so we booked Chip in to a pet resort just outside of Townsville that was very flash..unfortunately all their luxury 'cabins' were booked so he had to rough it in the normal accommodation but have a look at the set up with the pool. They told us they took him to the pool for swim time and had him going across the pool on a boogie board but he wouldn't plunge in...apparently he had them all entertained. Don't think he slept a wink while there as he was exhausted when we picked him up...
We stayed in a motel along The Strand in Townsville which is a lovely area along the beach.
They are still rebuilding some of it after cycone Yasi.
We went to the Reef HQ Aquarium which was pretty cool - a bit like Kelly Tarltons in NZ. We watched the fish feeding and went for a tour in to the turtle hospital - well worth going to if you find yourself in Townsville.
Mal with his favourite fish!!!
Went to Jupiters Casino for a buffet dinner which was delicious then had a flutter on the Pokie machines....we came away over $80 up so that paid for dinner!!!
The next day we took the ferry out to Maggie (Magnetic Island). Took us a bit of walking to find the scooter hire place, but we finally found it and went round the island on the scooter for a look. We were surprised by how many people live on the island - it is a lovely spot with lots of different beaches - a huge variety of accommodation and restaurants. Had lunch at Horseshoe Bay at the pub and then stopped off at Arcadia Bay for an iced coffee. If you want a relaxing island holiday then I would defintely recommend Maggie...its lovely!
All up we had a lovely 2 days...Townsville was a bit of a surprise....had a picture in my head of some old, decrepit town with a bunch of ferrals whacking cane toads with cricket bats....but its a lovely town, just the right size, mix of old and modern with good shopping and restaurants...could definitely see myself living there for a bit.
