Townsville

Townsville was a really big city. It was bigger than Cairns and took us by surprise. We camped at Ingham one night before Townsville and then camped at a free spot outside of Townsville which was by the river. It was at this spot we got to see an emperor Moth at night time and lots of possums in the tree.

There were no showers at this free camp spot and the toilets were awful! It was a very pleasant camp site though with lots of green grass everywhere to play and ride bikes and a little playground. The council people came through during the day to check on us all.

We spent one trip into Townsville and because we had only a short time there we chose to go to the Townsville Museum. This museum had a little science section in it as well as a huge collection of tropical butterflies, stuffed birds and animals. There was also a shipwreck section that had been built where you had to look for hidden shipwreck items. Apparently the oldest shipwreck on the Australian coast was found off the coast of Townsville and it has the story of the shipwreck in the museum.

It was all very interesting. We wished we could have seen the beach of Townsville but we did not have time to.

Off the coast of Townsville is Magnet Island which was called Magnetic Island again by Captain Cook. He thought the Island was magnetic because every time where sailed near it it seemed to play havoc with his compass. The Island has been checked for magnetism but, apart from the type of rock there that could possibly have some type of magnetic ability, nothing has been found.

Izzy’s Koala World is filmed on Magnetic Island as well. That will be a trip for next time!