Magnetic Island
Located off the coast of Townsville, Queensland Australia, the island gained its name from Captain Cook. Allegedly, there was a "magnetic" effect the island had on the ship's compass in 1770. Though this effect has not been recreated during recent explorations around the island the island retains its name.
Magnetic Island has long since been established as a holiday destination and is most known for its fishing privileges as well as the abundance of beaches and resorts. What attracts most people to the island however, is the fact that over half of the island is a National Park with Mt. Cook in the middle rising around 497 meters. The park is full of wildlife including wallabies, koalas and the native bush-stone curlews. One of the most popular sites on the island is the large prior military facility known as The Forts which has two gun emplacements overlooking the southern end of the island and the command post offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding bays out to the ocean.
Of course, due to its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, there are excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. Magnetic Island is gaining reputation as the most affordable, high quality, fully certiified beginners dive courses in Austrailia. There are several shipwrecks that enthusiasts can explore, the most famous is the Yongala off the Cape Bowling Green. The Yongala was a passenger ship that steamed into a cyclone and sank, killing 122 people. The Yongala is considered to be one of the most tragic maritime incidents in Australian history. Other ship wreck sites include Platypus Wreck and Moltke Wreck. The dives offer not only interesting wreckage but also the beauty of the underwater world from fish to corals.
Magnetic Island not only offers great scenery, but also a range of regular events that tourists can take part in. One repeat event is the Full Moon Party (which obviously occurs during every full moon). Local and international DJs spin music as visitors and natives alike enjoy the music during the nighttime. Perhaps one of the most exciting event is the whale watching which occurs from August - October. Humpback whales feed and mate around the Great Barrier Reef during this time period.
While Cook's original naming of the island was proved false, the island itself has so much to offer that people who visit end up not wanting to leave. So for now, Magnetic Island remains true to its name.