We left Mission Beach and drove to Townsville. Here we stopped and had lunch before going to a lookout point to see Townsville and across to Magnetic Island. The ferry across only took 20mins and was nice and calm. After arriving the other side the three of us were staying in a different hostel to the rest of the oz exp bus so had to get a public bus to our hostel in Picnic bay. once there we had a walk around the bay and walked to the end of the jetty. Its a very small island and there isnt much to do. The next day we hired a 'topless car' to drive around the island. It was strange driving again but was nice to have own transport to get around. WE went to a small wildlife park where we were able to stroke some koalas and there was a baby one there. saw all the usual Aussie wildlife there too. WE then went to Horseshoe bay for lunch and a walk around the bay. THen went for a walk down a very steep road to Arthurs bay which was very small and peaceful. It was very hot and humid today so went back in a our little car to the hostel. The next morning had to drop the car back, did a bit of souvenir shopping and went to the beach.

On Friday we made our way to the other hostel to meet our bus driver. WE then went on a walk. THis walk took about 2 hours and took us to the top of a hill to see an old fort and gun emplacement. IT was very hot even so early in the morning. the views from the top were really good, i was able to see all the little bays that we had driven past. WE saw a koala and a baby in the trees on the way down. Got the afternoon ferry back to Townsville and drove to Airlie Beach. Whilst in Mission Beach Ellie and I had booked a whitsundays and Fraser island tour which included 2 nights free accomadation in Airlie. AFter having to move rooms due to there not being enough mattresses in the rooms we were able to go and check in for our sailing trip on saturday. We then went down to the lagoon to watch the fireworks which started the Reef Festival that is happening all week here. THe fireworks went on for 15mins and were really really impressive. ALot better that ones at home.