Campervan Trip 6 'Townsville, part 2' ….Still here!

Woke up intending to move off to Mission Beach and heard that not only had Cyclone Nathan been upgraded to a category 4 (categories 1-5) but it had changed course and was now headed to hit the north just above Cairns, oops just where we were heading!

We had seen what devastation cyclones could cause when we travelled through Rockhampton and surrounding areas so rang 'Bloomfields' which was to be our rainforest lodge experience and sits in the wet tropics north of Cairns. We soon discovered that the lodge was being evacuated as a precaution and would remain closed for the week. Obviously very disappointed as had been Martin and Fiona's recommendation; they had a fabulous time there and although we were really looking forward to it we were also relieved to be out of any potential danger.

The decision to stay put in Townsville was because strong winds and heavy rain were forecast for mission beach versus Townsville with its 32C and sun…. no brainer really. Came up with plan B and contacted Trailfinders, who we must say have been great and readily altered our itinerary for us. So now we get to spend some time in Cairns, take an earlier flight back to Sydney for a 4 night stop over and have an earlier and more convenient flight to Bangkok. So all worked out OK in the end as we really loved Sydney first time round and shall be delighted to be able to get back into the sea/surf in the south (shame we couldn't take our body boards, gave them to a lovely couple travelling south).

Having sorted alternative travel arrangements we went up to the look out on Castle Hill which is just on the edge of town, rises to 294m and affords wonderful views across the ocean to Magnetic Island. We then travelled to Crystal Creek, around 60km north of Townsville to swim in clear rock pools created from cascading, mountain water. All good until a guy spotted several rather large eels in one of the pools, didn't know that Sue could move so quick!

Drove back to Townsville with plans to have a late afternoon swim in their sea rock pool but it had been emptied for maintenance! Never mind sat in the sun for a little while and found a great restaurant over the bay for dinner.

Off to Cairns tomorrow, should be an interesting journey.