Airlie Beach to Townsville

Airlie Beach to Townsville, from Janice

I loved Airlie Beach with its beautiful aqua sea & white sands.  We caught up with some friends from Tasmania who just happened to be in the same area at the same time.  We went to Hydeaway Bay with them for lunch & our table was right on the sand – just so perfect.  It is an ideal spot for a beautiful wedding.
 

We were staying in Flametree & the small airfield that take people to the Whitsundays was right next door, so we were woken at 7.30 in the morning with the small planes going overhead (very regularly).  I would love to go back & spend more time in Airlie (another time).

From here we went to a scout camp in Bluewater which is 20km north of Townsville.  It was very ‘natural’ there with the caretaker feeding all the local possums & other four legged friends.  He has a permanent caravan & enjoys every minute of it.  He called us over one night to see the possums, and we managed to see about 6.  We also spotted a green frog on the wall of the shower.

 

The following day was overcast but still warm so we drove into Townsville and visited an army fort overlooking Magnetic Island, went through the Museum of Tropical Queensland which was very interesting, & had a good look around Townsville with lunch on the waterfront.  Photos of Rock Pool on front at Townsville and view of Magnetic Island from prominent lookout.
 

One thing I’ve forgotten to mention is the thousands upon thousands of acres of sugar cane we’ve seen since our arrival in Mackay. We seem to travel for miles with only sugar cane on both sides of the road.  Had no idea they had such a lovely feathery plumage.  We see little railway tracks in strange places, and these are purely for the carting of the sugar cane. Photo of sugar cane.

Next stop Silkwood.