The last week in Queensland

Well, we certainly couldn't have picked a better place to base ourselves in. Townsville has enabled us to check a whole bunch of things off of our "to do" list but has also started a fresh new list of things we wished we could have, should have and will have to do.

After our adventures on Magnetic Island - they've since spotted a saltwater crocodile at one of our swimming spots (good timing on our part) - and our adventures north, we decided to explore a bit around Townsville itself.

First up was a drive inland - about 135 kms - to a place called Charters Towers. We went on a Saturday and got there late morning. Good thing we got there when we did because everything but the McDonald's closed down by about 1 in the afternoon. This was a lovely little town full of the nicest people. It took us an hour to walk two blocks because of all the conversations we got involved in. We spoke with an 80 year old woman in the information kiosk who recounted some cool memories she had of World War II in the area. We enjoyed the museum - there were some really great exhibits there. On the drive home - this one is for you Joey! - we spotted a "Road Train". These suckers are BIG and can be as big as 50 meters long! Watch out if you try to pass one!



Next up was a drive back up north for about 60 km to a national park called "Paluma National Park". This was a great day as the park was loaded with warm swimming holes and rocks to slide down. There was also a super scenic drive up the hill. We would have loved a repeat trip here but sadly, time did not permit.













Then, after hearing about The Whitsunday Islands from our friends The Martins, we decided to drive the 300 km south to Airlie Beach - the stepping off point for these 74 beautiful islands. The drive down was very picturesque - loads and loads of sugar cane. It's harvesting time now so the stalks are very big. We also drove by lots of fresh fruit stalls - it's now the season for rock melon (cantaloupe and watermelon) - so we loaded up on that. Once in Airlie Beach, we decided that we'd put our tent to use - we dragged it along with us so we should get some use of it! The weather was great so why not?! Luckily for us, the campground was right across the street from a tavern which had great dinner specials. The meal on the table you see below cost $30!







As our time was limited, we decided to take an Ocean Rafting trip to see what we could of the Whitsunday Islands. It was great fun. We were on a Zodiac with an aluminum hull - I'm guessing 30 feet - and we bombed around on the water. First up we did some snorkeling which was nice but not a match for The Great Barrier Reef. Then we went to the most beautiful white sand beach that I have ever seen. The sand was white as white can be and super soft. It was picture perfect. It was a great day.










The gang got to feed these beautiful birds at the campground - one even landed on Sylvie's head (didn't poop though!). And, after a quick change by the car, we took a dip in the Airlie Beach Lagoon and headed back to Townsville.





So, here we are. It's July 1st. Sylvie's 9th Birthday - happy birthday sweet Sylvie! She just wanted to hang out at the homestead here so Adam cleaned the pool and they spent most of the day swimming here. She requested Fettuccini Alfredo, some T-Bone Steak, ice cream with some Tim Tams (these yummy Australian cookies) for dinner. Tomorrow, we are off to Brisbane for our last two weeks down under. All we know is that we have a car booked. After that, it's anyone's guess. Wish us luck and stay tuned for what happens!





David's POV -

Once we got to Townsville from Magnetic Island, we realized that we would not be making it back to the island. There is just so much to do and see on the mainland.
As Maureen says, Charters Towers has to be one of the friendliest towns we've ever been to. The museum was really special. It was piled to the rafters with stuff yet to be displayed. There were filing cabinets stuffed with photos and the like that they didn't seem to have a problem with us digging through. And, everything was quite hands on. I could have spent a week there. But, they too, were closing... at 2 pm.

We also hit upon another mentionable "lot burger"in Charters Towers Adam gives it a first place. I thought it was up there but without the pineapple and dog it couldn't be considered a true lot.

The Paluma drive really reinforced the reason that we came back to this area for a second time. I just can't get enough of those fresh water swim holes.

The Whitsundays was kind of a whirlwind tour where one could easily spend a lifetime. The beaches of silica sand and crystal clear water are what those postcards are made of. And, it's real.

Our time is running short here in Australia. We have a final flight to Brisbane before we fly home in two weeks. More later...




Hello everyone Adam here,

It’s been awesome in Australia and we’re leaving today to Brisbane. We have two weeks there, more on that on our next blog. Last week we went to 3 water holes (river). The water was actually quite warm. One was more of a jumping type there were lots of high rocks. The second was for sliding and I don’t know what the 3rd one was good for. Then we went to Charters Towers and had the best works burger (bun, patty, egg, bacon, lettuce, tomato, mustard, mayo, and beetroot) it was missing pineapple and a hotdog though, but it was tasty.

Then we went to Airlie Beach. There we had two of the best dinners we’ve had in Australia even though we were in a tent. Then we did one of the scariest boat rides ever apart from when my dad drives our boat.

Bye for now.


Hi everyone Sylvie here,

Yesterday it was my b-day. I got a sarong dress and a sarong skirt.
We went in the pool here and it was sunny but today it’s supposed to rain.
We’re even going on the plane today to Brisbane . Ok lets go to the past.
We went to some water holes and we went to all different one .
One there was some slides. Another there were great places to jump from.
We went to this one were I fell on my leg. The boys went in but I didn’t.
Ok yesterday I put lemon on my toothpaste and it was discusting.
We went to go camping. We slept in a tent. I did not have a good sleep.
We went ocean rafting, we went snorkeling and we went to 2 awesome beaches.
Then we went back home.

That’s all I have to say
TTYL