About Australia

Australia comprises the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and many smaller islands. Covering a total area of 2.97 million square miles, mainland Australia is the world’s largest island. In distance, the continent stretches about 2290 miles from north to south and 2500 miles from east to west, making it the sixth-largest nation after Russia, Canada, China, the United States and Brazil. Australia is divided into six states and two territories. Canberra is the national capital and the centre of government and is located approximately 180 miles south of Sydney in the Australian Capital Territory. New South Wales is Australia’s oldest and most populated state, Victoria is the smallest of the mainland states in size but the second most populated, Queensland is Australia’s second-largest state in size, South Australia is a state in the southern central part of the country which covers some of the most arid parts of the continent, Western Australia is Australia’s largest state by area and Tasmania is separated from mainland Australia by Bass Strait and is the smallest state in Australia. Australia currently has a population of almost 23 million people.

About Magnetic Island

Magnetic is one of Australia’s most popular islands, sitting 8 kilometres east of Townsville, Queensland. Part of the mainland until 7,500 years ago, when the sea level rose, the island was discovered by Captain Cook in 1770 who named it after the magnetic effect it had on his compass. Today, visitors are drawn to its 23 beaches, easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and beautiful National Park, which is home to the largest colony of Koalas in northern Australia. Despite lying in the heart of the tropics, Magnetic Island boasts 320 sunny days per year, allowing you to enjoy the scenic walking trails, the country’s best dive sites and buzzing beach parties all year round. Given its proximity to the mainland, travelling to Magnetic Island by ferry couldn’t be easier. Numerous crossings are available every day from Townsville to Nelly Bay on Magnetic’s southeast coast.