Bowen to Townsville

Not a great distance between these two towns but a HUGE difference in size.We chose to stay at a park on the seashore called Rowes Bay caravan park and we had been told that they don't take bookings on any sites. as per our information, we arrived at about 3.00pm and were offered a non powered site for the night at more than what we would have expected to pay.The next morning, right on cue, a phone call from the office with our powered site number. The night before, as we were setting up we recognised another VIC number plate next to us. Turned our to be Ken & Marilyn from Korumburra, and I was at secondary school with them both.

After shifting around the corner and once again setting up, we decided to have a look around. Big city with two Defence Force bases here they being army and air force.We found a large shopping centre that hasn't been open all that long. gotta a long way to go but getting there and of course, no shortage of people. the guy who recommended Rowes Bay had also told us of the deal at the casino, join up and you get a meal for nothing. A meal voucher is issued together with a five dollar match and play voucher for use on the tables.The meal voucher can be used in any of their restaurants as well and we chose to have lunch in Spin bistro and were very pleased with the meal. An afternoon drive up Castle Hill to the number of different lookouts from this well known local landmark.Next morning a quick look at the local map to find the Commonwealth War Graves cemeteryand we were off again. A distant cousin, Aubrey, died during WW2 on Thursday Island. He was a member of the RAAF and it was a land based accident where a falling tree had killed him. We found his headstone.Also found a sparky who specialised in car audio as well as other things. He had a replacement cord to connect the cruiser and the caravan camera