When Captain Cook explored Australia’s east coast back in 1770, he sailed past an island that made his trusty compass go haywire. The good captain concluded that this was due to the iron ore in the composition of the island and promptly named it “Magnetical Island”. I naively thought that the name came from all the tourists that are attracted to the island.

Magnetic Island had absolutely no effect on my electronic compass as I safely sailed into Horseshoe Bay and dropped anchor. I dinghyed ashore where I met Liz who showed me where the bus stop was and invited me to a sundowner on the beach with her friends.

And there we were on the beach, Liz, Stefan, Moray, Roy and Craig, toasting another perfect day in paradise as the sun slowly sank behind the horizon. Then we moved to the home of Stefan and Moray where a spontaneous party broke out. As the night wore on, we became increasingly incapacitated and my return to the boat increasingly impossible. My new Aussie friends generously offered me a roof over my head for the night, Stefan presented me with a barbecue for my boat and Moray did my laundry.

Aussie generosity knows no bounds.

I tried to reciprocate by inviting my newly-found friends on a day sailing trip. They provided roast chicken and trimmings and I cooked up some spaghetti bolognese. I had the impression that they all enjoyed my spacious, comfortable boat, particularly the sailing.

The following day I visited Bungalowbay, a wildlife reserve, where I learned everything about the unique Australian wildlife and was allowed to touch and pet turtles, parrots, wombats, lizards, snakes and koalas.

A truly unique and unforgettable experience. 

I have been in Australia for three months now and I continue to be amazed by its generous people and incredible wildlife.