Last weekend marked two weeks after I was booked to fly back to NZ. It was also my Mum's birthday. When it was looking unlikely that trans-Tasman travel would resume, I started looking at places to go if I was to take a road trip around Queensland.
Then I read that the All Blacks were playing the Springboks in Townsville (as a result of Queensland having low enough cases to host various sporting events). Although I'm not a massive rugby fan, it was an opportunity too good to pass up - especially when tickets were only $49 for a double header: New Zealand vs South Africa and Australia vs Argentina.
I logged into the MIQ lobby/lottery system on Monday morning and was allocated 11,139th in the queue. Naturally I missed out on a space. So I booked a ticket and set about booking accommodation - the only option being an unpowered site at a campground! Not to worry - I could survive a couple of nights in my tent.
I did a couple of walks while I was there (pics below). If the aquarium had been open I would have paid a visit, but it is closed for renovations until 2023!
Friday
Old shopfronts on Flinders St in Townsville |
Going for a walk along the Strand |
Kissing Point fort |
Saturday
View from Mt Marlow (Many Peaks track - a bit of a misnomer as the track sidled around the hill to the top) |
At the stadium nice and early for the game(s) |
Capacity crowd, messy game |
Sunday
View of Magnetic Island from Castle Hill |