Magnetic Island is a picturesque island located in Far North Queensland, situated off the coast from Townsville. It is about 340Km south of Cairns, and 340 north of the Whitsunday Islands group. It sits within the Great Barrier Reef, and is a World Heritage listed island surrounded by maritime reserves. It is mainly protected forest, and popular for bush walking, swimming, snorkeling, diving (reef and the Yongala wreck) and just plain relaxing..
Our house, Cap Vilano, is in one of the 4 small coastal villages on the Island, called Arcadia. It sits on one of the 24 pretty bays around the Island, with a short walk to the beach, restaurants, markets etc. A local bus runs between the villages, and there are regular passenger and car ferry services to Townsville on the mainland.

We are a married couple and whilst retired are still very active. Travelling is our favourite past-time and we have had some 30 successful home exchanges. We particularly like the home-exchange format of living in the location as a local rather than as a tourist. Our ideal home exchange is a quaint cottage in a small village, a small apartment in the heart of an interesting city, or a home with a lovely local, rural or water view. We take particular care in looking after the residences we stay in, and hope to attract people of a like mind.