Traditionally a hot spot for backpackers and families, Magnetic Island now caters for a new breed of travellers, writes JESSICA REID.

Situated just 8km or a 20 minute ferry ride from Townsville, Maggie (as the island is affectionately known) has been quietly stepping up the notch over the past year to appeal to tourists seeking a high-end island experience.

It now offers an inviting combination of new luxury operators alongside others that have stood the test of time.

Maggie is characterised by huge boulders that look like giant marbles tumbling from a mountainous backdrop. It boasts 24km of walking tracks, 23 bays and beaches and 300 days of sun to enjoy them.

One of the best (and newest) ways to discover this World Heritage-listed area is onboard Providence V - a 62 foot gaff rigged tall ship, which offers full day and sunset sails.

The beautiful family-owned and built boat is made entirely from local Queensland timber and looks as though it has just been plucked from the set of Pirates of the Caribbean.

Listening to the gentle slap of the sails and creaking timber in the warm tropical sun, I found myself quickly slipping into a relaxed island trance.

About an hour into the trip, and after enjoying a light morning tea, our skippers Chrissy Savez and Rob Devlin pulled into Florence Bay to anchor.

Chrissy handed us each fins and snorkels, and we were left to our own devices to discover schools of bright tropical fish darting amongst the huge coral bommies.

Back on the boat, our next stop was Horseshoe Bay where we were dropped ashore for a picnic lunch. As the largest bay on Magnetic, Horseshoe is the island’s water sports hub. Jet skiing, parasailing, fishing and kayaking adventures are just some of the activities on offer.

Arriving back at Nelly Bay in the late afternoon, a massage and facial at Endota Spa in the new Peppers Blue on Blue Resort was just what the doctor ordered (if they had ordered me a day of total relaxation)!

The new Peppers resort is adjacent to Mantra One Bright Point, which together provide a fancy first impression when you arrive on the island at the Nelly Bay marina.

Both resorts boast five-star status, stunning views across the marina and Coral Sea, and a range of accommodation choices from one bedroom hotel rooms to Peppers’ three-bedroom penthouses with private plunge pools.

To get around the island, one of the best (and oldest) ways to travel is by mini moke.

Each bend around the island delivers a more spectacular view than the last, and my Moke, complete with menacing `Marvin the Magician’ cartoon on its bonnet, is an exhilarating ride and costs $68 for 24-hour hire.

Other ways to explore the island include horse rides through the bush and along the beach, eco-accredited sea kayaking tours and circumnavigating the island on jet skis.

Dining on the island has also become an eclectic mix of old and new, offering everything from first class feasts to beachside cafés. Le Paradis restaurant boasts a fantastic French cuisine, while the seafood at the new Peppers Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar is a speciality.

Or for an authentic champagne bush tucker breakfast, head to Bungalow Bay Koala Village. Cook your toast over a camp fire, sip on green ant tea, and enjoy a hot and cold buffet breakfast alongside a ranger and special guests including koalas, crocodiles, snakes and birds. Bungalow Bay is one of the few places in Australia where you can cuddle a koala – have your photo taken with one for $14.

So, while the fancy five-star makeover of Maggie has certainly brought the island into the future, it has managed to retain its relaxed charm, pristine bays and friendly hospitality that make it such a joy to visit.


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