Magnetic Island, Tropical island in Queensland, Australia
Magnetic Island is an offshore island near Townsville shaped by granite boulders, coral reefs, and dense eucalyptus woodland. The terrain shifts between rocky headlands, sandy coves, and forested hills that rise directly from the water.
Captain James Cook named the place in 1770 after believing the landmass interfered with his ship's compass during coastal exploration. Decades later it became a weekend retreat for Townsville residents before regular ferry services began in the 1970s.
The Wulgurukaba people know this place as Yunbenun, a name that refers to the way light and water meet along its shores. Visitors today can see shell middens and rock art that speak to thousands of years of connection between the land and its original inhabitants.
Ferries from Townsville harbor reach the island several times each day, bringing travelers to a small terminal on the north coast. From there, bus routes connect the main bays while walking paths link the shoreline with the interior.
Koalas inhabit the eucalyptus trees along several walking tracks and can be seen in low branches during daylight. The island also shelters wallabies that emerge from the forest at dusk near the edges of beaches.
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