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MAGNETIC ISLAND - IT'S ATTRACTIVE!
We arrived on Magnetic Island (Maggie) 11.30 am Friday 18th Dec'r via a 40 mins Virgin Blue flight from Cairns to Townsville and then a 20 minute SunFerries crossing to the flashy Nelly Beach Harbour where the Maggie experience begins and ends.
Magnetic Island is a small island with a population of 2,100 8Km off the mainland of Townsville. It is packed full of Koalas, stone-curlews, rocky outcrops, dry forests and beautiful bays. Named by sea explorer Captain Cook who on approaching the island found his compass lost all sense of direction - either that or the crew had a little too much rum! Anyway, our ferry had no such problem as we arrived at our second destination in glorious sunshine.
Our apartment (Canopy Apartments) was a 15 minute walk from the Harbour but as it was hot and we had lots of baggage we caught the bus - this took 20 minutes as the driver went the scenic route covering every road in and around where we were headed!
Canopy apartments are a small complex of 12 detached recently built units in the shape of a canopy/tent, of modern design, around the pool area within a wooded area. The first thing we noticed was the number of singing birds that could be heard but not seen in the trees and this was to be a feature of our stay - the dawn chorus that lasted all day and into the night.
On site there were Curlews and one a protective mother who saw us off if we got too close to her three chicks. Anne tried to get too close on one occassion and was chased away!
We also had a visit from the Possum family. Yes the Dame Edna ones!! Although they have a rat like tail their face is squirrel like and they were very friendly and playful, particularly when there is food around. They are protected on the island and seem to know it as they let you know if they want more food knowing you cannot harm them.
We settled in to our wildlife surroundings having an early night to be fresh and ready for the next day. Saturday and we were up with the dawn chorus ready to walk into Nelly Bay for some Bar B provisions. It was only 7.00 am but in the 30's C! On the way we noticed maggie is a nominated site for solar panel energy and locals appear to be installing them on masse.
Then it wss off to Picnic Bay a 4 Km walk, some of it uphill, in soaring heat. On route we saw a turtle nest that had been cordened off as the mother had buried her eggs and gone off to return later nearer to hatching time. On reaching Picnic Bay it was a toss up o go for for either a swim or a beer. The beer won followed by the swim in a 'Stinger enclosure - a netted off area to protect the public against'stingers'. These are found around the Queensland waters this time of year and if stung by one can be fatal. It is possible but not advisable to swim in the sea but if you do to use protective clothing (Stinger Suits). The water in the stinger enclosure was warm, refreshing and safe to swim in.
Sunday we wanted to travel further afield (although the island is only 12 - 15Km long) so we headed off to hire 'The Topless' a pink and white 'postman pat' looking vehicle!
I thought it best for Anne to drive it as it was not good for my macho image!
We picked it up and headed off the Horseshoe Bay, aptly named after the shape of the Bay. The car went well although with no doors and roof getting in and out meant climbing in and out of it. Horseshoe bay was lively with a small local market along the front as well as some busy bars and restaurants. We bought a couple of pairs of Aussie beach shoes (very comfy) had a spot of lunch and headed off to the beach for an afternoon nap under the shaded trees. However, the local parrots had different ideas and kept us awake!
It was then off to find some local Koalas who hang around in Eucalyptus trees dozing or
'high' on eucalyptus before awakening late afternnon. We walked for 20 mins hoping to see one but gave up as it was too hot. Back to the 'toy' car and off home via Alma Bay.
Stopped there for a drink and rest before returning to our wooded refuge. Later that evening we planned to go out for a meal and arived 8.15 pm to take our table. To our surprise the chef had finished for the night! We moved on a nearby Italian restaurant and that too was closing. However, they offered us a take away pizza and said they would leave the patio lights on if we wanted to sit and eat it. We did that and openend our Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc before heading back home earlier than expected. That's Island life for you!
Monday 21st dec'r and our last day on the island. We took the car back, went to the internet cafe to catch up on emails and blogs and then caught a bus to Alma Bay, some 2k out of Nelly Bay. There we lunched at the Magnums back packers hostel (nice Aussie burgers!) had a couple of hours on the beach before returning back to pack our bags ready for our next destination and a 600+ mile journey South to Hervey Bay via Airlie Beach. There we will meet up with Laura & James to share our Xmas together.
" Maggie, I think I've got something to say to you, It's late December and you really should be a little more cool"
Paurick and Anne
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