I'm now at Magnetic Island having joined the Oz Bus to start my journey south down the east coast. Magnetic Island is a 35 minute ferry crossing from Townsville and has a permanent inhabitance of only 300 people and one of the few places in Australia to have a natural inhabitance of koalas. I'm thrilled to say that having trekked for what seemed like for miles in the blistering midday heat I saw a mother and baby koala fast asleep up in a tree, stirring slightly by the sound of our cameras, yawning and then going back to sleep. Priceless.

Magnetic Island can be driven around in a day, of which we did yesterday in a silver and pink glittery moke (car/golf buggy). Needless to say the boys quickly regretted their decision to let the girls organise the roadtrip vehicle! The island has numerous deserted coves of crystal clear waters and golden sands of which I'm trying very hard not to become too blaze about having seen so many recently!

My youth hostel comprises of individual beach huts, a large swimming pool, bar and cafe on decking sheltered by the shade of the palm trees, private beach with free use of sea kayaks and a beach party every night. Not bad for only 11 GBP a night!

I set off for Airlie Beach tomorrow where I join my Whitsunday sailing trip...