Eungella National Park.

We've  been camping at Broken River Bush Camp and we have seen platypus every time we've gone to the river.... every time.  From the bridge get a clear view of a large lagoon in the river.  It is, thus, easy to spot concentric ripples in the water, and if we keep looking,  sure enough, we see a platypus.    Parks and Wildlife have done a great job with the bridge, too. They've  included a boardwalk for pedestrians to which they have added soundproofing material.

"how's the serenity!"
By the way "Bush camping" means no power, no water, no flushing toilets.  It's been pretty cold, too.  However there are compensations.  The brilliant night sky, the campfire, the peace and quiet......

While we were at Carnavon Gorge there is a magnificent rock formation called the amphitheatre. It's like a tall cave with no roof.  Incredible acoustics!  We had the place to ourselves so I sang Ave Verum to the spirits.

A little further north

We're in Townsville  for 5 days. 

We've had a good look around the family haunts in Railway Estate and of course Castle Hill and Paleranda.  We took in the Jezzine War museum at Kissing Point.  There were lovely old guys who volunteer there and tell interesting stories. 

Townsville is unrecognizable.   The city streets seem much more open, more planting, well landscaped. The Strand is gorgeous and getting better, lots more cafes and bars and eateries. But the parkland and generous wide walkways really impress me. well lit at night too.

It's  been a pleasure to walk along the Strand in the morning and the evening.  It is a masterpiece in town planning. The proof of the pudding is in the use of the wide pedestrian boulevard, which are wide enough to take bicycles AND pedestrians. There are so many opportunities for physical activity.  So, there are people  of all ages making use of this space.  Wow.  A "cool" place to go in a tropical city.

We are situated next to the new Marina, in Mariners Drive. 9th floor. Fantastic views of Magnetic Island and Rowes Bay.

it is a nice change of pace from camping.