Day 13 - Townsville to Cairns

Early start with us staying out at Horseshoe Bay for the night, rather than back in at the marina and given that it was Andi's birthday it allowed us all some extra time to celebrate ... The engines kicked over at 4ish for a 4:30am departure and in time for a 9 o'clock departure from the marina for Townsville.  We had to be in Cairns for Uncle Chris's flight at 4:30pm.

Andi driving Paws back home with Griff waking up later just as we were getting back to port!

Sunrise over Magnetic Island 

It was one fairly average driving day as the frequency of towns was much higher than before.  If there wasn't a town there seemed to be roadworks that slowed us down again.  Slightly frustrating if it wasn't for the scenery.  To say the mountains around Cardwell and Cairns aren't impressive is an understatement.  It must be those mountains that contributes to Tully being the wettest town in Australia with several metres of rain per year being the average.  We didn't have time to stop at alot of places on the way up, but certainly have our eye on a few for our return trip.

We stopped off at Cardwell for lunch, surcomming to temptation of fish and chips on the beach front.  Well we learnt our lesson, $29 (the equivalent of 4 days lunch for the four of us if we bought bits and made up wraps etc) later and boys filled fish and fizzy drink we continued our trip further north, with them asking regular intervals "how many kilometres", as we pass through a town "is this the town we staying at?"

Cardwell foreshore. The shops are across the road behind this picture. No wonder they were wiped out in Yasi.

Lunch!

The frequency of red dust coloured trucks going South is increasing, it seems that they are wearing it as a badge of honour, while others taking the time to wash it down, if not only a little.  Dad getting very excited, Mum less so and the kids are oblivious.

We rocked into Cairns around 2:45pm and we were introduced to the Big 4 Cairns Coconut Resort.  Well it was the best setup from any other resort, Big 4 or otherwise, we have ever visited.  Firstly, we were showed the park on a golf buggy with a staff member giving us the lay of the land.  It's facilities includes: Not one but two jumping pillows, 2 swimming pools, a water park, fun rooms, tennis courts etc. All free.  Then the list of activities grows with external movies, concerts etc again no extra charge.  To say our boys eyes lit up would be an understatement.  You can see why this park has won awards for customer service, simply outstanding.

We have a slightly tight campsite at the back of the plot, about 4 metres for the cane train track as we discovered.  Not sure how many trains go by but I am sure we will find out!

Also noticed that fuel had taken a leap upwards from $153.9 in Townsville to $169.9!  That's cheap one of neighbours says, $2.45 a litre at the top in Bamaga! 

After picking up Chris without hassle we ventured to the shops for key groceries and stores.  Returning to camp we setup the remainder parts of Ernie whilst Katie started preparing dinner with the boys.  Chicken stir fry was on the menu ... Yum 

We are a little way away from the loos so thought that we might try out the shower tent and portable toilet arrangement out while we here ... Brave new world ...