18/9/13
Balgal Beach to Townsville We tried for an earlier start so that we would have time to make camp and then sight see Townsville city.

All went according to plan and when we arrived at the Rowes Bay caravan park to check in at about 9:45, they had allocated us 2 sights nearly together . This was a surprise as they have a "no booking policy", but you can ring at 8am and they will put you on the list, no guarantees though! business must be great, for this policy to work.

The park is well located over the road from the beach on bus route 206 to the city, and has a very nice pool. However the sites are very small, the caravans were battling to fit in with their cars. The hot water was not working in our shower block, so you needed a cut lunch to get to another block for a shower. The washing machine was either out of order or barely turning. Marg and Sue were eaten alive by sand flies - so the alternate Lakes Caravan Park- may have been the better option.

We caught the bus to town from outside the gate. After the customary information center visit, we explored the city center, and stopped for lunch at the Townsville Brewery, a boutique brewery in the center of town, in the old post office building. The. Lunch time special was chicken burger, chips and an ale for $10 - the atmosphere, food, beer and friendliness of the staff, are all to be recommended.

Reef HQ, is a short walk from town, and is the worlds largest coral reef aquarium. If you are not a diver, It has to be closest thing to diving - without getting wet- you will experience, because you are at the same level as the coral, not above it. An extremely well done and a must see attraction.

A bus ride later, we were back at camp In time to cool off in the pool.