Seven weekend getaways
Fancy escaping the big smoke? We profile seven surreally good weekend getaways - each accessible from capital cities across Australia.
By Emma Freeman
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Magnetic Island, Townsville, Queensland
Just a short ferry ride from Townsville, Magnetic Island is a tropical haven lined with sandy beaches, covered in emerald rainforest and teeming with wildlife. Free of large hotel resorts and commercial ventures, the island has a relaxed, hippy vibe that you’ll struggle to find on the more touristy islands of North Queensland.
Book yourself into a B&B or boutique hotel in any one of the island’s beautiful bays (we recommend Horseshoe Bay for relaxation and water activities), and let the friendly locals share their island paradise with you. Take a koala walk and marvel at the furry creatures slumbering away in the island’s gum trees. Feed the audacious wallabies on Arcadia Barge (make sure you purchase the correct pellets first), feast on local seafood, go horse riding along the ocean edge or explore the island’s stunning coral reef while snorkeling or diving. You can also access the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef via a boat ride.
Book yourself into a B&B or boutique hotel in any one of the island’s beautiful bays (we recommend Horseshoe Bay for relaxation and water activities), and let the friendly locals share their island paradise with you. Take a koala walk and marvel at the furry creatures slumbering away in the island’s gum trees. Feed the audacious wallabies on Arcadia Barge (make sure you purchase the correct pellets first), feast on local seafood, go horse riding along the ocean edge or explore the island’s stunning coral reef while snorkeling or diving. You can also access the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef via a boat ride.
Despite lying in the path of Cyclone Yasi and Cyclone Anthony, the town’s newspaper confirms the local koala population has survived... and despite a few flattened gum trees, the island remains as magical as ever.
Townsville is just a 2-hour plane ride from Brisbane.
Click here for more info
Click here for more info
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1 Comments |
| Emma on 16 February 2011 ,08:17 Magnetic Island, or "Maggie" as the locals call it, is indeed a very relaxing getaway. (I live in Townsville, the city on the coast.) The island is about a 20 minute ferry ride from Townsville, which is about one and a half hours plane flight from Brisbane. Come and stay longer - there is a lot to do, including climbing up to forts left from WW2. There is something for everyone - we spent wonderful times as children exploring the different bays - there are lots of hills on the island so bring your hiking boots if you want to go off the beaten track. |
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