magneticisland

North Ward is one of the oldest and most popular suburbs of Townsville. Wedged between towering Castle Hill and the deep blue Coral Sea, North Ward overlooks the tourist drawcard of Magnetic Island and the Port of Townsville. The suburb of North Ward also contains fine examples of early Queensland architecture including pre-war hotels and church buildings dating back to the late 1800s. Jezzine Barracks, located at the end of The Strand, is a perfect outing for history buffs with access to the Military Museum and a collection of outdoor sculptures and walkways that provide historical insight into the days of the war and Townsville's development. Head up to Kissing Point Jezzine Barracks for some of Townsville best ocean views. Not far from The Strand and Jezzine Barracks is Queens Gardens, one of three fine botanical gardens in the city. Established in 1870, Queens Gardens includes a formal rose garden, two small hedge mazes, a rainforest walk and a small aviary featuring peacocks, lorikeets and sulfur-crested cockatoos. Source: www.queensland.com/au/en/places-to-see/destination-inform...

Arcadia is home to one of the oldest Surf Life Saving Clubs in Australia and has been the location of choice for the past 50+ years for families who regularly visit Magnetic Island. With two beautiful beaches, Geoffrey Bay and Alma Bay, visitors to Arcadia are spoiled for choice when it comes to snorkeling and swimming. Alma Bay is recognized as one of the most photographed bays of Magnetic Island. The beach is patrolled by Life Guards year-round and is marked with red and yellow flags for swimmers. There is a fringing reef that runs along the rocks on either side of the bay with a healthy fish population that can be seen while snorkeling or diving. Source: www.bestofmagnetic.com/magnetic-island-communities/

One of Queensland’s top 10 beaches – Alma Bay is located in Arcadia, on the Eastern coast of Magnetic Island. Alma Bay faces due east and has two prominent granite headlands which run out for 300 meters at either end of the beach. The Bay pays tribute and commemorates military staff who died during World War I, II, and the Vietnam War, with a touching war memorial. Ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing. In 1886 a surveyor by the name of J. G O’Connell named ‘Alma Bay’ after the Pearce family children living in Townsville at the time. Alma Bay – located in Arcadia is a very picturesque little bay, just 150 m in width at the beach. The beach is often calm and only receives waves when the south easterlies are blowing. “It’s a safe beach, it’s well patrolled for swimmers and there are a limited number of stingers.” according to Arcadia Surf Life Saving Club president Paul -Demopoulos. Source: magneticislandonline.com.au/alma-bay/