Magnetic Island
One of the hidden treasures in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia is also one of the largest islands in the Whitsundays - Magnetic Island. Magnetic Island, Queensland is located about 30 minutes by boat off Townsville's Cleveland Bay.
Maggie (as locals affectionately call it) is home to 2,500 people, a number of different thriving communities and 2 surf lifesaving clubs. Unlike many of the other Whitsunday Islands, Magnetic Island is not built around a single resort, but has a multitude of accommodation options and resorts for travellers to choose from. It also has a huge variety of activities catering for all ages, fitness levels and interest.
Mt Cook in the centre of the island towers to 497 metres above the azure ocean surrounding Magnetic Island. Over half the island is National Park, where rock wallabies, curlews and koalas roam free, amongst hoop pines, eucalypt forests and pockets of rainforest.
Magnetic Island, Australia was so named in 1770 by Captain Cook when his compass played up near the island. Boats have been having challenges ever since, with the seas around the island dotted with ship-wrecks which are now homes to fish and coral. A map of Magnetic Island highlights the dive sites and wreck locations to help you explore.
Holidays on Magnetic Island are laid back, family friendly and affordable. Mini mokes are the traditional form of transport on the island and offer a unique experience of the beautiful surroundings.
Townsville, Australia is the gateway to tourism on Magnetic Island. Townsville's airport is busy, with 7 airlines servicing the area.
