Bright and Breezy at Bright Point
Ocean views forever from one of Magnetic Island's newest properties at One Bright Point, Nelly Bay
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Waiting to board the Sunferries catamaran at the Townsville terminal, which also doubles as a long distance coach terminal, travellers while away the time flicking through images on digital cameras, clutching well-thumbed Lonely Planet guidebooks like Bibles as they anticipate the 20 minute boat trip to Magnetic Island. The main attraction of this laid back island, just 8km from Townsville is a casual, tropical holiday, focused on a forested island with sweeping beaches hidden behind granitic outcrops, tucked protectively inside the Great Barrier Reef.
.jpg "Mantra One Bright Point Magnetic Island")
But while the beaches are a major attraction, it is actually the relaxed ambience of this tropical island that is the motivator for my own visit. Home to approximately 3000 residents who reside in waterfront villages like Picnic Bay, Horseshoe Bay and Arcardia, the island is predominantly National Park, with towering Mt Cook at almost 500 metres above sea level dominating the island.
On approaching Nelly Bay, the most obvious sign of change since my previous visit some three years ago, is the addition of the new marina and adjacent residential and hotel development. The modern architecture of Mantra One Bright Point is striking against the granite boulders that appear in the most surprising places across the island. Much to the consternation of some long time locals, modern architecture has come to 'Maggie' and it is in this complex of stunning waterfront apartments, perched just metres from the sea, that I anticipate spending tropical days on this island that averages 300 days of sunshine per year. |
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 Stunning Location
Stepping into an Oceanfront Suite at One Bright Point is a little like walking into a Luxury Travel & Style magazine. Mantra One Bright Point is a glamorous serviced apartment property designed in a traditional beach house style with a contemporary twist. Sliding beech panels, louvred walls and entry breezeways allow for passive ventilation, creating cool, restful areas that are just perfect for sipping a sundowner or two as the sun disappears behind Mt Cook.
I am in a two bedroom Oceanfront Apartment, which is positioned literally atop the seawall created from the ubiquitous granite boulders. I imagine I can actually see the fish darting around the rocks below me. Displaying the innovative and contemporary tropical design found throughout the resort, my apartment is so new I imagine that I can smell the paint drying. Which of course I can't, all I actually inhale is the invigorating aroma of the sea just metres from my deck. Being so close to the ocean proves to be mesmerising throughout my stay: I find myself constantly drawn to the vision of the sea, despite the fact that (or perhaps because of) I live onboard a yacht year round. Ships coast down the channel and small white sails lean to the wind, spray flying into the air as the wind increases. At night, the lights of Townsville twinkle in the distance, with the red and green lights of the channel markers flash in unison.
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 Luxurious Rooms
Stepping across the timber deck floor of the entry Beach Room, into the tile floored living room, my eyes are immediately drawn towards the wall of double glazed glass doors at the far end. Sliding open the doors and the need for double glazing becomes immediately apparent as the crashing of ocean waves against granite creates a cacophony of noise that we can barely talk over. Peering over the balcony I realise I am close enough to the ocean to drop a line in, should I have the ridiculous urge to do so.
From the open plan living room that becomes our home away from home over the next few days, the kitchen and dining area blend into the oceanfront deck as I spend many hypnotic hours flicking my gaze over the ever changing vision of the sea. My room contains all the standard features and I take full advantage of the brand new luxury appliances: a sleek stone kitchen with stainless steel appliances, laundry, air conditioning, large flatscreen tv, dvd player and hairdryer.
But it is the bedroom that offers perhaps the most incredible panorama. The queen-sized bed is positioned opposite a wall of glass that opens onto that amazing view. It is not even necessary to lift ones head off the pillow to gaze at the waves rolling in. Bathing in the oversized bath tub, I spend hours alternating between reading and watching the horizon as I top up the bubbles. The generous sized shower also takes full advantage of the location, boasting a floor to ceiling glass wall that looks through the bedroom and beyond, uninterrupted out across Cleveland Bay. |
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Entertaining Magnetic
The lights of Townsville start to twinkle on the horizon as dinner beckons. The island in the past had a holiday reputation that lacked a certain style. But this is slowly changing as upmarket residential and holiday properties spring up. Indulging our love of art, we call a cab and ask the driver to take us to the intriguingly named Barefoot Art Food & Wine in Horseshoe Bay. It proves to be an excellent choice as we find ourselves at an intimate candlelit table on the rear deck, dining beneath a canopy of palm fronds in the balmy tropical evening.
Another night we opt to dine at the sophisticated, award winning French restaurant Le Paradis, only to discover disappointedly that we have arrived unannounced on the one night of the week the restaurant doesn't open (Monday). However it's not a total disaster as we decide to pick up some gourmet treats from the IGA store and dine in after all on our private deck. |
| Checklist |
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| Contact |
Mantra One Bright Point 146 Sooning St, Nelly Bay Magnetic Island QLD 4819 Phone (07) 4758 2100 |
| Tariff |
One bedroom apartments start from $155 per night (garden view) and from $180 per night (ocean view) |
| Stepping Out |
Barefoot Art Food Wine is a superb venue for lunch or dinner, though regrettably as with many north Queensland restaurants, service levels can be a lucky dip. |
Getting Around
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Mini Mokes are the ususal form of transport for visitors and can be hired from one of the two depots near the ferry terminal at Nelly Bay. Buses run across the island seven days a week, meeting all ferry arrivals. |
| We Abhor |
Serviced Apartments that are miserly with essentials such as bin liners and dishwasher tablets. |
| We Adore |
Laying in bed or lounging in the bath, the views across the water to Cape Cleveland are mesmerising. | |
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