My Dear Maggie

While many of my fellow travelers found Magnetic Island to be boring (with the exception being those who went to the overrated Full Moon Australia party), I fell in love with “Maggie.” I missed the Full Moon party by a day, but I was glad to dry out my liver after a big Halloween in Townsville and before going to Cairns.

I chose Bungalow Bay Koala Village as my hostel, not only because of my vendetta against Base hostels, but also because this eco-friendly YHA has a built-in wildlife center, most famous for its koalas. I heard good things about this place and held off going to other animal habitats (Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Australia Zoo) for this one.

I bought the Koala Express package, which includes ferry transfers, 2 nights accommodation, a $20 bar voucher, park entry and 30 minutes of WiFi for $130.

The island is made up of a number of bays and the hostel is located at the top, on Horseshoe Bay. The best way to get around is by renting a moke or topless car if you’re 21 or older, or scooters if you’re 18 or older.

The Full Moon parties, which I mentioned earlier, are put on the last Friday of every month at Base in Nelly Bay. It brings in international DJs and gives partygoers the chance to dance from 5 pm til 3 am. I think you’re better off going to the real deal in Thailand, but if the idea is to bring more people to Maggie, they definitely succeed.

Backpackers also flock to Maggie for $300 open water scuba diving courses and advanced trips to the SS Yongala, known as Australia’s best dive site. Although the water isn’t as clear as it is further up the coast, it’s a good option if you’re low on cash.

But what brought me to this island, my “magnetic attraction” so to speak, was the koalas, also known as my spirit animal. I got to see lizards, birds, echidnas, and even held a baby saltwater crocodile. But no moment felt as special as when I held that koala. We’re the same in many ways, looking cute and cuddly but we know when to take out the claws. He did try to escape a few times, but I don’t blame him. I would do the same.

Getting there

The Greyhound bus drops off at the ferry and bus terminal in Townsville. From Townsville, take the SeaLink ferry (or Fantasea if you are taking your car), which costs $29 return for adults. From there, you can take the Sunbus in either direction on the island. The bus up to Horseshoe Bay takes about 20 minutes and costs less than $4.