Just off the Coast of Townsville, Queensland sits Magnetic Island. 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.

The island itself is beautiful and the views from our hostel were incredible both during sunrise and sunset. We stayed at Base Hostel which was located on the East side of the Island, literally right on the beach. If the weather had been good it would have been a perfect location.

Bobbi and I didn't let the weather get to us and decided to do the number one thing to do on Magnetic Island - The Forts Walk. At this point I am definitely grateful for carrying my walking boots around with me!

As the track winds up the hill we caught glimpses of secluded bays and turquoise sea through the Eucalyptus Woodland. The views of Arthur, Florence and Horseshoe Bays were picturesque as the sun came out. We also got sightings of old gun and ammunition emplacements, an old Observation tower and a command post with 300 degree views of the island and surrounding forest.

After we power walked up to the top of The Forts we took a leisurely walk back to the bus stop. This is were we kept our eyes on the trees and were lucky enough to spot koalas in their natural habitat. Koalas are adorable I just wanted to pick one up and take it with me!!

In hindsight we should have stayed an additional night on magnetic island instead of making the journey to mission beach where there was not a lot to write home about unless you decided to do a skydive or white water rafting. I have chosen to save the skydive for New Zealand!