Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Magnetic Island Travel Tips
If you're going to Magnetic Island for the day, pick up a copy of the free
Magnetic Island Guide
from any tourist information center or hotel lobby
or at the ferry terminal in Townsville before you go. Because there are so
many choices of activities and tours, it will help if you plan your day
before you arrive. Also, there is no bank on the island, so carry cash (not
every business will cash traveler's checks) and a credit card.
Be warned:
Deadly marine stingers make swimming and snorkeling a
bad idea October through May, except at the safe swimming enclosures at
Picnic Bay and Horseshoe Bay. Alma Bay is swept and patrolled by life-
savers so it is usually safe. You can still do watersports on top of the water,
if your rental outlet provides a protective Lycra stinger-suit, but you won't
want to wear one of those in the sticky summer heat from November
through March.
Tips
cruising around the island, taking a Harley-Davidson tour, fishing, and more.
Equipment for all these activities is for rent on the island.
Most activities are spread out around Picnic Bay (where the ferry pulls in) and
the island's three settlements: Arcadia, Nelly Bay, and Horseshoe Bay.
The island is not on the Great Barrier Reef, but surrounding waters are part
of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. There is good reef snorkeling at Florence
Bay on the southern edge, Arthur Bay on the northern edge, and Geoffrey Bay,
where you can even reef-walk at low tide. (Wear sturdy shoes and do not walk
directly on coral to avoid damaging it.) First-time snorkelers will have an easy
time of it in Maggie's weak currents and softly sloping beaches. Outside stinger
season, there is good swimming at any number of secluded bays found all
around the island. Alma Bay is a good choice for families as it is reef free and has
shady lawns and a playground; Rocky Bay is a small, secluded cove.
One of the best, and therefore most popular, of the island's 20km (12.5 miles)
of hiking trails is the Nelly Bay-Arcadia trail, a one-way journey of 5km (3 miles)
that takes 2
1
⁄
2
hours. The first 45 minutes, starting in rainforest and climbing to
a saddle between Nelly Bay and Horseshoe, are the most interesting. Another
excellent walk is the 2km (1.25-mile) trail to the Forts, remnants of World War
II defenses, which, not surprisingly, have great 360-degree sea views. The best
koala spotting is on the track up to the Forts off Horseshoe Bay Road. Carry
water when walking, as some bays and hiking trails are not near shops.
If you feel like splurging, consider the jet-ski circumnavigation of the island
offered by
Adrenalin Jet Ski Tours & Hire
(
&
07/4778 5533
). The 3-hour
tour is conducted on two-seat jet skis and costs A$115 (US$75) per person,
which includes your wet suit, life jacket, and stinger suits in season. Tours depart
from Horseshoe Bay morning and afternoon. Keep your eyes peeled for dol-
phins, dugongs (manatees), and sea turtles.
ORPHEUS ISLAND
80km (50 miles) N of Townsville; 190km (118 miles) S of Cairns
In the 1930s, actress Vivien Leigh and novelist Zane Grey were among the stars
who sought seclusion at this beautiful island. More recently, rock star Elton John
vacationed here. One of the Great Barrier Reef 's most exclusive retreats,
Orpheus Island Resort is a popular getaway for executives, politicians, and any
