TERRIFIC TOWNIE

The drive from the Whitsundays to Townsville seemed to be the longest one I had made so far. Though glad to get out of the non-RVfriendly  Whitsundays, and onto a stretch of highway that had rest stops and RV friendly towns  (like Home Hill, Ayr and Giru), it was increasingly barren, hot and dusty. So pulling into my sisters at Townsville was like going to heaven.

The Lagoon at the Strand- from Kissing Point

 Townsville is now a huge city that spreads itself thinly, like the last knifefull of butter, on a wide, toasted landscape. There has not been rainfall up here for 6years, my sister said, yet for all that, it does not deserve the name ‘Brown Townsville” that it gets. Townsville is actually beautiful. And there is still plenty of green about, whether it is from the well watered lawns of the stunning Strand to the natural sea foliage of Pallaranda or Magnetic Island or the mountainous Hervey Ranges that cradle Townsville.  And there are the gorgeous Northern beaches arching up to Ingham.

kissing Point

I want to say, here, that there are a few things which have become increasingly apparent as I travel North. Foremost is the fact that, unless I stick to major towns/ cities I am often out of range of networks both mobile phone and internet. Which is not the aim of my travels. I want to be free to roam where and when I feel like, to discovery new territory and natural, hidden delights. Which makes writing this blog impossible at times. And even when I get reception, to get it written up takes time… and power! A laptop can drain a house battery. So I’ve come to the conclusion I will have to try and condense my blog. Not easy for someone with verbal diarhoea  I can tell you! But here goes.

There are Four area in the city itself worth visiting. The stunning stretch of landscaped parkland which runs all the way around the city’s bay overlooking Magnetic Island. Here you can eat at cafes or picnic areas, walk or jog on the wide paths, take the children to play on the many childrens areas (Townsville is family orientated) or just sit and enjoy the view. Next to the Strand is Kissing Point (my favorite) A new area of wooden walkways right around the bay to Pallaranda, the furthest point of Townsville which juts out into the sea. 

Pallaranda

Icecream at the Strand. Yummy.

The strand

Kissing Point has incredible viewing platforms and is strewn with works of sculpture, some indigenous. There is a certain path here which takes you up and through the natural flora of the area (all marked) to the most perfect view over to the islands. Castle Hill is the next, and oldest,  tourist delight. This was here when Townsville first began. A hill right in the middle which is so high it casts its protective shadow over all the inner suburbs. A great favorite with walkers and joggers, the steep slope really gives you a work out. Or just take your car or the bus to the top… and look out over the world. The Centre of Townsville is last, but not least. It is surprisingly more like a town, small, easy to get around, friendly and inviting. The few shops and cafes there are more unique and well worth a look. Townsvillians tend to shop at the five huge, impersonal, air conditioned malls, in every corner of Townsville.

City Centre

View from Castle hill

Path on Castle Hill

And then there’s Magnetic Island. To come to Townsville and not visit Magnetic Island is just not possible. A short ferry ride will take you there and back, several times a day. It is only a small Island but so abundant with foliage and wildlife, it is worth the visit.  The ferry docks at Maggie Bay but Horseshoe Bay on the other side has more to offer. Cafes, Sanctuaries, Watersports, horse rides. You can get there by bus or hire a mini moke! If you want to take your own car over you can but it is $180 return! One little jewel of advice here. There is a hotel on the mainland called Jupiters, which looks straight out to Magnetic Island. Their restaurant and grounds with swimming pool and balconys have and awesome view. And a HUGE buffet lunch for $22! Never seen so much food. Hot and cold buffet,  sweets counter… and there goes my power!!! The computer switched off and I have had to go on auxillary power which runs down my house battery. Damn, damn, damn.

Hervey Ranges Teahouse

 Next- a trip to Hervey Ranges. This road is gorgeous as it winds up the mountains, with stunning views over the foothills to the sea. At the top there is a fantastic historic Café. Don’t worry, you can’t miss it. There’s only this café there. It has been held in time and looks just as it did when it was first built. I love that the owners have not tried to restore it. The food is lovely too and you can sit inside, outside or on the veranda. No point traveling on the road past here though, the scenery becomes dull and dusty all the way to Charters Towers.

The view going UP to the teahouse

Balgal Beach

Last port of call. There are many Beaches all the way to Ingham. And all of them offer small areas for RVs to park. Balgal beach is the prettiest with a café (awesome fish and chips) right next to the parking area. Fishing is good here. Toomulla Beach is the most serene(no shops), lacks a proper beach front, but offers larger parking under the trees and good fishing. Saunders Beach is gorgeous. Again a small parking area, no café, but long beach front…… And so much for me trying to condense this blog!

Saunders Beach

 The roads less travelled are the ones that bring you nearer to knowing who you are.
The Grey Chihuahua