Sunday 29th July 2012, Townsville.

Well, Townsville has turned out to be a big surprise. We expected a small dusty ramshackle little  fishing village (don't know why), but it turned out to be a large (pop.195 000) elegant colonial-style city with lots of manicured lawns, big trees and lovely architecture. The weather has been superb (min 15 max 23) and I would say that this is possiblt even a better destination than Airlie Beach. It's so good to be back in the tropics after such a long absence.

We went for a long ride up the river and through the suburbs and it felt like we had travelled back in time to Salisbury (Rhodesia) in about 1965, with all the lovely leafy big gardens and spacious stylish homes.  We were very lucky and spotted a freshwater crocodile sunning on the river banks.

Tomorrow, we are taking our bikes by ferry over to Magnetic Island for a days riding.

Wednesday 25th July 2012, Airlie Beach, Whitsundays

Airlie Beach is amazing! This is the best place that we have visited in Australia. It is very sub-tropical and great place to holiday. The average age of the tourists here seems to be about 22 to 25 (mostly europeans). I suppose it's because it is the european summer vacation period. The whole town has a very laid-back, relaxed atmosphere.

We went on a day cruise around some of the Whitsunday Islands, had a barbecue on Whitehaven Beach and then went for a snorkel on at Luncheon Bay where we came nose to nose with a giant Rass. I think the Rass can grow to about 2 metres long, but this one was only about a metre.The beach at Whitehaven is of a super-fine silicon sand which doesn't absorb the suns heat which was an odd experience. On the way across from Whitehaven to Luncheon Bay, I saw a whale emerge and disappear in the space of a few seconds. We also had a pair of white Wedgetail Eagles swoop over the boat. Magnificent!

On the advice of the young girl at the information counter, we visited Hideaway Bay which is about 45 minutes drive north of Airlie Beach, and found it to be truly delightfully remote and wild, yet very welcoming. Miles and miles of interesting beaches.

Wednesday 18th July 2012 Town of 1770, Queensland

This is where Captain James Cook first landed in Queensland in the year 1770, hence the odd name. We went for some beautiful long walks along cliffs and wild beaches. When we came to a lookout at the point, we were lucky enough to see a couple of dolphins just below us and also an albatross dive-bombing for fish.

We spotted a delightful 1954 Citroen Light 15. The further north we go, the more relaxed and peaceful each place seems to be. Maybe it's just us enjoying the increasing distance from the big cities.

Tomorrow we do the big drive (700 km.) to Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays.

Sunday 15th July 2012 Hervey Bay, Queensland

We've spent seven days in Hervey Bay, of which it drizzled for four days. It is a sheltered north-facing wide bay, with a calm peaceful feeling. It is obviously a very popular destination for the grey nomads, with lots of first class bowling greens and the biggest Returned Services League Club we've come across. It's like a 5 star casino!

One of the great pleasures of Queensland is the huge presence of interesting birds. There are more Crested Pigeons here then there are normal doves. Everywhere we go in the bush , we see the Brush Turkey. We also saw some birds at one of the picnic spots which look like they must be related to the african Quela Bird. All the birds seem to be very tame and not afraid of us.

Sunday 8th July 2012 Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast in Queensland is the perfect holiday destination. We stayed in Caloundra at the southern end , and explored the whole coast all the way up to Noosa. The bike path network is brilliant, mainly on the beachfront and also in and out of coastal forests and along lagoons. We also visited Bribie Island and the Glasshouse Mountains

Tomorrow we're driving north to Hervey Bay to stay there for a while. I've just had a look at my bicycle computer and we have now cycled 2495 km since we set off in Tasmania.

Sunday 1st July 2012 Brisbane

We have found Brisbane to be a most delightful place. The city and inner city areas are very pleasant and the bike path network is even better than Perths.

The vegetation here is very lush and sub-tropical with lots of jacaranda trees, poincianas (flamboyants), and a huge array of gigantic native and exotic imported trees. The bird life here is also excellent.

We cycled into the city along the very safe bike paths and visited the City Botanical Gardens, and also Mt. Coot-Tha , and then the Tropical Botanic Gardens which were the best I've ever seen. We would thoroughly recommend Brisbane for a visit. It's much better to see it by bicycle than by car, though. The Queenslanders are remarkably friendly, and the atmosphere here seems very positive.