Magnectic Island. QLD.

Magnetic Island is 8km from Townsville. This Island was named by Captain Cook, because of the effect it had on his ships compass.More than half this Island is National Park, its huge granite boulders & towering hoop pines dominate the mountainous skyline, this rugged natural beauty is a haven for wildlife such as Koalas, Allied rock wallabies, possums & lots of tropical birds.

Leaving Townsville behind us.

Us on the car Ferry to Magnetic Island.

Horseshoe Bay on a very wet day.

Umbrella's are the must have on the Island today! 

Geoffrey Bay. 

Arrhhh very cute.

The pirates are in town.  Notorious from Española one of the ships used in the last Jack Sparrow Pirates of the Caribbean movies  

Arthur Bay.

The roads are not to good.

Arthur Bay.

Florence Bay.

Jane, Steve & Glen.

The Forts Walk.

This walk took us through the natural habitat of Koalas (The largest free roaming colony in the world) before arriving at the ruins of the Forts complex, which operated during World War Two. The lookouts afforded excellent views to Palm Island group in the North and Bowling Green National Park in the South. 

This ant was pretty cool. 

Arrrhhhh Cuddly Koala.

Nice to see in their Natural Habitat.

Steve near the top of the Forts walk.

Steve hugging a tree.

The Buena Vista is incredible.

The gun emplacement.

Steve at the Command Post. 

Great photo. (Balding Bay & Radical Bay).

Looking down at the Command post.

Horseshoe Bay.

Head quarters.

Steve chatting to another Koala.

Every day is a lazy day when your a Koala.  

West Point.

West Point.

The Marlin Bar - Horseshoe Bay.

Birthday Boy.

Birthday Boy sailing his hobby cat.

Steve buzzing the pirate ship.

Notorious. (Drone).

Horseshoe Bay. (Drone).

Horseshoe Bay. (Drone).

The drive from Townsville to Paronella Park. 

The Big Mango.

Whow lots of flood water.

The Big Crab.

Banana Plantation.

The grass is so long the cows have no legs.

Townsville. QLD.

Townsville has expanded greatly since we were last here, it also looks a lot cleaner. (About 18 years since our last trip here).

Coffee stop - heading East to Townsville.

What a stunning country we live in.

Townsville Australia's largest tropical city, Townsville has one of the highest residential growth rates in Australia.

A giant golden Orb.

The Big Orb.

The Great Barrier Reef's Aquarium. Home to the world's longest living Coral Reef aquarium, the 2.5 million litre coral reef exhibit has an amazing display, with thousands of charismatic marine creatures. The viewing tunnel was spectacular and so relaxing.

Leopard Shark.

He always has all the moves.

Cute as.

Green Tree Snake.  

How's this merman!

Reef Shark.

Queensland Grouper.

Shovel Nose Shark.

Two different trees. one using the other to climb, Light & Dark.

Townsville Marina.

Some of the history.

The sign say's it all!!

The drive to the rock.

A stunning view from Castle Hill lookout.

Townsville.

Steve enjoying the vista.

Panoramic views.

Magnetic Island in the distance,

Steve & the coast line.

Army Museum @ Jezzine Barracks, this has been home to Australian military units for over 120 years. This is a 15 hectare heritage precinct. This was extremely well presented and was free. 

Soldier Steve.

Nurse Dee. 

One of the artillery displays.

Coast Board walk.

 

Look who we came across walking up to Kissing Point. 

Kissing Point Lookout View. 

Magnetic Island - I feel drawn to it.

Kissing Point Fort Precinct.

Gunner Evans.

Ammunition storage.

Moving on to -

This is another well presented Museum (Refurbished in 2001) and is designed in the shape of a ship, a great place to discover the rich history of Townsville and its place in Maritime history.

Light house lights.

Bellows.

Diving equipment.

Light display.

The presentation & story of the Yongala was excellent.