Magnetic Island
last visited July 2016 Horseshoe Bay post sunset Magnetic Island (Maggie) is 52 sq km in size - about 80% is covered by mountains and over half is National Park. Most non residential areas feature big granite boulders, eucalypt forest and hoop pines but there are small patches of rainforest in wetter areas and some mangroves on the western coast. It is a popular tourist location but over the years has become a commuter suburb of nearby Townsville and a popular retirement destination. As such it has a permanent population approaching 2500 plus many more holiday makers. The biggest town is Horseshoe Bay but Nelly Bay, the site of the newer harbour is more populous - over 1000 compared to 500 odd. Picnic Bay, the site of the original ferry pier and the earliest holiday accommodation is next at around 350 with Arcadia nudging 300. I'm not sure which place packs the most holidaymakers, but I'm thinking Nelly Bay may once again be #1 - there is a bunch of new holiday apartments ...