Townsville and Magnetic Island

Hello...we've spent the past couple of days at Townsville...we were going to stop at Bowen, but it was so windy we kept driving north...Bowen proved a good spot for a morning tea break and a wander around though!

We rode our bikes around Townsville when we arrived- the waterfront area has been done up nicely. The caravan park we arrived at was so full, we had to take an unpowered site while we were there, so out came the camp laterns etc.

The next day we took off on the ferry to Magnetic Island- about 25 mins on the ferry to get there. We took our bikes over and rode around the island, which was good fun, but pretty hard work as it was really hilly! We also hiked up to a lookout and went to the beach and had some lunch. Magnetic Island has a population of about 2500 people, and a nice feel to it, with lots of little coves and bushwalks to explore. It was a big day for us, and by the time we got back to the mainland we were really tired and hungry...we indulged and went out, and ended up going to Hogs Breath...havent been there for years and years! It was OK, and the steak and chips were welcome after the days activities.

Today we drove on to Cardwell, which is the launching point for boats out to Hinchinbrook Island... On the way we detoured a short way off the highway and went into Paluma National Park and walked up to Jourama Falls and a series of beautiful swimming holes....it was such a lovely spot, and we were so glad we went in to have a look- we ended up grabbing some food from the car fridge and walking back in to have a swim and a picnic. The sun was out too so it was really nice.
Then we continued on the hour or so to Cardwell.

There isn't a great deal at Cardwell...a small seaside town, popular for fishing, with lots of places offering mud crab sandwiches!- might have to try one of those tomorrow.
We plan to spend tomorrow checking out some other waterfalls near here and driving to some nice walks/lookouts etc.
The day after we go to Hinchinbrook island-we are staying in the resort, in a treehouse style cabin for 3 nights! cant wait for that. The weather has improved. Mainly sunny days, still with a lot of cloud and wind about though- so hoping its ok when we are on the island- either way it will be beautiful...it's not far off the coast and we have a great view of the mountainous and lush Hinchinbrook Island from here...its basically one huge national park.

We are only about 180kms from Cairns now...will meet mum there after Hinchinbrook...looking forward to seeing mum and spending some time together up there.

Sending all the best to everyone...thanks for checking in. Love Em and Ad xx