Magnetic Island – See you later Nelly

There are many images of sunshine, great views and fun times to share from our week’s house-sit on Maggie Island.

But today I am fast forwarding to our final day.  The skies have turned overcast, with gusting winds and rain squalls blowing through.  I like that side of  Island Life – a counterbalance for the brilliance.

It seemed appropriate somehow to leave on a dull day.

I walked across flowers in the grass to take one last beach walk.

Nelly is not famous for it’s Watersports – Horseshoe Bay fills that role.

It is not full of childhood memories  – ARCADIA holds that place in my heart.

It is not the quiet backwater that is Picnic Bay.

Nor does it’s afternoon sun dissolve into the sea like at WEST POINT.

Here are some of the things Nelly Bay is:

• The staging point for Magnetic Island, where the harbour hosts a continuous stream of ferries and barges.
• Popular with Island residents who commute.
• Holiday Accommodation that varies from Bright Point (Deluxe) at the Harbour End to Base Backpackers (Budget) at the Picnic Bay end.
• Home to supermarkets, chemist, medical centre, bus depot, restaurants (try Man Fridays), School/Daycare, Bakery, one of the two petrol stations, the island’s Veterinary Surgery and a bottle shop – all of life’s necessities.
• An architectural style that ranges from modern town houses with spa baths and ocean views to old style beach houses.
• Home to the Full Moon Party at Base Backpackers.

A walk along the beach at Nelly tells the story of North Queensland life, delivered to it’s shore, as regularly as mail, by the south-easterly winds.

Coral dislodged from the fringing reefs washes up on the beach.

A fishing lure lost then found.

Cuttlefish for the bird cage.

Sugar Cane delivered by sea.

Coconuts from near and far.

Where kids play beneath the palms.

And boats are left untended.

Where a hammock awaits.

See you later Nelly.

Why do I feel sad to leave?  

I guess it is like holidaying with a good friend whose company you always enjoy, who you feel comfortable with, who stimulates you, surprises you, and leaves you wanting more.

About Magnetic Island

• MAGNETIC ISLAND is situated 8km from Townsville in North Queensland, Australia.
• It has a population of 2,500 some of whom commute to work in Townsville.
• 70% of the 5,000 hectares is National Park and it is situated in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
• Average temperatures are 28 degrees maximum and 19 minimum.
• Although bordering on the Wet  Tropics Townsville and Magnetic Island are in a rain shadow and average 320 days of sunshine each year.
• Be aware that from November to March is hot, humid and marine stingers are more prevalent.
• Early May, the time of our visit was excellent.  Temperatures ranged from a low of 20 to a high of 28 degrees with some showers.  The vegetation was green, and the water temperature pleasant but not hot like it can be in the Summer months.
• Wildlife includes wallabies, koalas, curlews and whales Aug – Oct.
• It has a very relaxed island lifestyle.

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