Magnetic Island is a volcanic island located in the South Atlantic ocean. It is about 1,100 km² in size, and its highest peak, named Mount Imbiso, reaches an altitude of 2,811 m.
The island has a rich biodiversity with more than 600 plant species and 120 bird species.
Contents
All Discussion Of Magnetic Island
History
The first settlers on Magnetic Island were the San Vicente Islanders, who arrived in 1722. The island was discovered by Europeans in 1521, and claimed for Portugal as part of its colonial empire. In 1820 it became a British possession after a brief war with Portugal.
In 1923 the Royal Society leased the island to manage scientific research, and in 1956 it transferred ownership of Magnetic Island to the British Government. It became a National Park in 1961.
Climate
The climate of Magnetic Island is oceanic, with a mean annual temperature of 21.4 °C and a mean daily maximum temperature of 25.2 °C. The average monthly low temperatures range from 11 to 16 °C and the average monthly high temperatures range from 18 to 23 °C.
The climate is generally wet and the annual precipitation ranges from 60 to 115 mm. The temperatures reach 24 °C in summer, but can drop even below freezing point unless there’s a sea breeze or direct sunlight at midday.
Culture
The culture of Magnetic Island is influenced by its location on the South Atlantic ocean. The predominant religion is Christianity, and there are also small Muslim and Hindu communities.
The main source of income is fishing, though tourism has become an important part of the island’s economy in recent years.
The island is famous for the annual Magnet Arts Festival, which was formerly known as The MagnoGranite Folk Festival and now sponsored by Johnson’s® Baby Wipes (the largest baby wipes company in South Africa). Many visitors also enjoy many water sports within a short distance of Magnetic Island.
Politics
Magnetic Island is a British Overseas Territory. The Governor is appointed by the Queen on the advice of her ministry and represents Her Majesty in the territory.
The current governor, Dame Lynne Brown, was sworn into office on 15 January 2018. The Mayor of the island is elected by residents aged 18 and older, they are currently Gaye McQueen.
The governor has a number of minor tasks, including the appointment and dismissal of officers in the six local government areas.
Government Services
There is a hospital, police station and post office on the island. There are also banks, grocery stores and restaurants.
Public schools: International School of Cape Town (ICSCT) campus in Gansbaai; The Moore School – A private school located in George Village ;
Forest School located in Gladstone Park and on the uninhabited Half Mile Island, a 10-minute boat ride away – this private school requires payment of tuition.
Tourism
The island is renowned for its natural beauty and attractions, including the world’s sixth largest granite outcrop. Magnetic Island has a number of beaches and picnic areas that are popular with tourists, as well as several fishing spots.
The main economic driver of tourism on Magnetic Island is diving, which attracts scuba divers from all over the world. There are also tours available to see the impressive coral reefs just offshore.
Transport
The island is connected to the mainland by a causeway. ferries operate from Cape Town and George during regular scheduled service; these take about two hours. There are also several private operators who offer more leisurely cruises for tourists.
The causeway is owned and maintained by the Department of Transport. The bridge opened in July 2000, replacing a barge link to Cape Town via False Bay (the present ferry time was reduced from 3 hours on an old route).
Cuisine
Magnetic Island is well known for its fresh seafood, and visitors can find many different dishes on the menus of local restaurants. The island has warm subtropical dry climate (Köppen: “Cfa”).
The mean annual temperature is 22 °C.The warmest month is January, with an average temperature of 29.3 °C and the coldest month is December, when it averages 26.9 °C.
On weekends and holidays during the tourist season, many establishments will switch from serving tourists to local families or backpackers. The island is noted for its homegrown cuisine as a result of this change in business model.
Wildlife
The island is home to a wide variety of bird life, as well as the world’s largest lizard. The most common mammals are bats and rodents. There is also a significant population of Cape foxes on the island.
Most of the island is fenced to prevent feral animals such as goats and rabbits from entering, but some areas have livestock. Mangrove trees lining the shore help to reduce erosion by protecting beaches against storms.
The most common trees on Magnetic Island are “Rhizophora” (frequently referred to as mangroves) and a variety called “Casuarina”.
The World’s Biggest Lizard Robben Island lies in Cape Town Bay. There is an electric fence on the island to prevent people from going onto it, but no fences are around the lizard-island itself; and this large visitor admits that children can often be seen running towards it in a state of wonderment when they first see them! Occasionally staff will spot scientists conducting research into its behaviour such as colouring patterns or mating ritual – particularly during mating seasons between February and July (all lizards spawn within these months).
It has several highways, which are maintained by staff of the park service. These roads lead to three places which visitors go: The End, Placeholder and Lizard Canyon – this being due to its own private road network!
Conclusion
From its pristine beaches to its lush rainforest, Magnetic Island is a travel paradise that awaits you. With so much to see and do, there’s no doubt that this destination will leave a lasting impression on you. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to explore all that this captivating island has to offer!
FAQs
1.What Is The Currency In Magnetic Island?
Ans: The currency in Magnetic Island is the South African Rand. Currency is taken in R1000, with each bank’s own rate.
2.Are There Customs Regulations?
Ans: Visitors are permitted two complimentary visits per calendar year. For stays longer than one month: Travelers must apply for a Filipino passport and return to the Philippines once finished.
Vaccinations against yellow fever and malaria /13 weeks’ worth of antimalarial tablets/measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) will be required upon arrival.
3.Are There Any Outfitters On The Island?
Ans: There are some hostels on Magnetic Island.
4.What Is The Weather Like?
Ans: Due to its location at sea level, the annual average temperature ranges between 18°C and 25° C; however, monthly averages can vary from 35 °C in December-February up to 40-42 °C during midyear.
This year is officially declared an El Niño by AccuWeather Meteorologist Paul Goodloe Poston Jr.
who noted “A pattern resembling El Niño is forming over the equatorial waters of Central and South America. Precipitation could also be more prevalent than average during this time period.”
5.What Type Of Accommodation Do You Offer Visitors?
Ans: We provide hostel, resort or self-catered options to suit all budgets, ranging from dormitory style for just R450 per person per night (twin share including breakfast), up to private double rooms where guests have their own en -suite, private bathroom and toiletries like shampoo, shower gel etc.
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