Mission Beach to Townsville

sunrise

Happy Campers

A lovely 4 nights spent 50 metres from the sea at the Dunk Island View caravan park that is struggling back from the devastation of cyclone Yasi in 2011. Weather is warm and humid but apparently the sea is too cold for fishing, only 27 degrees, needs to be a little higher for the mackerel - suits us just fine.

It was a chance to give the van and car a goooooooood clean and get rid of the red dirt/dust at last. Cleaning out the backof the ute, finding strange bolts and nuts and then trying to figure where they had to go back which took a while. The bouncing over the last few weeks certainly took its toll.
A pleasant drive down the Bruce Hwy where there were minimal roadworks - a lot less than we anticipated. A detour off to see some waterfalls until we asked someone how far they were from the car park - the answere was "do you have a car?" - yeah but with a big van on it - somehow that caused a smirk. We forgo the waterfall and head south again. We had hoped to stay at Saunders Beach, a free camp 20k from Townsville, but missed the last spot by about 15 minutes. Maybe if we didn't have the waterfall detour - who knows.

The Strand water park

On to Townsville and a nice walk along The Strand, a waterfront public area, looking over to Magnetic Island. There was a nasty smell coming off the ocean and we were reliably informed that it was "red tide", an algae of some sort - google it she said...........whatever; it smells. Didn't stop us stopping for delicious gelato of course. That then gave us strength to take the drive to Castle Hill lookout, a steep climb that gave 360 degree views over Townsville and surrounds. A nervous passenger meant we didn't stay up there for long even though the views were amazing.

Townsville and Magnetic Island for Castle Hill

It appears that the lookout is a Mecca for fitness nuts - there were people running, walking and cycling up and down - mad fools, that's why they invented cars.
Sunday and a ferry ride of 20 minutes across to Magnetic Island, landing in Nelly Bay.. We haven't been here since our honeymoon in 1977 so much is expected to have changed. The old Magnetic Hotel is no more, infact we have trouble remembering where it used to be.

The best way to get around is by bus, great service and a day ticket at $7.40 for unlimited trips the way to go. There are only 4 main areas on the island so the start at Picnic Bay seemed the most logical. Green blue sea, blue sky, sun, swaying palms, mad strangler fig trees abound - should paint a tropical picture for you. Lunch at the pub in the outside dining area and we could have stayed all day. Alas no, onto the bus and to Horseshoe Bay at the top of the island. Here there were many restaurants, beach activities, board hire, etc. the algae bloom smell was back with us (as we were warned by the bus driver) but there was entertainment on the beach so we managed a few hours.

Beach entertainment - looks like it could hurt!

Then to Arcadia and Alma Bay for a swim in the warm water and lie on the beach. Bus return to Nelly Bay and ferry back to Townsville - a pleasant day had by all.
Monday we head further south via Charters Towers to Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands.