Top 6 Islands in the Great Barrier Reef, Part 2

This island is one of the closest to mainland Australia, it is only 8 kilometers offshore from the mainland city of Townsville. The island is unique, in the fact that it has over 2000 permanent resiidents, and is often referred to as a suburb of Townsville. It got it's name from the magnetic effect it had on the compass of Captain Cook's ship, as it sailed along the coastline of Australia in 1770.

Magnetic island has a large National Park, Bird Sanctuary, and excellent walking tracks. It is a haven for wildlife, with lots of Koalas evident on the island, as well as the "native bush stone curlews" a bird with a piercing cry and long skinny legs - once common throughout Australia, they are now almost extinct, those that remain have found refugee on the Island. There are also 23 secluded bays and beaches - framed by rocky headlands, with hugh granite boulders -and lots of flora and fauna.

Accommodations and dining

Magnetic Island is a well developed holiday destination, it has a variety of accommodations - from self-contained holiday units, to backpackers hotels, Bed & Breakfast Inns, to 2-bedroom villas with shared pools and private verandahs. Guests and large family groups also have access to houses for rent, that will accommodate up to 15 people.

Unlike some of the other Barrier Reef islands, and for it's size, the island has a lot of restaurants, cafes and bars, there is even a Cabaret Theatre Restaurant.

Activities

As Magnetic Island is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, it abounds with tropical fish, coral reefs, underwater canyons and caves. Guided tours, kayak trips, snorkleing and diving are all the different ways one can get up close and personal with Dolphins,Turtles and the vsrious marine life. It is also possible to see sea Eagles.

There are rentals on the island for Catamarans, Jet Skis, Sail Boats, Aqua bikes and Canoes by the hour or day; while charter yachts, fishing trips, and sailing, adds spice to the vacation. Away from the water one can explore the rugged bush along the walking trails, or in a jeep that can climb high into the hills. Golfers can enjoy a round at trhe Country Club in Picnic Bay - where it is said Greg Norman played his first round of golf.

There are art galleries and shops in all four residential bays, as well as a Wild Animal Park, where you can "cuddle-a-koala".

Getting to the island is very easy, the passenger ferry makes up to 14 daily roundtrips - from Townsville to Nelly Bay - while the car/ferry makes about 6, and there are also water-taxis for rent. The closest International airport is located in Cairns, a little over an hours drive away, which has daily flights from other parts of Australia.

Located at the southern end of the Whitsunday string of islands, Brampton Island is mainly a large National Park, surrounded by the azure waters of the Great Barrier Reef. With 12 sandy beaches, coral gardens to explore, and walking and jogging tracks, it is an ideal place - not only for a vacation, but also a romantic get-a-way ideal for honeymooners.

The Brampton Island Resort while having only a 107 rooms, offer a range of accommodations:
(a) The Pavilions - the ultimate indulgence are away from the main resort area in an exclusive private location. The sleeping area features the "floating bed"; the living room comes with a bar stocked with the guests preferences; the large outdoor area and deck has a "plunge pool", a day bed, and a dining setting.
(b) The Points are located beachside with views overlooking the bay and features similar to the Pavilions;
(c) there are a variety of Villas all with fully stocked mini-bars, private balconies and stunning views.

The restaurant serves three meals daily which are included in the price
The Aqua Lounge opens daily at 9:30 am and goes until after the nightly entertainment.
There is a romantic dining experience - set on the edge of the unique sea-water pool - which is open only on the weekends and features a 6-course menu with accompanying wines.

There are activities to please every ones preference
a. Complimentary watersports such as paddle skis, catamarans, sailboards, and snorkeling equipment
b. The 2 swimming pools - one fresh water, one seawater are opoen daily
c. During the day there are beach activities and parties at night guests can enjoy Karakoe and live entertainment, with sunday night the time for jam sessions.

Getting to Brampton, which lies off the mainland near the city of Mackay, is by Ferry, a trip that takes about an hour and fifteen minutes. The ferry has an upper viewing deck with views of the coral reefs and other islands. Between June and August migrating humpback whales and dolphins can be seen in the ocean

Air service is also available to the island, from both Mackay and Hamilton Island. The best part of Brampton island - there are no day trippers.

Spending a few days or longer on one of the Great Barrier Reef Islands, is a unique experience, as these islands are not very large. Both offer a variety of water activities, rainforests walks, trips to the coral reefs, an abundance of flora and fauna, native wilflife and birdlife that in many ways differ from those found in the northern hemisphere.