Townsville to Gladstone
Many years ago, a friend told me that Airlie Beach was his favourite place in Queensland. So, being keen to see it for myself, I travelled there and booked into a caravan park for the night.
Airlie Beach is certainly very pretty – in fact I wanted to call it “the Noosa of the Tropics”. Those who have been to Noosa will understand … it’s really touristy, with a mix of young backpackers, families and couples enjoying the beautiful weather, beach, cafes and shops – at this time of year it was very, very crowded.
Had an interesting conversation with the guy who owned the café near the secondhand bookshop who told me he used to be a butcher on one of the islands off the coast.
I retired early to my little room but enjoyed a swim in the very modern and large swimming pool to cool off first.
Leaving Airlie Beach the next day en route for Rockhampton was a frustrating journey, there being a lot of roadworks involving long waits for road trains trucks and cars.
Had one night in Rocky and didn’t feel inclined to investigate the city much as it was so busy and traffic just fast and furious (I’ve been in Broome too long). Talked to the lady at reception who was just filling in for the usual managers who were on holidays. She was surprised as most people are, to hear that I’d driven from Broome “in that little car”.
There were some very old and elegant buildings that had been carefully restored like this remarkable hotel.
I arrived in Gladstone on Tuesday 11th where I started my house-sit for Anton and Amy, who were heading down to the Gold Coast for a week. I looked after Lucy the dog, who is part Whippet. We went on daily walks – or rather Lucy took me for the walks – and it was a great opportunity to explore the city of Gladstone.
I drove out to Tannum Sands town and beach. The signs said no swimming because of crocs, stingers etc. but I asked the young lifeguard who said she’d never seen or heard of a croc there – and there were quite a few people in the sea … not me, though.
Though Gladstone wasn’t originally on my list of places to visit, I was very pleased to be able to relax there for a few days and Lucy was an easy dog to look after. It was very humid however, and I was very thankful for the aircon, for sure!
