Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

THE WHITSUNDAY COAST & ISLANDS 307
One of the best, and most popular, of the island’s 20km (12 miles) of hiking
trails is the Nelly Bay–to–Arcadia trail, a one-way journey of 5km (3 miles) that
takes 2 1 ⁄2 hours. The first 45 minutes, starting in rainforest and climbing gradually
to a saddle between Nelly Bay and Horseshoe, are the most interesting.
Another excellent walk is the 2km (1.25-mile) trail to the Forts, remnants of
World War II defenses, which, not surprisingly, have great 360-degree sea views.
The best koala spotting is on the track up to the Forts off Horseshoe Bay Road.
Carry water wherever you go on the island, as some bays and hiking trails are
not near shops.
If you feel like splurging, consider the jet ski circumnavigation of the island
offered by Adrenalin Jet Ski Tours & Hire (& 07/4778 5533). The 3-hour
tour is conducted on 2-seat jet skis and costs A$115 (US$75), which includes
your wet suit, life jacket, and stinger suits in season. Tours depart from Horseshoe
Bay morning and afternoon. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, dugongs
(manatees), and sea turtles.
Where to Stay & Dine
Magnetic Island has plenty of affordable accommodations, from motels and
apartments to A-frame chalets and permanent tents. In the peak season
(June–Sept), some apartments are available on a weekly basis only. Maggie is littered
with inexpensive restaurants, laid-back cafes, and take-out joints.
Maggie’s Beach House Just a 30-second walk to the beach and calm sheltered
waters of Horseshoe Bay, Maggie’s Beach House was purpose-built for
backpackers and opened in September 2000. You can laze in a hammock under
the trees, or join a guided walk to spot koalas and enjoy spectacular 360-degree
views of the island at sunset. Maggie’s budget meals feature generous serves for
A$6 to A$14 (US$3.90–US$9.10) which include burgers, pasta, steaks, fish,
and salads. If you prefer to cook for yourself, there’s a common kitchen and barbecues.
There’s also an Internet cafe with six computers.
Pacific Drive, Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island, QLD 4819. & 1800/001 544 in Australia, or 07/4778 5144.
Fax 07/4778 5194. www.maggiesbeachhouse.com.au. 35 units, 14 with en suite bathroom (with shower
only). A$52–A$59 (US$34–US$38) single/double with share bathroom; A$75 (US$49) double with private
bathroom. A$21 (US$14) dorm beds. MC, V. Free pickup from all daytime ferries. Amenities: Restaurant; bar;
outdoor pool; tour desk; 3 coin-op laundries. In room: A/C.
5 The Whitsunday Coast & Islands
A day’s drive, or a 1-hour flight south of Cairns brings you to the collection of
74 islands known as the Whitsundays. No more than 3 nautical miles
(5.6km/3 1 ⁄2 miles) separates most of them, and they contain countless bays,
beaches, coral reefs, and fishing spots. On the same latitude as Hawaii, the water
is at least 72°F (22°C) year-round, the sun shines most of the year, and winter
requires only a light jacket at night.
The islands are composed of densely forested national parkland, mostly uninhabited,
and the surrounding waters belong to the Great Barrier Reef Marine
Park. Don’t expect palm trees and coconuts, these islands are covered with drylooking
pine and eucalyptus forests full of dense undergrowth, and rocky coral
coves far outnumber the few sandy beaches. More than half a dozen islands have
resorts that offer many outdoor activities: snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing trips,
reef fishing, water-skiing, jet-skiing, parasailing, sea kayaking, hiking, rides over
the coral in semi-submersibles, fish feeding, puttering around in dinghies to
secluded beaches, tennis, squash, and aqua-aerobics classes. Accommodations