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Although we did have fun at Mission Beach we were hoping for more from Magnetic Island. After catching a Greyhound Bus to Townsville, then a ferry to Magnetic Island and local bus (on Magnetic Island) we arrived at Base Backpackers. It was a beautiful location, situated in Nelly Bay, one of many beaches the island had to offer. The accommodation was more like a resort in style with large open bar area complete with decking looking out over Nelly Bay.
We checked in and headed for our accommodation which this time was in the form of a triangular wooden hut containing 8 bunk beds. Our hut was the second furthest away from the reception, bar and other facilities such as the toilets and kitchen. Hey Ho, the actual resort was pretty nice, complete with small open grassy areas with hammocks to chill in and obviously the beach on the door step. The major downside to this hostel was the ridiculous size of the kitchen. For the amount of rooms the place had, the kitchen had 12 hobs, bear in mind when at full capacity there is 8 people to a dorm, that is not alot of hobs.
Lucky for us, we were given some vouchers on check in, two of which were a free drink at the bar and a free evening meal. We made the use of these and tucked into a tatsy meal that evening washed down with the free drink. The bar was trying to promote a party atmosphere within the hostel but two things stood in its way. It is technically Winter in Australia and is the low season, also even the 'happy hour' prices where on the wrong side of affordable so we stuck to one drink each (labouring it for as long as possible) before turning in for the night. This was not before accidently knocking out the power of about 3 huts beside ours. This was from attempting to have the lights and fan on at the same time in the hut. This was sorted out quickly though in true, relaxed Aussie fasion, telling us the fuses can be
"a bit of a pr@*k."
I think he hit the nail on the head with it.
Magnetic Islands itself is a pretty big place with a number of different beaches and bays to visit. Although accommodation on the island does cater for the tourists (which visit year round) it is not over run with neon lights or bars (by any means) and seemed to be near enough untouched and relaxed, which was definitely a positive.
With the limited amount of time we had we decided against catching buses across the island and stuck to Nelly Bay. We spent our second day lazing around on the beach, having a swim in the sea and doing some snorkelling. It was a day relaxing in the sun and doing this helped us to appreciate the attraction of Magnetic Island. It was also a chance for Belle to show me up with her rather tanned skin, compared to mine, still lacking that golden glow.
That evening we braved the kitchen and managed to knock up a meal for the three of us, which we ate on the picnic style benches outside, from which we watched a possum help himself to people's left overs out of the bin. Not bad entertainment. A similar night as the first followed but this time without the the 'happy hour' drink, which was replaced by yet more reading. For those of you who dont know Belle is quite a keen reader, me on the other hand have never really understood the appeal. It was only now that it was starting to become apparent to me.
When we first arrived at Magnetic Island we couldnt help but feel it was pretty similar to Mission Beach, vast and with not much to do. However looking back at it, Magnetic Island is pretty different. It is an Island just off the coast of Australia, with stunning beaches and clear waters which has not (yet) been over taken with neon signs and pubs called the Red Lion. We had two quiet, relaxing days, without any (or very little alcohol) enjoying Magnetic Island for what it is. It's probably just as well as tomorrow we are heading back to Townsville to meet Koo!
- comments
del strewth - both places sound bonzer. can't wait fot the next instalments.
Jill Cairns Matt, what a brilliant read! We are still checking up on you and reading what you two are up to! Jill