Townsville - August 6

Best pack up to date in my opinion. Having dry grass to pack up on helps! We were heading into Townsville CBD by 8am!!. Walked along The Strand (beach front) before heading to Reef HQ - the world's largest reef aquarium. I really wanted to take the time out to 'consolidate' our reef experience, and to understand more about coral and sea life in the tropics. It was great! Learnt about sea stars (not starfish), sea cucumbers, black tipped sharks (their babies look like zebra sharks)', coral (they are a form of animal btw - I see a project in the future...) and even visited the turtle hospital. Jasmine has had an increasing interest in turtles on this trip and she loved learning more about them. A quick lunch and shop in the souvenir store, then a walk back through town to the car. 

Walking along Strand

Reef HQ in Townsville

Lion Fish

Looks fake?

Painted Crayfish

No fish were injured in the making of this photo

Turtle Hospital for Izzy

Saving Izzy after boat-strike

Stingray

Giant Spider at Townsville

Another 200kms south and we stopped at a farm stay caravan park just south of Bowen (the Big Mango). Vin is happily cooking a chicken curry in the rustic camp kitchen and talking to fellow travellers sitting by the group fire.

Big Mango at Bowen

Morning at Farm Campstay