Magnetic Island.

Sunday and Monday we spent exploring in and around Townsville, referred to as the Capital Of The North. Mount Cootharinga, known better as Castle Hill is one of the better known landmarks of Townsville and one of the most distinctive natural features on the Queensland coast, and is an imposing backdrop to the heart of Townsville.
Tuesday morning we locked up the caravan, leaving it for 4 days while we soak up some luxury at a timeshare resort on Magnetic Island.
The island is adjacent to Townsville just off the coast, with regular ferries covering the 8km trip in 20 minutes for the passenger ferry and 40 mins for the vehicle ferry. Although Magnetic only has about 20km of road, we elected to take the Landcruiser over as this allowed us to take food etc. which we had in the fridge and freezer. We also have our push bikes and snorkelling gear etc. so don't have to lug those about. The trip across was great on the 9am vehicle ferry, dead calm water due to the proximity of the Barrier Reef and the many islands scattered about. After disembarking we drove around the Island to get our bearings, then checked into our accomodation for the next 4 nights, "Island Palms" on the waterfront at Nelly Bay. This is a magnificent timeshare resort and dare we say almost as good as Boambee Bay on a smaller scale - there are 12 units. Set in a very lush tropical setting with palms and frangipani. Some of the best beaches and most picturesque bays in Qu!
eensland are found on the island, with the more secluded ones accessible by walking track or boat. More than half the island is national park, its huge granite boulders and towering hoop pines dominate the mountainous skyline, the rugged natural beauty, a haven for wildlife such as koalas, rock wallabies and a wide variety of tropical birdlife. There are 4 small communities on the island; Horseshoe Bay, Arcadia, Nelly Bay and Picnic Bay.
We were up bright and early Wed to go on a walk to The Forts - a 3km walk. It begins as an ungraded road and winds its way along a ridge with great views above Arthur and Florence Bays. On the way up there are two gun emplacements, left over from 1939-42, plus quite a few building foundations such as; observation tower, command post, mess kitchen and sleeping quarters. We climbed all the way to the highest point (385m), the Command Post, which is still in use for navigation lights, where a panoramic view of 360 degrees is experienced.
Mid afternoon I went fishing for 3 hours from the jetty at the old ferry facility at Picnic Bay. Caught 8 smallish ones - enough for a feed.
In between times we have been swimming in the resort pool and walking around Nelly Bay area where the new ferry terminal is located.
We are going snorkelling later today.
Kevin and Gail.