The long trip down under part 4

[Cannavar]

We get up early and pack just two cases for our trip up to Magnetic Island and then down the east coast. The plan is to be away for 10 days and be back in time for Xmas eve at my Sisters. We'd originally planned it to be the 4 of us but my Sister had asked to come along so we booked a bigger room for us all on the island and I got her rooms in our hotels.

So, first stop Sydney airport to catch our Virgin Flights! Yep, Virgin fly internal flights in Oz. Now if you know me from my postings on here you will know I'm not Virgins biggest fan... however, I will admit that their Australian Virgin Blue service is very good. Nice staff and great quality new planes. As we take off I spot our United jumbo that was heading back to LA and got this great pic of it...



After 2 1/2 hours we land in Townsville. A small north eastern town thats close to the Great Barrier reef. A short hop via shuttle to the ferry port and we are on to the Kat that takes us out to Magnetic.

Here's DS2 still looking sorry for himself...and thin!



Heres the outside of our home for the next 4 nights..



We were staying in a really nice resort that is actually within the world conservation site and marine park of the great barrier reef. I chose it as it looked very nice in the pictures and was somewhere we could relax in the middle of all our travels. As you can hopefully see from the pictures, it was worth every penny.

A view off one of our balconies..



Another view, this time of one of the infinity pools...



Here's the view from the master bedroom... a bath is just off to the left if you feel like bathing in the open lol. Picture doesn't really do it justice...



While on the island we didn't do a great deal...we ate a lot of food lol we drove round in our hired Moke (which I LOVED) and we went and relaxed around the beaches quite a lot! There was a Koala sanctuary on the island which was wonderful. It only allowed small groups in at any one time and they took you round the different animals where you had time to hold them and learn a bit about them. All in all we really enjoyed Magnetic island and although there is not much to do on there, it is just enough for 4 days to relax, swim, snorkle and see the odd wild animal or two! It was VERY hot at times and after an overnight thunder storm the whole island was infested with Horse Flys... and boy do they like to eat legs! Horrible horrible things and the only reason we were rather pleased when we boarded the Kat back to Townsville!

Continued below...

[Cannavar]

Sunset from our room...



Sunrise...very dramatic...



Boys walking along the beach..



Me, wrestling a dangerous saltwater croc!



DS1 was clearly given a far tamer beast!



The boys with Dextor the Koala.



My Mini Moke! Great fun!



The boys!



And back!



Finally, us enjoying the pool! Jeez... I've looked better!

[simba]

you have got some amazing photos there, it looks gorgeous

[kissimmee girl]

Wow what great photos. I would love to hold a koala some time. Your ds2 is obviously feeling better. Although he still looks very frail.
Looking forward to the next installment.

[ali-s]

Love the 2nd sunset photo - that's worth framing. Also noted your use of 'Jeez' further down the page - did that rub off from your time in Oz ? I grew up in NZ and still use 'Jeez' everyday in conversation

[Cannavar]

The whole of OZ rubbed off on us when we were there

BTW, just noticed your countdown... we are doing London at easter too! Great minds

Taking the boys for their first trip to watch the Lion King. We've watched it a couple of times and think the boys are old enough to go this time... they don't do kids tickets though! Ouchy! Hope you have a good time!

[Guest]

Good trip - we have used Virgin BLue also Sydney to Townsville via Brisbane! Do they still have the "funny" emergency speil? That the whistle is for attracting members of the opposite sex, etc? We found this extremely funny and made us sit up and listen. Townsville airport is really quaint from the outside too as you land on the runway.

[Guest]

Fantastic photos... looking forward to reading more.

[MrsG26]

Loving your trip report. My Fiance's dad lives in Melbourne and we have not yet been out to visit. After seeing your pictures i am making it our priority to go out there sometime soon

Ur picture of the boys with the koala is the cutest picture ever!

[Guest]

Oooh, i want to hold a koala! I got my pic taken with one at an animal park near Sydney, but you couldn't actually hold it.

I've used Virgin Blue a lot in Oz, i really like them, one of the best budget airlines i've ever used, and the staff are really cool and friendly.