Magnetic Island has a rich history dating back tens of thousands of years ago when it was simply a granite hill on a coastal plain during the last ice age.
We don’t have any photos from that time, so we’ll start with the early 20th century when it was used by locals and returning servicepersons .
Mandalay landing at Nellie Bay on Magnetic Island off the coast of Townsville ca. 1919 
Children on a boat Magnetic Island 1906 
Tourists taking a walk through the palm groves on Magnetic Island, 1937-1938 
Troops arriving from the jetty to the Australian Comforts Fund and YMCA Rest Centre, Magnetic Island 
Unknown accommodation, thatched dining room and rotunda – Arcadia, Magnetic Island, 1930 – 1959 
Alma Bay swimming beach Magnetic Island – 1940s 
Four young ladies on the beach at Magnetic Island, Queensland, ca. 1890 
L E McDonald, L N Buchanan, H S Carrol, M Flynn and A Thomas off for a swim after they check in at the YMCA Service Club, 1942 – 1945 
Magnetic Hotel, Picnic Bay 
Opening of the sharkproof swimming enclosure at Alma Bay, Magnetic Island, Queensland, 1930 
Relaxing on Magnetic Island – 1940s 
Surfing at Alma Bay, Magnetic Island near Townsville, 1932 
The Grays Resort – West Point, Magnetic Island, 1930 – 1959
Images provided by the State Library of Queensland.
Mango Treehouse 