We have made it to Townsville. And I'd like to leave as soon as possible... strange place!

The flooding wasn't too bad but some roads were damaged and it's north of here that is cut off. We've been put up in the Mercure hotel so that's good and we have dinner included tonight. We're supposedly trying for Cairns tomorrow but after talking to some locals, I don't see why Contiki are even trying. As there's a local airport, I think we may end up flying up there but expect they will leave it quite late so we have no time in Cairns rather than a day or two. Hmph. Chris and I are watching the ticket prices...

As of this morning, 62% of Queensland has been declared a disaster zone. I read in a 'travellers tips' book in an internet place this morning in AIrlie Beach - 'The Whitsundays are amazing, but never, ever come here in Monsoon season.' GODDAMMIT!!

Oh, and Townsville is on the brink of a Denque epidemic. Yes, the mozzies are rife. Chris and I keep suddenly twisting around into weird positions to check exposed body parts and smacking each other. Maybe that's just our new marital game ;)