Magnetic Island

Our time in Townsville has been very relaxing.  We've managed to catch some movies, hit the shops and spend time with the family.  We have a perfect campsite on our daughter's nature strip with power and water provided.  They have added to their family while we've been here with 2 new puppies arriving a couple of weeks ago.

Last week we decided to take advantage of some sunny weather to catch the ferry to Magnetic Island.  We all piled into our car which comfortably seats 7 and  headed for the car ferry at the port.  FantaSea gave us a very comfortable crossing, just under an hour, and we drove off at Nellie Bay, on the southern side of Magnetic Island.

The island is quite small and is a popular tourist destination.  There are a few resorts and a good mix of accommodation with car hire available if needed.  We had packed our car with a picnic for lunch.  We drove the few kms to the appropriately named Picnic Bay where we sat on the grass under the coconut palms and had lunch.

Then we drove to Horseshoe Bay, about 12kms away on the north of the island.  From here we drove to nearby Radical Bay.  This road put Robert's driving skills to the test as it's very narrow, winding and has many large potholes.  Some hire car companies do not allow their cars to be driven on this road.  However the end point was well worth the drive to the very picturesque bay.  There are stinger nets at the patrolled beaches at Horseshoe Bay and Geoffrey Bay so there's safe swimming at this time of year.  

Mid-afternoon saw us all back at the ferry for our return to Townsville after our outing across the water.

We'll be packing up and heading south in the next few days.  The monsoon and cyclone season is upon us and we'll be moving to a drier climate.  So far the weather has been great, with minimal rain but heavy rain is forecast to hit Townsville in the next few days.