Townsville was a favourite stop on a previous trip so we were pleased to be visiting again and combining this with getting to know newly found cousins on my Dad's side. As my cousin was house bound after having foot surgery we spent our days being tourists and our afternoons and evenings with our cousins. Their apartment overlooked the bay across to Magnetic Island. It was a wonderful opportunity to just spend time with Betty and Bruce get to know each other, talk about family, do some research on the family's war time service together and just have a good laugh together. A big thank you to both for their hospitality and friendship.
Castle Hill Lookout was our first stop, and we were lucky to have Bruce drive us up there and show us around. The hill which is a giant pink granite monolith is just metres short of being a mountain. The hill allows one a 360 degree view of Townsville and its surrounds. The hill has a very steep and narrow road access complicated by many residents walking or running up and down it each day as part of their exercise regime. Some walk several abreast and others even push strollers which seems very dangerous when driving.
Views of Magnetic Island and Cleveland Bay.
George walked the extra tracks to gain the complete 360 degree views and take photos. You can just see hime going up the hill in the second photo !
The Strand is Townsville's fabulous foreshore which was a favourite with the girls on an earlier trip. It stretches 2.5 km along Cleveland Bay and provides walks, swimming enclosures and pool,
waterparks, playgrounds, a Friday night market and waterfront dining.
Jezzine Barracks is at the northern end of the strand and has beautiful views of the bay and waterfront pool from the top. Here the history of Townsville and its connection to the world wars is displayed. At the top of the hill Forts gun placements used to protect our eastern seaboard have been preserved and the history of the bombings of Townsville by the Japanese in WW2 are recorded
A map showing the sea battles of WW2 was painted on the walkway.
The screens show pictures of the history of the men in the area. Below the poles on the disc were photos of local soldiers during the world wars.
Connected to this area via a timber walkway is Kissing Point and its Bush Tucker Trail and Artwork to the top of the point.
Below is me on my scooter travelling down the pathway!
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