This morning was spent washing clothes, helping the kids with their homework and packing lunches. Mid morning we headed into the city to check out the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium. We figured we should learn a bit about the famous barrier reef whilst we where here. The aquarium was okay, unfortunately not the standard of the Melbourne Aquarium.

Following this we headed to the main beach on a beachfront strip they call "The Strand" for lunch. The beach was pristine, but had no one swimming in it. You could swim in it if you wanted, it wasn't stinger season. However most families had their kids running around in the nearby water park. This is a great facility and the after lunch the kuds took full advantage of it.

From "The Strand" you also get great views of Magnetic Island. A resort Island that has now become popular for young people to party on. We looked into doing a chopper ride around the reef and over the island. However the choppers they use here only have a maximum of three passengers.

We returned to the caravan park later that afternoon. A quick swim for all and then it was off to Mt Stuart to watch the sun go down. Mt Stuart is 583m above sea level and overlooks Townsville and picturess Magnetic Island. It felt sereal looking out over the city and surrounding islands. It didn't feel like we were in Australia at all.

Townsville reminds me of Hollywood. It is surrounded by rocky looking mountains, it just needs the white Hollywood sign purched up there on a mountain.