So we landed in Townsville after the Greyhound pass worked its magical waysdown the coast! The only reason for being in this spot was a launch pad for Magnetic Island but the town was surprisingly developed, although not a soul around the entire time we were there! The waterfront is pretty but clearly undergone some serious city planning compared with the sights further north so not overly impressed!

We wandered along the waterfront over dirty sand, went for a pizza and climbed up Billy Goat Track to the top of the overlooking hill to realise that although the views of Magnetic Island were lovely, there was a huge sewerage plant right next to the marina ruining the views!

Not a place I'd rush back to but there's no other way to get to Magnetic Island without passing through! On the other hand Magnetic Island was great fun... got the 25min ferry over there and settled into Base Backpacking Hideaway, a retreat set on the south east of the island!

We rented a little kayak, got lodged on the coral and then had to get out and push after a couple of hours too much sunbathing in the kayak! We ended up renting a pink topless (no doors or roof), barbie style car to explore the island which was unbelievable! We drove up to Horseshoe Bay and did my first tubing session, snorkelled on Florence Bay and saw my first Echidna before watching the sunset on the west coast... one of my favourite days! With the car only booked out til 9am, we got up for sunrise at 5.50am, then went to the only nudist (and nicest) beach on the island and Radical Bay before 9am!