Magnetic Island

I arrived late afternoon by ferry to this sub tropical lush island. I am staying at a hotel within 2 minutes of the ferry port which I wasn't too sure about as any ferry ports I've seen are not the best of areas to be staying but how wrong I was. My room is huge with a balcony overlooking the marina with the ocean beyond that. This photo only shows one half of the room. The other half is the lounge area and was too messy to photograph. Great eh!

Last night I sat on the balcony listening to the breeze whistling through the ropes on the yachts and watching the stars coming out. There is something so relaxing and soothing about the sound of the waves lapping against the boats.

Next morning I set off bushwalking across the island. Apparently there is no problem doing this on your own as there are no poisonous snakes or spiders here. I planned to walk from Nelly Bay to Arcadia and then on to Horseshoe Bay. I eventually found the right track and what a treat it was. Walking up through the trees listening to the calls and songs of unfamiliar birds.

The views were spectacular

The crackle of dried leaves startled me at first but it was just one of the numerous tiny lizards moving out of my way. I climbed to the top of the hill where there was a viewing point. On one side were the lush green hills, whilst down below was the blue Coral sea with the mainland in the distance. I could hear the waves crashing on the rocks below, the wind blowing through the trees; the cawing of the crows but no sound of human life - maybe I'll just stay here.

From the top I made my way down through a field of grass trees or tree grass  but whatever they are called they were very unusual. Something I had never seen before.

I think this is a rainbow lorikeet on the tree grass.

When I arrived in Horseshoe Bay the beach wasn't busy at all considering it was a Saturday and the weather was so warm. The sea was equally as warm and I certainly felt I deserved a relaxing swim after the long walk.