Day 60 - TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA

 Date: 3/5/2024       Day 60                       Port: TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA

Description: Head out to the Great Barrier Reef Headquarters Aquarium, or discover the local beaches and enjoy the tropical scenery, the seafront promenade, galleries and shops. Venture out to stunning Magnetic Island with its national park, miles of walking trails and wildlife. Take home local artwork, crafts, jewelry and souvenirs. Savor fresh seafood along with a wide variety of international cuisines, perhaps a cold beer or a glass of fine wine.

Planned Excursion: CHARTERS TOWERS GOLD RUSH

11:30 AM 8.0 Hours                       Moderate Activity                           # NEC-003: Free

Journey by coach to a gold-rush mecca in the Outback beyond Townsville’s western mountains.  Experience the enduring boomtime grandeur of Charters Towers, where some 7 million ounces came out of the ground between 1871 and 1911.  Explore the shining town landmarks, and visit the crusty old Venus Battery Mill, where a local guide will share colorful tales of the olden, golden days.  Enjoy casual lunch at a local café and spend the afternoon soaking up more of the local atmosphere.

Morning Update: Seas are calm today and poking my head outside on my deck, it's very warm and humid.  We're heading into the Outback on a 2 hr bus ride each way.  Our ship is only going to be in port for 9 hrs (11 AM - 8 PM).  One benefit to an excursions booked with the ship is if we are late getting back they have to wait for us.  However, if you are out on your own and don't get back before the all on board time, they will leave you behind.  

Joe and Pat are going an excursion that they have been told Pat will get to hold a Koala, her life long dream.   

Afternoon Update:  Pat was able to hold her Koala, not once but twice.  We had a long hot day on the edge of the outback.   It was a very lovely small town with historic building.  

Click Here --> Townsville pictures (updated 3/7/2024)