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TOWNSVILLE/GREAT BARRIER REEF - STAY FOR LESS "A$"

TOWNSVILLE (QLD) was founded by Robert Towns, a Sydney Sea Captain & Financier, in 1864 on the delta of one of Queenslands biggest rivers, the Burdekin.. As well as being a Port it has a major Army Base nearby & the James Cook University it’s also at the start of the Main Highway West into the Northern Territory onto Darwin or Alice Springs. To the East, offshore, is the World Heritage Site & Australian “Icon” - GREAT BARRIER REEF - about 2hrs away by fast catamaran. Also, just offshore, is Magnetic Island an ideal stopping point for a tropical treat.

ACCOMMODATION

NO 1 from 2005 – REEF LODGE at 4 Wickham Street, North T. (near to main beach & Marina) tele 4721 1112 - www.reeflodge.com.au - $18 in 4 bed dorms with sep showers & wc. Small s/c kitchen & eating area. Lounge/ sitting room. This is a good hostel, recently renovated, with a friendly atmosphere & in an ideal location for all the sights

NO 1 to 2005 – TRANSIT CENTRE BACKPACKERS YHA on corner of Palmer & Plume Streets, South T. ( actually located above National Bus Station) freecall 1800 628 836, www.tcbackpacker.com.au - $19 pn in 4 bed dorm with ex. sep shower/ wc room. Small but well laid out kitchen & dining area adjacent both in & o/side (for smokers & also a plunge pool) Lounge area with large TV & pool table, laundry room. This is a 1st class hostel which is fresh & new & being on the 1st for has great views all around. Reception on the ground is next to mbtravel, which gives the best tour deals. Sadly it closed in 2005.

FOOD is available form the large Woolworths Supermarket on Sturt St. or you can take a short cut through the shopping complex in Flinders Mall.

TRAVELLING AROUND this Town is more convenient on foot with the interesting side streets & beachfront paths. The trip out to the Great Barrier Reef from Townsville has to be booked in advance, the only day cruises available being on Tues/ Wed. & Sat/ Sun. by Sunferries from the Breakwater Terminal. You need to be at the jetty at 1800 for a 1830 departure arriving at the Reef about 1030 (depending on the weather) where free snorkelling equipment is offered or full diving gear & instruction for a charge. The whole operation is very professional with Dive Master in charge of all activities whilst on the Reef, a small glass bottomed boat is launched for the less able so everyone is catered for. Excellent food & drinks are also included, cont. breakfast, tropical buffet lunch (king prawns & baked fish) plus champagne then afternoon tea on return - great

“FREE” SIGHTS TO SEE

1. Castle Hill – Panoramic views at the top if you have the energy to scramble up the 2km goat track
2. Flinders Street Mall – Pedestrian shopping way, upmarket & cheap, fountains, i & main Library
3. Flinders Street East – Beside the Creek with many original 19c buildings & best restaurants
4. The Strand – Long beachfront drive with feature Banyan trees & marina gardens
5. Coral Sea Rockpool – Large artificial swimming pool on the edge of the South Pacific Ocean
6. Queens Gardens – Original botanical area, dating from 1878, now with sports fields & tennis
7. G.B.Reef - Photography is a challenge to get original shots of coral reef, fish & candids of trip
8. “ - Experience the different sea conditions, calm in harbour, rough inner bay, calm at reef
9. “ - Catamaran organisation, expert divers & marine specialists, dive master control at reef
10. “ - Responses & interests of other passengers at the Reef, their comments & achievements

CHARGE SIGHTS NOT TO MISS

1. JOHN BREWER REEF TRIP – Sunferries Reef Experience (as above) $ 129, look for deals!
2. Reef HQ – Or stay on shore & visit this 3mill litre living coral reef aquarium for only $19.50
3. Townsville Museum – Artefacts HMS Pandora which stuck on Reef 1791with Bounty mutineers

* Mary – Joseph - Sean – Ron & Jaws – GBR, Andy – Beverly – Duke – Mike