Magnetic Island 30/10/2016

We remained anchored here for 11 days, waiting for the northerlies to arrive so as not to have the wind on our nose and be bashing into it. It’s known amongst sailors that Melbourne cup day brings the Northerlies, and true to words it appear to be correct again this year.

Magnetic Island lies off the city of Townsville. Not requiring anything from the city we had no need to catch the ferry into Townsville, thus saving us money. We spent our time exploring magnetic Island. The Island consists of various Bays, with only a couple of these bays offering suitable sheltered anchorage. We anchored at Horseshoe Bay which offers the islands best shelter during south easterlies, despite constant swell invasion.
Horseshoe Bay has several tourist orientated shops, taverns, bottle shop, cafes, restaurants and a convenience store. Also a bus service runs to other Bays, including Nelly Bay, which offers a marina, commercial boat harbour and ferry terminal. We made good use of the public BBQ area along the water front of Horseshoe Bay, meeting here, socialising with other sailors, sharing many sunsets and dinners/drinks. This place had a great relaxing, friendly feel about it. Especially in the evening, with everyone sharing the BBQs, vining and dining while enjoying the atmosphere and wonderful sunsets. We had a social afternoon outing one Saturday and embraced October feast, indulging in German beer and food at a local restaurant, while being entertained by a band from Townsville, playing German music. Was very enjoyable.

We enjoyed many of the National Park walks on the Island. On two of these walks, The Forts Track & Horseshoe Bay to Nellie Bay, we were fortunate to sight koalas’ sleeping in their eucalyptus trees. We walked to Balding Bay & Radical Bay, both taking us to secluded beach spots.

I tried fishing while at anchor, however was unsuccessful. On a couple of occasions, we had a pod a dolphins in the Bay, which was majestic to watch as they went about hunting. We also saw a good number of turtles in the Bay which was great to see.

While anchored, we made good use of the time and caught up with the hand washing, and gave the interior of Kestrel and good cleaning and wiping over with white vinegar, which aids in reducing the mould.

Tomorrow morning we plan to lift anchor, sail with the Northerlies, and head to Airlie Beach with the option of a couple of anchorages along the way. Our next play ground will be the Whitsundays Islands. Known to be one of the best cursing grounds found anywhere in Australia, offering a wide variety of diving and snorkelling opportunities. We are looking forward to exploring this area.