Airlie Beach to Townsville

Only about 300km to go today. We set off in bright sunshine, it was hot already. Just out of town we ran into a bit of fog and as we climbed away from town it got quite thick. This lasted for probably 40kms or so and as the temp dropped to around 18 it was slow but very pleasant going.

We stopped off at the seaside town of Bowen for a look and what a treat. Beautiful sandy beaches and a real laid back feel about the place. I think I would prefer to holiday here rather than Airlie beach, a bit like comparing Mt Maunganui and Waihi beach I reckon.

After coffee at a beachside cafe we hit the road again.

It is very dry here, lots of dried up river and stream beds. The bush also is quite sparse compared to what we have been used to.

Funny what you see along the way.

We saw an extremely long train filled with coal. I’m not sure if it is exported from here or used in the sugar mills which dot the landscape and all have a black smoke chimney stack.

We made good time to Townsville and after a swim in our delightful pool we went for a walk.

If I’ve been to a nicer looking city I can’t remember where. Spotless and the well preserved architecture mixed with modern apartments is stunning.

Not many people in evidence, I’m not sure if people don’t wander about in the heat or if they have all gone home for the week as it is Friday afternoon.

We visited the museum where we learned about the oldest showreck on the reef. The Pandora. This has to be where the saying Pandora’s box comes from. We also saw an exhibit of fossils and reconstructed dinosaurs which have been excavated in various parts of north Queensland. We are hoping to do part of the “Dinosaur trail” later in the trip.

We then walked through a delightful park, had a paddle in the sea and a walk along the Esplanade before walking back to the hotel for another swim.

There is a lookout nearby that you can walk to 300 steps, or drive to so I think we will call there on our way out tomorrow.

My tyres are looking pretty 2nd hand so it will be good to replace them in Cairns (Cans).

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