Destination Adventure’s ‘Great Island Trek’ on Magnetic Island a hit
MAGNETIC Island might not be a hidden gem given it’s right off Townsville’s coast and can be gazed upon enviously each day. But there is a secret many people are perhaps not aware of.
MAGNETIC Island might not be a hidden gem given it’s right off Townsville’s coast and can be gazed upon enviously each day.
It’s fringed with beautiful clean beaches and this is what draws people to the island.
But there is a secret many people are perhaps not aware of.
The trails that dot and crisscross the picturesque island are often overlooked or not even known about.
But for 350 walkers, joggers and runners, that’s what they saw first-hand during the Great Island Magnetic Trek last Saturday.
The event, run by Destination Adventure, has limited numbers because of its nature. This year it sold out in about two weeks.
The trek began at Picnic Bay, then went to Nelly Bay before climbing through the national park and along the fort trails.
The forts are a spectacular part of Maggie, as it’s affectionately known to locals. They are remnants built during WWII and have left a lasting impression on the island.
Perhaps the most spectacular part of the experience was left to last.
People headed from the fort along the trails to Florence and Radical Bays, before finishing at the iconic Horseshoe Bay.
Daina Clark established and runs Destination Adventure, the group that put the Great Island Magnetic Trek together.
She said last Saturday’s event had been “fantastic” with people aged from 5-70 taking part in it.
“We promote it as an adventure not a race,” Ms Clark said.
“You don’t have to be a super athlete to do it, it’s really open to anybody who feels like they can go for a walk.”
There was 15 and 30km treks during the second edition of the event which is becoming even more popular.
“The island is so spectacular for these sorts of things,” Ms Clark said.
“I had Maggie Island residents telling me they’ve seen parts of the island we showed them.
“Everyone is getting a knew appreciation of it.”
Townsville’s Gail Kingston did the trek with her step daughter Kaeley Allen, 16 and loved it.
“It’s a wonderful experience to get out and enjoy Maggie Island,” she said.
“I’ve been in Townsville for just over 10 years and I was always interested in walking the trails and when I did it for the first time last year I loved it so much, I decided to bring my step daughter.”
The weather during the event, like most of the time in this spectacular part of the world, was absolutely perfect — in the mid to high 20s.
Ms Kingston said it was just a wonderful experience and one she would recommend to any one.
And just as a topper, the money raised from the event went to beyondblue.
PICTURES: TIM HEMPSTEAD
Originally published as Destination Adventure’s ‘Great Island Trek’ on Magnetic Island a hit