Pictured above: An Olive Ashworth designed ‘Island of Sunshine’ brochure c1960 (edited) showing local resident June Moore
By the time Townsville was established, Magnetic Island was a recognized holiday destination. From about 1866 records show visitors to Magnetic Island were picnickers from the newly established town and in October 1886 JG O’Connell noted in his report of survey of Magnetic Island that Picnic Bay was ‘a favourite resort of holiday seekers from Townsville’.
Magnetic Museum’s 2023 calendar, A Magnetic Holiday Destination, illustrates the development of Magnetic Island’s tourist industry. It presents a series of advertising brochures promoting various Island establishments and activities for the purpose of luring holidaymakers to her shores.
Orders can be made by contacting Magnetic Museum (mihccmagneticmuseum@gmail.com). Calendars are $30 each including postage within Australia and payment will secure your copies. Calendars will be ready for distribution mid-November.
This calendar is a limited edition of 175 copies only so orders should be placed as early as possible. Magnetic Museum celebrates this 2023 calendar as its twentieth heritage calendar edition. Some previously loved early calendars are available and enquiries are also welcome for interest in the purchase of any of these copies.