Magnetic Island

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Magnetic Island with Townsville suburbs in the foreground

Magnetic Island, just offshore from the city of Townsville, Queensland, Australia in Cleveland Bay is a 52 km² mountainous island which has effectively become a suburb of Townsville having well over 2000 permanent residents. It is accessible from Townsville by ferry. Ferries arrive at Nelly Bay. There is a large 27 km² national park and bird sanctuary and excellent walking tracks can be taken between the populated bays and to a number of tourist destinations such as the World War II Forts.

The island has long become established as a holiday destination with many hotels and several resorts in operation to cater for all levels of service.

The Island is a haven for wildlife and is 54% National Park which is mostly located on the steep hilly interior and rugged north western side.

One of the most distinctive features of Magnetic Island is the native Bush Stone-curlews - a bird with a piercing cry which has awakened many a visitor in the night when they are most active.

Koalas are relatively common on the Island and can easily be found on the famous Forts Walk.

The pressure of coastal development has, in recent years, begun to make a significant impact on this Island that lies in the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. At present many millons of dollars in development are planned for the Island and the impact of these has led to considerable opposition from some residents who fear the effects this development will have on the environmental values of Magnetic's lowlands which are not protected by the national park, these areas represent only 20 percent of the whole Island, and of this 20 percent, most is freehold land and is already developed.

The name of the island came about because of the apparent "magnetic" effect it had on the ship's compass of Captain Cook as he passed the island when sailing up the east coast of Australia in 1770. People have since explored the island with magnets to verify the field that Cook experienced, but none have been discovered.

The Public facilities and Infrastructure on the island are managed by the Townsville City Council. The Island is part of the Electoral district of Townsville (represented by Mike Renolyds) in the Queensland Legislative Assembly. The Island is also part of the Federal seat of Herbert which is represented by Peter Lindsay.