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It cannot be proved that Shakespeare visited Magnetic Island, but when he wrote those lines he must have had it in mind |
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If the legend was that the Gods had hurled these
rocks into the coral sea to make a unique playground for their children
you would begin to believe in the Gods. Mighty boulders perch, balanced you know not
how, on mightier boulders, put there it seems by some capricious
God-child. Huge slabs of time-worn granite descend into the
gin-clear coral wracked bays. In rocky valleys grow gum, eucalypts,
stringybarks, ironbarks; kapok blooms brilliant yellow in spring before
turning to pendulous fruits. In sheltered gullies small pockets of
tropical rainforest occur. |
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The first European to map this island, Captain Cook was so taken with its beauty he thought it threw his compass adrift. . so he christened it Magnetic Island . . and so although the granite headlands and bays of coral and granite sand are non-magnetic, more and more people have been attracted to its shores for more than a century. Today, while 2533 hectares or almost half of Magnetic Island is national park, island settlements like Picnic Bay, Nelly Bay, Arcadia and Horseshoe Bay are urban offshoots of Townsville as well as popular holiday and tourist centers. Nature Trails, well marked walks, through the National Park area of the island vary in length and allow the visitor to explore the wonderful untouched habitat. You will need good walking shoes, a wide brimmed hat, sun screen and you are advised to carry a bottle of water. |
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Inland from a score of secluded bays, the national park landscape is very rugged with large granite boulders and rock faces among vegetation ranging from open forest to rainforest. Here, the change in temperature and light is felt as soon as you enter these shady patches of vegetation.The Magnetic lsland rock wallaby is common on the steep slopes. It is most easily seen in the early morning. | Koalas can be found on parts of the island, although they are not seen frequently. The most likely area to find them is near The Forts. Rock wallabies are frequently seen all over the island
Associated with the marine environment are the sea birds and waders - birds such as gulls, terns, sandpipers and the mighty White Bellied Eagle frequent the shoreline. |
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Expect to see the rare Black Cockatoo in the palms along with the more common Sulphur Crested Cockatoo and look for the White Bellied Sea Eagle as he searches the waters for prey
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Beachside Palms Holiday Units7 The Esplanade, Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island,4819 North QueenslandAustraliaBooking office & enquiries: Dawn & Stuart Lavender 19 Francis Street West End Qld 4810 Australia Mob: 0419 660 078 International: +61 419 660 078 Fax: (07) 47721234 International:+61 7 47721234 Magnetic Is: Phone (07) 47785810 e-mail: bpalms@bigpond.net.au |
