TOWNSVILLE QLD

 

 We made it across to the coast and the city of Townsville. Federation-style architecture, street art, fascinating military history, coastal vibe, a vibrant and bustling city which sits under the watchful gaze of Castle Hill. More about Castle Hill later. We especially like walks along The Strand beachfront, situated right in the city.

 

 Anzac Park (along The Strand)                    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Queens Gardens

 

                                               




 Above looking across the city to Castle Hill and view from the top. You could hear the sigh of relief all over Townsville when the elder member of the Chookpen made it back down to the bottom of the hill(nearly a mountain).



Hail the conquerer!!!!!!!

 Balgal Beach north of Townsville           

 Fort Kissing Point was built during the 1800's as a defence point against the Russians, more recently during WW11 and now a wonderful military museum.

 

 Just a short ferry trip across from Townsville is the beautiful Magnetic Island, and we took it. What a holiday destination. One we have marked to return one day.

 

 

 Looking over to Townsville with Castle Hill on the right

 

 

 The Fort Walk leads to WW11 fortifications, used by artillery units, on the top of the island. One of many beautiful walks across the island.

 Plenty of nature on the island too.

 

 

LEAVING DARWIN - Heading South then eastwards

We had a lovely few more weeks in Darwin then up stumps, backtracked down the Stuart Hwy towards Tennant Creek before turning eastwards along the Barkly Hwy to Queensland. Even though we have previously covered most of this part of the country it is still wonderful to be in the outback and see how the landscape of this magnificent country of ours changes. It is fantastic how welcoming these outback towns are.

 

We loved the peace and solitude of the old ghost town Mary Kathleen townsite so much that we stayed for 5 days.

 

...................remains of the old town below

 

 

 

 Further eastwards overlooking Cloncurry

 Bourke & Wills Monument

 

 Julia Creek, what a town, they really look after the travellers

 .....view from the loo

 

 Onwards to Richmond and a constant reminder of the dinosaurs that previously roamed around our country. Different dinosaurs roam these days.

 

 While in Richmond we took a trip out to Hampstead Springs Station. What a fabulous day this turned out to be. Fantastic people, wonderful scenery, and the stories about life on a cattle station, just brilliant, bestever scones for smoko.

 

 The water wheel below pumps water from the spring to all parts of the station.

Mushroom Rock

 

.......and on to Hughenden and yes, more dinosaurs.

view over Hughenden from Mt Walker

 

 Porcupine Gorge National Park                 

Pyramid Rock

Charters Towers, a great example of an old gold mining town.

Flood levels of the mighty Burdekin River over the years. Boy oh boy that is a hellava lot of water.