Townsville, with a surprise finish

No posts for nearly 2 months, and now 2 in just over a week. Lets just say those Tuross people stirred us up!

Townsville Trip

I had 3 days in lieu owed to me  and last week seemed like a good time to take some time off.  So after making up our minds on Tuesday morning and getting approval from work, we headed off on Wednesday morning for our first trip in the CRV.

Headed north for 105km through Capella to Clermont ,and then another 380km of nothing till Charters Towers. At least the speed limit is 110 for most of the “nothing”. Charters Towers seems a nice older town- it has some fine examples of late 18th century architecture.

Charters Towers Post Office and old Bank of NSW buildings - both 1890s vintage.

Charters Towers Post Office and old Bank of NSW buildings - both 1890s vintage.

Another 130km got us into Townsville. We found an old Queenslander that has been set up as a B & B and booked ourselves in for 4 nights. Lovely breakfasts with a big plate of the freshest tropical fruits you could ever imagine.

Castle Hill lookout, with Magnetic Island in the background

Castle Hill lookout, with Magnetic Island in the background

Right in the centre of Townsville Castle Hill gives magnicent views over Townsville and across to Magnetic Island which is 8km off the coast. Jan had a sore ankle so we left going to Maggy, as the locals call the island, for another time.

Selection of views from Castle Hill

Selection of views from Castle Hill

We did the usual tourist things – a bit of shopping and a bit of sightseeing.

Magnetic Island ferry on its way through the Townsville Port

Magnetic Island ferry on its way through the Townsville Port

Enjoyed lunch one day at a place called Fishermans Landing – a rustic cafe right on the river bank on the dunes behind Balgal Beach.

Fishermans Landing and Balgal Beach - north of Townsville.

Fishermans Landing and Balgal Beach - north of Townsville.

And the surprise ending

After the long drive back to Emerald all we wanted to do was unpack and relax. Just as I was unpacking the back of the CRV I got a bit of a start to see “that” Tuross couple, Di and Peter, walking towards me.

It turned out that Di had done a bit of sneeky planning by ringing my boss and the caravan park to organise a couple of nights with us before they continue their jaunt around Queensland. Good thing she did ring as our last minute plans to trip off could have spoilt the surprise.

It was great to catch up with them both and topped off a long due break for us.

1 Comment »

  1. Brianna Said,

    August 27, 2009 @ 11:31 am

    What a nice surprise! Good one Di.

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