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Smoke and Roses - The Attraction of Magnetic Island



Logged 37 Nautical Miles, 1 Hour Sail 6.75 Hours Motor

August 6 – 10

Magnetic Island to Orpheus Island

Traveling north along the Queensland Coast, our next stop was Magnetic Island. More than half the island is National Park, its huge granite boulders and towering hoop pines dominate the mountainous skyline. The islands rugged natural beauty is a haven for wildlife such as koalas, rock wallabies, possums and a variety of tropical bird life. Leaving Hook Island, that afternoon, we had three large dolphins put on a show for us.  The dolphins escorted us for nearly thirty minutes; they played mostly in the bow, swam alongside and came straight up vertically out of the water. At the same time Dan caught and released a small shark. The overnight trip to Magnetic Island had light wind and we motored most of the way. Unfortunately we both have sinusitis and were tired, so after cleaning the boat, we rested.

The next morning we went ashore to explore, beyond the beach was a main road lined with quaint shops, bars and restaurants. Stopping at the Bungalow Bay Koala Village we wondered through the campground and saw our first koala in a eucalyptus tree. “Mischief” arrived that morning and after lunch they joined us to do a walk. We all wanted to see the cuddly-looking tree-hugging koalas in the wild so we headed to the National Park and took the Fort Walk. At the top we had spectacular views over Cleveland Bay from the observation tower and command post buildings, both remnants of the USA allies World War II army installations. Along the track we saw two koalas on the way up and Wendy spotted one on the return. It was thrilling to spot the koalas in their natural environment; Magnetic Island is home to the largest free roaming koala colony in the world. In addition to koalas we spotted several unique birds. We enjoyed drinks and dinner on shore and made plans to go to Townsville the next day via bus and ferry with a return to Magnetic Island in time to see the Rock Wallabies.

Townsville is Australia’s largest tropical city; its focal point is the wonderful beach front “Strand”. Being close to the city center, the “Strand” offers fishing, parks, playgrounds, scenic walks, kiosks, restaurants and shops. Heading into the heart of Townsville, we decided to take the rock “goat track” to “Castle Hill”.  Castle Hill is a red rock monolith offering panoramic views and a slice of military history. Just meters short of being a mountain, this hike were very challenging. Next we found a brewery where we enjoyed lunch and lounged with beverages until the ferry ride back to Magnetic Island. It was late afternoon and the ferry was full of school children heading home, as she was a teacher, Neen enjoyed vising with the students. Back on Magnetic Island we took the bus to Arcadia. Prepared with wallaby food we walked a short distance beyond Geoffrey Bay to see the rock wallabies. There were several, on the road and amongst the boulders, some were shyer than others. One of them had a little joey in its pouch. From here we took the bus back to Horseshoe Bay and bought a few supplies. As we have similar interests, touring with “Mischief” is a pleasure.

Making our way north, the original plan was to stop at Fantome Island but with no beach access we continued to Orpheus Island where we anchored for the night. The next morning some of the “Mischief” crew went to the beach and for a snorkel on a coral head in the clear waters of Pioneer Bay. Having boat chores to do and still not feeling well Dan and I stayed on board. We enjoyed watching a large manta ray swim around our boat as well as back and forth between the two boats. After lunch we raised anchors and headed for Cairns.

Agnes Long


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