This Aussie island is the perfect place to escape to this winter
It is a stunning Aussie island that was recently branded a “ghost town”, but the truth of this hidden tropical gem has now been revealed.
If you’re sitting in your uninsulated Sydney or Melbourne rental right now, dressed in every warm piece of clothing you own while dreaming of booking an island getaway – then this is your sign to finally do it.
And, the best part is, you don’t even need to leave the country in order to live your best island life.
If want somewhere you can laze around on the beach and immerse yourself in nature through snorkelling and bushwalks, while also being able to treat yourself to some cocktails and fine dining in the evening, then look no further than Queensland’s Magnetic Island.
Situated just a 20 minute ferry ride from Townsville and located within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, Magnetic Island is nothing short of paradise.
The island boasts 23 bays and beaches, fringes coral reefs, has kilometres of unique bushland hikes and is home to the largest colony of koalas in northern Australia.
It also has a growing foodie scene, with a plethora of restaurants, cafes, breweries and bars to choose from.
With 320 days of sunshine each year and average winter temperatures ranging between 14C and 25C, it is the perfect place to escape the windy, cold weather currently being experienced in more southern parts of the country.
In May this year, a video made by a representative of a local kayak tour company went viral after claiming there had been a drop in tourism this season.
The video included imagery of empty beaches and streets, with the local branding it a “ghost town”.
However, anyone visiting the island will quickly see this is not the case.
Lisa Woolfe, director of Visitor Economy and Marketing, Townsville Enterprise branded Magnetic Island the “jewel in our tourism crown”.
“Magnetic Island plays a significant role in our tourism sector and supports more than 25 per cent of Townsville North Queensland’s tourism jobs, injecting more than $300 million into the regional economy each year,” she told news.com.au.
Because there are so many beaches and scenic areas to choose from on the island, there is every chance that you will stumble across and area you are able to enjoy all to yourself.
But this doesn’t mean the island isn’t bustling with life, rather it is a testament to the way the area has been developed, which champions its natural beauty and encourages visitors to spread out and explore different areas, rather than congregating in one main strip.
For those looking to explore the vibrant underwater world that Magnetic Island has to offer, the Geoffrey Bay self-guided snorkel trail is a great option.
The trail starts on Marine Parade, about 400 meters from the beach, and has four numbered surface floats to guide you along the way.
The trail will take you over a huge range of coral species, along with the chance to spot Angelfish, Butterflyfish, and Yellowtail Demoiselle fish.
If you are more interested on being on top of the water, rather than under it, you can make your way up to Horseshoe Bay where you will find a variety of operators from which you can hire paddleboards, kayaks, jet skis and other water-based equipment.
There is also plenty to do on dry land, with the seasonal butterfly walk also in the Horseshoe Bay area.
Between May and August blue tiger butterflies migrate to the island for their annual winter rest.
There is also the Forts Walk, which is the most popular walking experience and has a historical element, taking visitors past a series of impressive World War II relics.
Walking through eucalypt and acacia woodland there is also a good chance you will spot a koala resting in the trees above.
If you’re looking to add a bit of luxury to your stay then look no further than the Grand Mercure Apartments Magnetic Island, which is conveniently located just 50 metres from the ferry terminal in Nelly Bay.
Situated right on the water, the hotel offers fully self-contained apartments, four different pools (including rooftop and ocean front options), an outdoor spa, gym and guest BBQ area.
It is the perfect place to unwind by grabbing a bottle of wine and soaking in the bath while enjoying the beautiful ocean views.
If you want to keep the luxurious vibes going while also exploring the island, then booking a tour with Pilgrim Sailing is the perfect way to experience the area in style.
As part of the all-inclusive lunchtime sailing cruise, visitors can sit back and relax on the 58-foot yacht, with only a few other guests, as they sail along Magnetic Island’s breathtaking coastline.
The crew will anchor at one of the island’s bays, where guests can then either choose to relax on board, swim, snorkel, chill on the giant inflatable mat in the water or head to shore and explore the bay.
You will have your choice of organic wines, local beers or soft drinks and, after a bit of relaxation time, guests will be served their own gourmet lunch platter that includes locally sourced seafood and a selection of antipasto bites.
Back on the island, visitors are spoiled for choice with the range of food and drink options available.
Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar, Stuffed on Seafood, Picnic Bay Hotel and Saltwater Restaurant are just a few options if you are looking to grab a bite.
If you are looking for somewhere to relax with a beverage while the sun goes down, Magnetic Island Brewery, Wine Bar by Sandis an The Island Bar are all excellent options.
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Magnetic Island offers everything you could want in an island getaway.
Ms Woolfe sums it up perfectly, telling news.com.au: “Magnetic Island is a place where you can live like a local and dive into immersive, personalised, and unforgettable experiences.”
This writer visited Magnetic Island a guest of Townsville Enterprise.
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