Magnetic Island is 5 nautical miles north east of Townsville. Discovered and given its name by a ‘magnetised' James Cook over 230 years ago - Magnetic Island still attracts many sailors to its shores today on their way north to 'The Palms'. The island is known to the Traditional Aboriginal Owners as 'Yunbenun'.More than half the island is national park and people that visit the island say that it is reminiscent of the Greek Isles.GeographyIts huge granite boulders spill down the headlands into the sea, producing many secluded beaches and bays - some of which are only accessible by boat or walking track. Towering emerald green hoop pines dominate the mountainous skyline and will keep drawing you forever upward to discover spectacular panoramic views overlooking the Coral Sea. WildlifeIf you choose to take on any of the popular walking trails that wind their way throughout the island you will be surrounded by thousands of sweet smelling eucalyptus trees, which are the main draw card and sanctuary for northern Australia's largest colony of wild koalas. The natural rugged beauty of this landscape is also a haven for numerous other wildlife such as rock wallabies, possums and a wide variety of tropical bird life such as rainbow lorikeets, sun-birds, sea eagles and the iconic curlew. HistoryTake a meander through any of the islands walking trails and you will find Magnetic Island's history is as diverse and colourful as its landscape. One of the most popular and rewarding of these is the Forts Walk; a 2km track leading to a defense base complete with gun emplacements, observation tower and command post that was all built to protect Townsville during World War II. If it's the islands original European settlers that interest you, then a visit to the History and Craft Centre in the old Picnic Bay School with its large collection of old photographs and artifacts should satisfy any avid history buff. Aboriginal CultureThe Aboriginal Traditional Owners are the Wulgurukaba or 'canoe people'. They know the island as 'Yunbenun' and lived on the island and nearby mainland for thousands of years before white man. Shell middens, stone tools, art sites and burial sites on the island are still physical reminders of their long occupation as custodians of their land and sea country. Today the Wulgurukaba retain strong connections to their country. Such stories as the Big Carpet Snake that links Magnetic and the Palm Islands to the mainland, tell of the creation of this landscape during the Dreamtime. The Big Carpet Snake story can be read at the Arthur Bay lookout on the walking track to the Forts. |
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