Maggie Island

In the words of the Wulgurukaba, the native people of Yunbenun (Magnetic Island), “WADDA MOOLI” - WELCOME! Just 8km from the coastal city of Townsville, Magnetic Island is a popular tourist destination with a busy ferry schedule often bringing passengers just for the day for some island time. Many of its 23 stunning beaches and bays are only accessible by boat or walking tracks providing opportunities to see wildlife in their natural habitats – such as koalas and rock wallabies.

Anchored at Horseshoe Bay, we hopped on & off the local bus and "went topless” one day to do more exploring. We spotted some KOALAS sitting in branches eating eucalyptus leaves or snoozing. Where else are there Koala crossing road signs?? Saw families of cute little rock wallabies hopping

along the rocky shore looking for hand-outs. Maggie Island is known for its giant granite boulders, many larger than a house and spectacularly perched. It’s also known for its giant Banyan Fig trees with their magnificent root system along Picnic Bay. We also enjoyed some Roy Boy Stout to honor brother Roy’s June birthday at Maggie Island Brewery in Picnic Bay (more than once) – and got to know the brewmaster (from Seattle) and some of their other beers, too. On the way back to Horseshoe we spotted a team of wallabies playing “Ozzie rules football.” The low tide creates interesting shallow pools with live shells and “whatisit” creatures. At night an echidna (AU porcupine) was checking out our Jurassic Park Jeep.

On our last night Jacob and Sumo joined us to share stories and dinner on Nutmeg. We met Jacob last year at Nieu Island. He is a retired fire fighter, now a solo sailor going around the world, picking up various crew along the way. Sumo is an artist and physical therapist from Ashville NC who has the travel bug and unfortunately needs to settle down soon.

We had such a good time exploring Maggie Island that we ran out of time and good weather for snorkeling.
Always need to leave something to come back for!
XOXOXOXO Gma & Gpa