Magnetic Island Qld

I had a date with JACKIE PUGH today and magnetic island was the destination . Jackie and I worked together at Seaview Hospital Hokitika. We now both work for the same agency, Koala, at the Townsville health services.

Located 8 km from Townsville and easily visible from the city, Magnetic Island covers 5184 ha and rises to 497 m at Mount Cook. It is 11 km at its widest point and there is approximately 40 km of coastline. The eastern side of the island has four small settlements at Horseshoe Bay (the island's major residential area), Arcadia, Nelly Bay and Picnic Bay.

The island was first discovered by Captain Cook who called it Magnetical Island because he believed that the ores on the island had affected his compass. Cook's concerns seem to have been unjustified as subsequent tests have shown no magnetising qualities in the island's predominantly granite boulders. The island has four prominent points, each pointing in the general direction of the main points of the compass . This has become the current rational for the name.

When Cook passed the island he noted in his journal on 6 June 1770:

'This bay which I named Cleveland Bay appear'd to be about five or six miles in extent every way; the East point I named Cape Cleveland and the West Magnetical Head or Isle as it had much the appearance of an island and the compass would not travis well when near it. They are both tolerable high and so is the Mainland within them and the whole appear'd to have the most ruged, rocky and barrenest Surface of any we have yet seen.'

The great botanist, Joseph Banks, was briefer:

'Land made in Barren rocky capes; one in particular which we were abreast of in the morn appear'd much like Cape Roxent at noon 3 fires upon it.'

The fires that were seen by Banks were undoubtedly those of the local Aborigines. Aborigines were regularly moving from the mainland to the island at this time. They would have come for the excellent supplies of crustaceans (there are a number of shell middens on the island), the fish in the surrounding waters, and a range of animals, fruit and vegetables.

Europeans did not settle on the island until the 1870s. The early settlers were attracted to the island by its peacefulness rather than any economic value it may have had. By the end of the century a low level of 'tourism', encouraged by the construction of a guest house and hotel, had started.

Access to the island is by a regular ferry service which leaves from Marine World in Townsville. There is also a barge which transports vehicles to the island . From Nelly Bay, a bus services can drop you off on route anywhere you chose .

The water was Blue and clear but not inviting enough for us to don our Bikinis and swim out to the reef. We went over to Horseshoe bayon the bus . The weather was threatening rain which limited the tourists . Jet Ski Hire and fishing trips operators had decided to have the days off . That left us to wander, dine and look at the birdlife. A great chance to have a good catch up with Jackie.

I wonder what will happen next