Anchorage: Magnetic Island QLD 

National park bushlands, enormous granite boulders tumbling into the sea and a relaxed holiday feel, all within view of the 'big city' lights of Townsville

  
National Park Walking Trails.....Picturesque Anchorages....Balmy Evenings & Alfresco Dining

More than two thirds of Magnetic Island is a National Park and the island is home to the largest free roaming koala population in northern Australia.  Walking trails traverse the mountainous island, with many secluded beaches only accessible either by foot or boat.Stretching less than 12km from west to east, the island boasts 23 bays and beaches for naturists to explore.White sand beaches contrast starkly with emerald water, with many bays fringed by enormous granite boulder outcrops, offering enchanting challenges for enthusiastic rock hoppers.
With approximately 3000 permanent residents, the island is delineated into a number of coastal and hillside villages.Each village has its own distinct dining and entertainment options.At Horseshoe Bay don't miss the Barefoot Restaurant for its exquisite cuisine on the outdoor deck, diverse wine list, and a gallery full of art on display, including a Picasso.

Anchorage
With many light weather anchorages to choose from, Magnetic Island promises peaceful bays bordered by granitic outcrops overhung with towering hoop pines.Fringing reefs offer good snorkelling opportunities. Developed SE trade winds however can make many anchorages untenable.Horseshoe Bay offers the best shelter from SE winds, although swell may invade the anchorage if these winds are well developed.		  

Approach to Horseshoe Bay can be made from any direction, making directly for the extensive sweeping sand beach.Many private and commercial vessels are moored in the bay all year round.Anchor over sand and mud in approx 3 mtrs in the SE corner of the bay.There is a boat ramp and water sports hire business located beneath the enormously gnarled trees on the shore.Ashore, visitors will find an array of low-rise dining, entertainment and accommodation options.An island bus service runs regularly from here to Picnic Bay via the harbour.

Large passenger and vehicle ferries travel between Magnetic Island Harbour and Townsville each day from early morning to late into the evening.Magnetic Island Marina sits adjacent to Peppers Resort and welcomes visitors to book a berth.

 
If, and when, the light N winds arrive, (generally sometime between late Nov and early Feb) Gregory Bay offers protection, with the added bonus of being a short dinghy trip into the Magnetic Island Harbour at Nelly Bay.Careful approach on the leading beacons into Gregory Bay is required, with the fringing reef opening up a channel large enough for a small number of vessels to anchor in.

Anchorage location:  Lat 19 deg 07S Long 146 deg 51E Horseshoe Bay (S wind)
                               Lat 19 deg 09S Long 146 deg 52E Gregory Bay (N wind)

  
Checklist
Best Time to Go Magnetic Island is an all year round destination.However during the monsoon season, between November and March, tropical cyclones can traverse this area.Box jellyfish frequent these waters during this season, making swimming viable only inside stinger enclosures at Picnic and Horseshoe Bay.
How Long to Get There It is approx 5nm across Cleveland Bay from Breakwater Marina, Townsville to Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island
Fuel & Provisions Fuel is not available at Magnetic Island, and water is difficult to get onboard without many dinghy trips.The closest fuel station (and water) is at the Breakwater Marina Townsville.Provisions are available from the well-stocked IGA Supermarket adjacent to the ferry terminal at Nelly Bay.
Cruising Guide Cruising the Coral Coast by Alan Lucas
Charts: Paper AUS256 Cleveland Bay & Approaches
Charts: C-Map

Bowen to Richards Island

Destination Info Magnetic Island Tourism
 
 

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