Via loads of sugarcane, the big Mongo at Bowen, a prison farm and the big Lavarack barracks, we continued our adventures North to meet up with our good friend Ebony in Townsville. On our arrival, our tour started with a walk along the Ross River. ‘The’ Ross River. With our eyes peeled for mosquitoes and crocks we spent the afternoon feeding ducks before heading back to Ebony’s for Sleazy Mexican Sunday witch included all you can eat tacos and all you can drink punch in the warm tropical weather of Ebony’s back yard.

The next day was spent exploring Townsville and we were very impressed! It boasted some beautiful old buildings, lovely waterfront parklands and the worlds largest man made reef at reef HQ museum. We of course couldn’t resist and spent some time marvelling at the coral reef museum.

 

The lookout from Castle Hill lookout in the heart of Townsville gave spectacular 360 degree views of the city which is the second largest city in QLD. The lookout also looked over the coral sea to Magnetic Island.

 

Some washing later we headed out with Eb’s to a camping spot called Alligator Creek located in Bowling Green Bay National Park about 25 minutes south of Townsville. Alligator Creek campsite is on the banks of a crystal clear creek that offers the perfect spot for a dip. It was quite chilly however and Ebony was the only one of us brave enough to go for a dip! Despite it’s name there are actually no alligators or crocodiles at Alligator Creek.

The next morning we left Alligator Creek for Magnetic Island. It is only a short (20 minute) and cheap ferry ride from Townsville and is a complete world away! Apparently it is named Magnetic Island because as Captain Cook sailed past in the Endeavour, his compass started playing up and hence he assumed the island had magnetic properties and named it Magnetical Island. It has no magnetic properties at all.  The Island was easy enough to get around with busses that run to the main little hotspots. We found these little ‘towns’ to be less than we were expecting, however it was only an easy bush walk into stunning and secluded bays. We walked to Radical Bay and Balding Rock bay and both were sensational!

 

We were lucky enough to spot a koala in a tree on the walk back to the bus and a magnificent sunset for the ferry ride home.

Thank you Ebony for having us at your place! We really enjoyed our few days in Townsville.  X