Discovering Magnetic Island

As part of my trip down the East Coast of Australia I decided to stay on Magnetic Island for a couple of nights. The island got its name from Captain James Cook who said that his compass went haywire when he first claimed the island. To get there you have to hop on a ferry from Townsville on the mainland.

I was staying in Base Backpackers which was hands down the most scenic and beautiful hostel I have ever been to. It's situated right on the beach with stunning views of the sea and mountains in the distance. It also happens to be the best place to be if you want a couple do crazy nights. I arrived on a Sunday so that was early to bed and early to rise as I just happened to miss the full moon party so the hostel was full of hungover people and no one was really in the mood for doing much. 

There are a couple of ways to get around the island, including renting a car or taking the bus. Seeing as no country with any sense accepts my Kenyan driving license, and I'm on a super big budget - off to the bus it was (only 7 dollars for a day pass). All the way to Florence Bay for some mid morning snorkelling, not as good as the Great Barrier Reef but still pretty awesome! The snorkel gear was included in the price of the stay so seemed a waste not to use it. I did have to wear a wetsuit though, not something I had ever thought I would have to do in Australia but they refer to them here as "stinger suits" as they protect you from stingrays...meep! 

Magnetic Island is beautiful and it seems that everywhere you turn you are met with stunning views of the sea and mountains. And most importantly I saw my first wild koala! I was on a bus so couldn't get a photo but I was so exited!!

That night the hostel lived up to its name and what started as a few innocent drinks ended up with just about everyone taking off their clothes and running into the sea. As someone who doesn't drink I am nothing if not the one who starts dancing on the tables. I just don't fall off them, spill drink down me or end up losing my belongings and my dignity. And there was a lot of that happening everywhere that night - standard backpacking antics. 

I would definitely recommend staying here to anyone who is heading that way as the hostel caters for just about anything and everything: whether you fancy reading a book by the pool or drinking as many jagerbombs as possible up at the bar.