A Slice of Paradise

Magnetic Island. The Law of Attraction states that positive thoughts will bring positive experiences and magnetic island – known affectionately as ‘Maggie’ by the locals – definitely lives up to its name. The positive force on the island is apparent as soon as you step off the ferry in the harbour. It has a overwhelmingly tropical vibe, with palm trees lining the bleached white beaches against a backdrop of rainforests. The bus drivers even wear Hawaiian shirts and if you’re driving yourself then it’s either in a topless little barbie cars or mini moke!

If you’re looking to explore Australia’s nature scene then this is your place: koalas can be spotted along the forts walk and wallabies can be fed amongst the rocks on the beach. There are waterfalls hidden amongst the rainforests and the reefs off one of the island’s twelve bays are home to hundreds of fish, sting rays, sharks and turtles.

We spent our three days on the island basking in the beauty and serenity of the beaches, snorkelling the reefs, driving around in a little pink topless car and exploring the many walks through the rainforests. If we thought mainland Australia was hot, we were unprepared for the humidity of the island. It is a different level. You will sweat from places you didn’t even think possible. For example, I swear I was sweating from my eyelids. The sea gives no relief other than to the wash away said sweat. It is like a hot bath and you will definitely be taking a cold shower when you are done for the day.

Because of the heat, we thought we would get up extra early to start our day of trekking. Not that it made too much difference! A two hour trek up the mountains to the old forts was beautiful but totally exhausting and very (very) sweaty. Luckily the views made it all worth it and the koala spotting along the way helped too. We took some precarious pictures on the edge of some rocks (sorry mum) and had some snacks before heading back down to our little car. Jumping over the doors became harder as the day went on but driving at a speedy 40kmph (they didn’t go much faster than that) we felt the wind in our hair and I felt like I was in a movie. Having a car for the first time in Australia was amazing as it meant we could explore the whole island in our own time. We went snorkelling in two different bays; Geoffrey Bay, where we did not see too much; and then Florence Bay, where.. wow. Although it was another long and sweaty walk, we were suddenly alone on this piece of paradise. The sea sparkled in a crescent, surrounded by steep cliffs. In the water we saw sooooo many fish and… a sting ray!!! Leaving here we felt accomplished and filled with joy from the beauty of discovering new places and things. Before sunset we drove to the most eastern point of the island where we were greeted by loads of tiny wallabies. Here we shared our snacks (they love apples and are part of their diet) before heading home for some well earned rest!

Maggie. You’re a gem of the East Coast and I feel lucky that I got to explore you. If you’re travelling and looking for somewhere to stay, Base is in a great location (Picnic Bay) but a very ‘party party’ hostel- think boozy bingo and drinking competitions . On the other side of the island in Horseshoe Bay is the YHA, near the koala sanctuary and a little bit more on the quiet side! If you have any questions, just ask!

Annabel x