. OnHiatus.com > Journal 1 > Day Index > Journal Entry: May 27, 2000
Saturday, May 27, 2000
Cairns to Townsville, QLD, Australia
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Townsville, QLD, Australia:
Latitude: 19° 15' 46" South
Longitude: 146° 48' 45" East
Altitude: 1013 feet
From Seattle: 8007 miles
Lodging: Hostel - Townsville Civic Guest House
Map
Today's Travel:
Country: Australia
Region: Queensland
Route: Car: Bruce Highway (A1)
Start: Cairns
Stop 1. Dunkel Point Beach, Clump Mountain National Park
End:Townsville, QLD, Australia
Road Miles:271 miles
Linear:196 miles
Weather: Mostly Sunny
Available Photos:

Beach Dunkel Point Beach, Clump Mountain National Park, QLD, Australia

All photo images © 1997-2000 Anthony Jones - Images may not be used without prior written approval.
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Trip Stats to Date:
Day: 1143
Miles Driven:184742
Linear Dist: 217947
Countries Visited: 68
Regions Visited: 259
More stats...
Hotels: 383
Friends / Family: 293
Camping: 126
Hostels: 254
Transit: 73
Other Lodging: 13
Beers: 4010
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Journal Entry:
Woke up feeling a little unsteady after way to little sleep. Went and put some money in the parking meter then packed. After checking out of the hostel I checked email and had an early lunch. I wasn't concerned about an early start since I figured it was no more than a four hour drive. However traffic was worse than expected (I expected none), and road construction everywhere slowed me up a bit. In the early afternoon I decided to get off the road and let the traffic pass - besides I deserved a break. Took some of the side streets through to Mission Beach - a delightful drive through some very serious rain forest. At the coast I turned back north looking for a good place for a break. At Dunkel Point just inside Clump Mountain National Park I found the perfect place. A long stretch of white sand backed by rainforest and more than a few coconut palms - and only three other people way at the other end. I was a little worried about stingers (potentially deadly jellyfish) so I getting wet was restricted to just wading out and dunking my head - but it was still heaps better than sitting in traffic. Spent a couple hours getting wet and drying in the sun, reading, and beach combing. Back on the road most of the construction had quit for the day and traffic was a lot lighter. I ended up getting in to Townsville after dark - a small price to pay for the beach time. Checked into the hostel that I had told the dive company I'd be staying at and had a confusing message from the dive club. Something about changing boats, but all I could really understand was that the weather was looking perfect for tomorrow and that they would pick me up at 6:15 tomorrow morning - hopefully everything is ok. Had a leisurely dinner and got to bed early - though not as early as I wanted to.

Related Sites:
US State Department Consular Information Sheets: Australia
CIA World Fact Book: Australia
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