips, are also available, participants will more than likely see dolphins, sea eagles and turtles, while on them, as the abound in the waters.

Guided tours are available on land, however for the more independent, to go it on their own, they can take a bus, hire a taxi, rent a Harley Davidson, a Moke, bicycle, trail bike or scooter to explore the island. The less energetic can indulge in table tennis, lawn bowling, horse or pony riding or play a round of golf at the Country Club in Picnic Bay where, it is said Greg Norman first played golf.

Guests will not lack for things to do as there are lots of places to shop, with shops in all four residential bays. There is also a variety of excellent restaurants, a tavern, marlin bar and stage door theatre restaurant, in fact they will need to stay at least a few days, to be able to see and indulge in all the island has to offer.

Accommodations on the island run the gamut from self contained holiday units to Bed & Breakfasts accommodations, backpacker resorts, camping facilities up to motels and hotels. Anyone looking for luxury, will find it in the luxuriously appointed, 2 bedroom/2 bathroom freestanding Villas nestled in the tropical gardens across from the beach. The Villas share the swimming pool, while each has its own covered private veranda. For those who wish to stay more than a few days there are houses for short or long term rental, able to accommodate 2 families or groups of up to 15 people.

All visitors to the island have the opportunity to see native Aussie animals in their natural habitat, as there is also a wildlife park. Among which are Koalas, and here you are allowed to "cuddle a Koala." The most distinctive thing visitors will remember, long after leaving Magnetic Island, is the crazy, mad, haunting call of the Bush Stone Curlew, these bizarre birds, with extra skinny legs, once common throughout Australia and now almost extinct, have found a refuge on Magnetic Island.

Magnetic Island, a Most Unique Barrier Reef Island

Vacation Resorts Guide