Day 3 - Paradise Found

OMG the birds are loud here! Totally different (very tropical) bird song and early too, way before sunrise.
Awake once again before 5am. So what do you do when you are both awake at 5am on the west coast of Australia and sun isn't up yet?? Well you walk the 20m to the beach and wait.....there is residual morning light from the imminent arrival of the sun, enough to have attracted some life to the beach front; 1 jogger, 1 couple walking dog, 1 yoga, 2 Brits in no bras, still in PJ's aka Clarkey and Holly.
The sun finally broke behind the hills of Dunk Island, slow and graceful it began its relentless rise on the horizon reflected in the surf.
Did I mention how green it is? Weirdly tropical and vibrant and incredibly quiet too. So few people on the roads, at the campsite, on the beach, totally not like at home.

First stop on our way to Townsville was Hinchingbrooke Island, had to be done! One of the rare places that Bruce highway meets the coast, so not much of a detour to reach the front. Cardwell Beach was beautiful, first taste of what we came to Australia to see. Miles of untouched sandy beaches, paradise. We spent a good hour walking up and down the be with HBK Island barely a mile away. It's weird, you look down to see where you a walking, shells, driftwood and beach comb,and then you remember to look up at the view and every time you do it takes your breath away!

We went from Cardwell to a small coastal village called Lucinda? The guide book promised fresh sea food! We went off the A1 in search of lunch. What waited us was the worlds longest jetty, 5.7km long in fact! And fish & chips for lunch, crumbed Mackerel and calamari rings with chips, lovely job!

Clarkey took over the drive from here, destination Townsville. A few minutes in Clarkey sees an officer of the law step out in front of his car and wave her down. She was certain she was doing under the limit, around 60km ph. He asks for her licence etc, which she has to hand. The officer mentions the south coast, which she quickly corrects him on, saying "no darling, cambridge" ! He says he's just back from a 10yr stint in Blighty himself. After her asking her to blow long and hard...into a breathalyser......we are on our way.

We made it to Townsville with no other interruptions. The city was big and less friendly. Industrial around the edges and busy in the middle. We navigated the streets to the front and parked up. Another beautiful beach. Windier here and hot!
Mid afternoon it. Just be about. 31/32C but the wind offer some respite. Clarkey has her first beer of the holiday here, a XXXX Summer.

Headed to find the campsite, quick swim and shower before heading out for dinner. We went to their main cosmopolitan street and found lots of boutique bars and cafes and some chain restaurants. We settled for Ribs & Rumps, including surf and turf for Clarkey and steak and chicken for Holly.

We returned and were settled by 9.30pm.