Townsville

 Townsville is a great city and we spend a pleasant day exploring. First stop was the fort on the ocean front. It is new and includes a great board walk, (more toenail digging in by Rifter- who's scared of boards over water!) lots of interesting art installations plus plants and history well documented by informational plaques.

Spent quite a long time there as some soldiers  with photographic equipment explained they were part of the Defense Force and were going to film a fly past by the Chinook helicopters.  We stayed to take some snaps, stayed and waited as it took ages, but was impressive when it happened.  Australia’s entire operational fleet of Chinooks (they can carry 29 seated passengers but if needed up to 50) were in the air at the same time. Apparently this is a  rare event as they have been in service overseas....Afghanistan. One had a jeep underneath, another a fuel tank. They had been taking part in exercises over Townsville. By the way Australia only has 6 Chinooks.

 Took a million photos. Fish for lunch ( barramundi and mackerel) on the Strand. This is a board walk developed on the foreshore, complete with man made beaches.

Then we went up Castle Hill, which is right in the middle of the city, and from there you can get a 360 degree panoramic view. Very impressive!! It is a huge rock monolith and lots of people use it as a fitness track. We drove up the steep 2 km road to the car park and merely climbed a few steps then walked around the top.

Finally it was back to our caravan park. It was a rodeo ground but this part has been closed for three years. Lots of room and a paint ball course next door. We were tempted but resisted!!!