Part 4 – Airlie Beach – Townsville – Magnetic Island Adventure
The A1 is recognised as the longest highway in the world! We covered off another 176 miles before arriving in Airlie Beach. Great apartment with views over Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays, but this meant it was at the top of a steep hill. First full day, we organised our the two trips that were on our “wish list”. We had waited to check the weather conditions and to see if we could get them cheaper. A relaxing day at the pool, which we had all to ourselves.
Alarm set for 6.30am, it was difficult to get out of bed. The weather forecast wasn’t looking too great and we had our fingers crossed for dry, fine weather. We were picked up and taken to the local airfield and introduced to our pilot Lewis, he was to fly us over the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef in a tiny 8 seater “Airvan” The conditions were perfect and we enjoyed an hour flying over the beautiful Coral Sea and saw the heart reef from above. As we arrived back to the apartment, the sky clouded over and the rain came down. We were so lucky to have chosen the first flight of the day! Mixed weather on the Saturday and M had a headache and face ache, so we took it easy as the next day we were off an a boat/snorkel trip to the Great Barrier Reef. At one point we thought that G would be going on his own. An early night , good nights sleep and some pain killers and M was fit to sail.
What a day! As it was stinger season, we were given stinger suits to wear. But first we had a bush walk up to Hill Inlet viewing point, to see Whitehaven Beach. Walked back down to the beach then had time for a swim before lunch on the beach. First snorkel location and we had smack of jellyfish – M’s worst nightmare. Fortunately they weren’t the dangerous box jellyfish, so we swam past them as quick as possible. Second stop was much better, no jellies. We saw a 120 year old clam shell and numerous fish of varying colours and size. Our wish to snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef had been granted.
Five days passed in a flash and we were soon back on the road continuing North. Nothing of real interest to see on the way apart from a Big Mango. To break up the boredom we stopped at Maccas for a fast food fest. Arrived in Townsville, couldn’t find our hotel and drove round the block twice before spotting it tucked away. Only chose to stay here so we could catch the ferry over to Magnetic Island for a day. We had intel that we may see koalas in the wild. We had a quick look around Townsville, it isn’t the prettiest place and has a cargo port. It was hot and humid too.
Next day the forecast was similar, hot/humid and wet and we were off on the 9am ferry for the thirty minute crossing to Magnetic Island – known as Maggie to the locals! It’s name dates back to 1770, when Captain Cook was sailing past the island and his compass went wonky! He believed the island was causing a magnetic interference. It’s never been proven though. Once on the island we caught the local bus to The Forts, a nice scenic walk along the coast. It was here was saw the wild koalas. Three adults and one with a back joey. Made our day. Unfortunately the rain arrived and we got absolutely drenched. We pushed on thought and walked the full walk before arriving back where we started. By this time it was hot and sunny with high humidity. Walked down to Horseshoe Bay and found a bar serving a chicken roast dinner. Perfect and even promised a Yorkshire pudding. Jumped back on the bus and headed to Geoffrey Bay. We had to go there. From Geoffrey Bay we were able to walk back to Nelly Bay for the ferry back to Townsville. We arrived a little early, so took a walk along the coast path and went rock wallaby spotting. Wasn’t too long before they appeared, hoping to be fed. Absolutely loved our day on Maggie and regretted not staying overnight to explore more.
Magnetic Island Residents – Koalas & Rock Wallabies
