Magnetic Island has a laid-back charm and beauty that makes it one of the great budget holiday destinations off the north Queensland coast. Although the island is only eight kilometres from Townsville, (20 minutes by fast ferry), it is a world apart from the bustling north Queensland capital. About 2500 permanent residents live in secluded pockets on the 5184ha island, two-thirds of which is protected by National Park.

One of Australia’s largest populations of koalas roam free in the park, along with possums, rock wallabies, curlews, hawks, eagles and parrots. Magnificent white sand beaches make fishing and boating a way of life and comfortable climbs on the 21km of well-defined bush walking tracks present breath-taking views Magnetic Island is one of those places that allows you to set your own agenda both in choice of accommodation, which ranges from full-on luxury resort to hostel, and pace. It is an environment that appeals to walkers and 80kph-plus jet-skiers, to anglers and horsemen, to snorkellers and golfers, to nature-lovers and historians, to beachcombers and dedicated sun-worshippers

Once you get over there, there are a multitude of ways to get around which include hiring a car or moke, motorbike, scooter and bike or you can simply walk. It is about 12 kilometers from one end of the island to the other by walking along the road.

Access to Magnetic Island is via ferry boat. You can choose from either "Magnetic Island Car Ferry" or "Sunferries"

"Magnetic Island car ferry" is the cheapest way to get to Magnetic Island and it takes about 20 minutes. It leaves the city terminal and Breakwater terminals approximately every hour, arriving 20 minutes later at Nelly bay. There is also a bar and cafe on board. Phone (07) 47725422 Website www.magneticislandferry.com.au

"Sunferries" do 15 transfers to Magnetic island a day, which take only 20 minutes. Sunferries allow you to take up to 6 passengers across with your vehicle. Its first service of the day leaves at 6.00 am and last at 5.20 pm. There are 7 departures a day but only 6 on Saturday and Sunday as there is no 6.00am ferry. Sunferries also do day trips to the Great Barrier Reef, where you can snorkel, dive or take a ride in their glass bottom boat. This includes your lunch, morning and afternoon tea. You can also do "discover SCUBA" while you're out there, to see if you like it. More information is available on their website. www.sunferries.com.au

Things that are free on Magnetic Island:

"Swimming" enclosure nets are situated at "Picnic bay" and "Horseshoe Bay"

"Walking Trails" Throughout the island are many walking tracks 25 kilometers in total, with spectacular views from hill tops. Also, not to mention the wildlife, such as koalas, possums, wallabies and tropical bird life.

Things that are not free on Magnetic Island:

Dive Operators

Pleasure Divers Phone (07) 47785788 www.divemagneticisland.com

Discover Magnetic Island's best Coral Reefs on a snorkelling adventure with local Marine Biologist, Dr. Andy Lewis. Phone (mobile) 0419 712 579 Reef Eco Tours

"Bluey's Horse Ranch" situated on Magnetic Island, is one of the only places you can take your horse swimming. This is suitable for beginners to advanced. Phone (07) 47785109 www.blueyshorseranch.com

"Magnetic island Sea Kayaks" Discover Magnetic island in kayaks on a guided tour showing the best of Magnetic islands national parks Phone (07) 47785424 www.seakayak.com.au

"Magnetic Island Tour" Take a half or full day tour of Magnetic island in the comfort of a stretch Jeep. Phone (07) 47581800 www.tropicanatours.com.au

"Reef Eco Tours" Discover the best Coral Reefs around Magnetic Island with Dr Andy Lewis, local marine biologist, and his experienced staff.Phone 0419 712 579 www.reefecotours.com

"Jazza 12 m Monhull" Enjoy a day cruising around the waters of Magnetic Island and go snorkeling or swimming in some of the more secluded bays. The Jazza runs 7 days aweek. Phone (07) 47785530 www.jazza.com.au

Accommodation on Magnetic Island

Arcadia Beach Guest House 27 Marine Parade, Arcadia Tel (07) 4778 5668 or 1800 655 680 Website www.arcadiabeachguesthouse.com.au Email info@arcadiabeachguesthouse.com.au

Arkie's Backpacker Resort 7 Marine Parade, Arcadia, Magnetic Island Tel (07) 4778 5177 or 1800 663 666

Base Backpackers 1 Nelly Bay Road, Nelly Bay Tel (07) 4778 5777

Bungalow Bay YHA 40 Horseshoe Bay Road, Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island Tel (07) 4778 5577

Forest Haven 11 Cook Road, Arcadia, Magnetic Island Tel (07) 4778 5153

Magnetic Island Tropical Resort 56 Yates Street, Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island Tel (07) 4778 5955

Travellers Hideaway 32 Picnic Street, Picnic Bay, Magnetic Island Tel (07) 4778 5314 or 1800 000 290