Townsville, Queensland

Heading into Townsville we were surprised with the traffic- I guess it was peak hour, but it still seemed a little crazy. Until we remembered we had not experienced traffic lights since being in Katherine, Northern Territory so our reaction was possibly quite normal. Anyway, our trusty GPS managed to get us there okay and we found where we were staying, out of town alongside the river in an delightful apartment. The place had everything we could ask for, and ABC 4Kids which was perfect. SO off exploring we went...

 Foreshore

Reef HQ, situated downtown near the harbour in Townsville was great fun, especially for our littlest explorer. Here are some of the shots of the day’s activities. We happened to also meet a woman and her three children who are ex-pats living in Abu Dhabi but on holiday in Australia. In fact, her eldest son goes to a school where one of our friends, Stu teaches. It’s a small world! I really enjoyed talking to this lady about the Middle Eastern ex-pat life and Abu Dhabi although it did make me miss the fantastic lifestyle and our many friends over there.

Back to the aquarium, the highlights included talking to a diver in the tank (who tried to show us how friendly “Cuddles” the whale shark is although the animal wasn’t feeling at all affectionate on the day), the touch tanks and children’s centre (Amelia loved the sea star and looking through the microscopes at various marine creatures), and the turtle hospital. We met Leroy; a 2-3 year old green turtle who was found floating and is currently being nursed back to health alongside other larger and older turtles all in similar states, some with prop injuries caused by boating but most with digestive issues perhaps due to discarded plastic bags. Much fun was had learning more about the fascinating creatures which live under the sea.

 regrowing one arm

 "Cuddles"

This funny little fellow spent most of his time swimming directly vertical making big loops around the tank

 Imaginatively named "Pineapple" fish

Fire fish

 Hammerhead

Ray 

 Here's looking at you!

 Touch tank

 Future marine biologist?

 Where's Nemo?

 Leroy

We also enjoyed a walk down to the marina precinct and a glimpse of what life could be like when we win tattslotto and buy a purpose built vessel. (Chris’s dream!!) The area is well landscaped and beautiful. What a perfect place to live!

BIG Thanks to Tara's high-school friend, Sean who was posted in Townsville with the Australian Army for many years and was able to give us some tips on what to see and do in the area.