Arrived Townsville on 16th March 2008. After a steady walk around and reconfirmation that some stuff in Lonely Planet is clearly a wind up we stumbled into Adventures Backpackers. A 'different' place where we had a 20 bed army styled barracks to ourselves. Beds were soft to say the least! Went out for tastey fish and chips but a quiet night was needed!

Next day we got our arses into gear and booked up Fraser Island / Whitsundays. Stuck in Townsville for the day we hit the local pool. Even lane divides did not prevent heavy bombing/peanut action from the boys. Also teseted our fitness on a chin up bar. It's safe to say none of us could give Mr Motivator a run for his money. It was St Paddy's day so whilst walking through town we duct into Mollly Mallones for a well earned pint. In the spirit of things they dyed all the pints green - diifferent, as well as the mash in Matt's stew. The pie and chip combo was superb though. Quick turnaround and it was back out for Paddy's night in our best green etire! A token Guiness was sunk, with a tastey keebab shop being discovered. lots of fun and frolics. Luke carried on our borrowing adventures, this time with cordial. Chris can confim the lime cordial is sharp and mixed with blackcurrent is eye watering. Nice sugar rush though. Luke and Chris managed to get there hands on some novelty hats and were even photoed later in the night wearing only these. Another crazy night!

Decided to go Magnetic Island the following day. After a little expensive , 25 mintute ferry ride, we checked into Base. (Ironic as this was the one Lonely Planet said was back in Townsville!). Day at the pool we met a couple of lads from Portsmouth Uni with many a tale!!! Matt showed his skills in the kitchin again. Yummy! Steady night at Base bar. Met some Irish girls who did not fail to live upto their reputation on the drinking front. Drooling though was something we had never seen by a lady! Good night. Happy hour got taught a lesson (save those pennies) and we were glad we did it. Off to Airlee Beach!