"Visit Maggie" Magnetic Island by TashieKitten

A wonderful island sits off the coast of Townsville. Most of this island is a National Park. The island was named by Captain Cook, who sailed over most of the waters of Eastern Australia as well as New Zealand. Apparently, Captain Cook, no matter how hard he tried, kept returning to the island for whatever reason. Magnetic interference disrupting the compasses or just bad navigation; one of the two inspired the name of the island.

Ah, to get away from it all. If you're in or around Townsville and tired of "city life" a day trip to Magnetic Island could be just what the doctor ordered. Of course, many people live right there on the island and commute to Townsville for work but for Townsvillites it's an easy way to get away.

There are several bays to visit, spending a day sitting on the sand, snorkelling (hopefully after the water hasn't been dredged) sunbaking; hiking the trails; riding/driving mokes (dune buggy type contraptions) and that's just the beginning! There are hostels there as well as hotels and I'm guessing cabins for rent.

As much of the island is a State Park you can hike around and see koalas in the wild. They weren't native to the island but moved there. Evidentally, it's one of the few good places to see them. That is, if you can FIND them. They can be hard to spot high up in the trees.

This can also be a good place to try snorkelling for the first time. As there are so many bays you're somewhat protected from dangerous water. Rent some gear and give it a go before spending more money to go to Kelso Reef or booking a day trip out of Cairns.

• Pros:Nice for a day trip, picnic and snorkelling.
• Cons:Visibility can be deminished for snorkelling/diving if they've just dredged the canal.
• In a nutshell:Nice toget away from it all.