Crunching the numbers on Magnetic Island

Numbers are running through my head as I glide through the sparkling water, meditatively completing lap after lap. 18 minutes by ferry from Townsville. 85 marina berths.  87 languid sweeps of breaststroke is all it takes to propel myself from one end of the pool to the other. Now I'm no Leisel Jones, but I still feel I've made good time, as I progress from end to end of the enormous L shaped lagoon style pool. After all I've spent much of my lap time gazing up into the hoop pine tree lined hill, while osprey circle gracefully high above. I tell myself I'm exercising, but I'm hardly convinced. I'm enjoying having the whole place to myself: in the four days I've been enjoying the pool at Peppers Blue on Blue, I've never encountered anyone else in the pool. Neither have I seen or heard anybody in the modern apartments that surround the enormous lagoon pool, though I have encountered a few stray souls wandering the marina docks adjacent to the immense saltwater pool.

The wet season has arrived at Magnetic Island and all the tourists are either hunkered down in their accommodation, or else they're enjoying dry climes further south. Either way, I'm delighted to revel in the absolute serenity of what I've come to know as 'mypool'. When it's not raining the humidity seems to suck all moisture out of my body: floating around in the pool seems the perfect way to re-hydrate.

Opened to much fanfare in 2007, Peppers Blue on Blue sits elegantly adjacent to the new Nelly Bay Harbour with its 85 berth marina. Contemporary styled apartments are configured in either studio, one, two or three bedrooms, most with views overlooking the harbour. Significantly in a tropical climate, consideration has been given to natural ventilation, with cooling louvre windows featured throughout, though air-conditioning is also an option. Large decks and courtyards offer a tempting retreat for sundowners, though when the sun does peek from behind those storm clouds, the west facing decks cop a real hammering in the tropical afternoon heat.

Internally, the styling is all clean lines, with cool whites contrasting with tones of crisp lime and turquoise, creating a cooling atmosphere. Natural hues of driftwood and granite reflect the towering granitic boulders that dominate the island, while fully equipped kitchens provide opportunities for self-catering. There's a well-stocked IGA supermarket right next-door, though dining at the signature Boardwalk Restaurant is highly recommended. The menu changes monthly and features plenty of local produce. Dining outdoor on the terrace as the tropical rain thunders down in curtains cascading off the roof is one of the unique experiences of a tropical climate. There are very few places in predominantly dry Australia where the locals don't bat an eyelid as torrential rain creates waterfalls on the seawall. For those of us not used to it, the cleansing rain is a novelty that I never grow tired of.

But I know that the wet season is short-lived as I recall another significant number: Magnetic Island averages 320 days of sunshine a year. Actually,I'm not convinced that the wet season is not a far better time to be here. With the yacht berthed in the marina, all the crew have access to the resort facilities of Peppers Blue on Blue. Now, back to those laps....

TRAVEL…..BOATING…..LIFESTYLE…..

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