Image Credit: Townsville Enterprise
Palm-fringed beaches, endless sunshine, koalas, hiking trails, topless barbie cars, snorkelling adventures, and the list goes on! Just a short 20 minute ferry ride from Townsville, Magnetic Island boasts the natural beauty and serenity of an island paradise within a thriving community with more than 2,500 people calling the Magnetic Island home. From backpacker hostels to holiday homes, luxury resorts to quaint BnB’s, the island offers a huge range of accommodation options, with something to suit everyone’s travel style.
Things to do at Magnetic Island: http://bit.ly/2ly8l2U
1.2km return
1 hr return
Grade: Easy
Starting at the eastern end of Picnic Street in Picnic Bay, follow a track that will lead you to the saddle between Rocky Bay and Picnic Bay. Here, you will have a decent view over Rocky Bay. From here, you can even scramble down to Rocky Bay. Otherwise, the track then winds to the top of a large boulder, offering views over toward Picnic, Nelly, and Geoffrey Bays and back toward Townsville. This is Hawkings Point Lookout. One of the best places to watch sunrise and sunset.
4km return
1.5hrs return
Grade: Easy
For several reasons, this is one of the most popular tracks on the island. The Forts Walk leads to the historical WWII fortifications and infrastructure. Lookouts along the way afford excellent views to the Palm Island Group in the north and Bowling Green Bay National Park in the south. The Forts Walk is also one of the best places to see koalas in the wild, often sleeping high up in eucalyptus trees. Listen for the male koalas, as their mating call is loud, and some believe they sound like lawn mowers.
100m return
5 mins return
Grade: Easy
Starting on Radical Bay Road between Arthur Bay and Florence Bay, follow this short track to the popular viewpoint over Arthur Bay.
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