63. Dunk Island and Townsville

DUNK ISLAND We had made the journey south through the most lush rainforest, & arrived at Mission Beach. Dunk Island is only about 4 kms from Mission so we decided to do a beach launch & head over for a day. Dunk is a large island & the resort only occupies a very small percentage of the total land mass. The island is full of peacocks that apparently are quick keen to procreate. To attract their partners they bellow their mating calls throughout the forest. At Dunk they are in such abundance, that they actually trap the birds & relocate them to other parts of the island so that the resorts guests may get some sleep throughout the night.

DUNK SECLUSION Slightly to the north of Dunk lies a very small coral atoll.  How could you not call in to this spot for lunch on your own private island?. As we lunched we discovered that the atoll was on the edge of what appeared a very deep channel & several green turtles would surface for air as they travelled the north current. After a swim we collected a few varied shapes of dead coral and set off.

TOWNSVILLE After leaving Mission Beach we overnighted at Lucinda & then a couple of nights at Balgal Beach. If ever you stay here, (particularly on a full moon) ensure that insect repellent is applied liberally. Dane & I were absolutely hammered with sand flies. The pain lasted days, the bites weeks. The rule is if you are camped on a river inlet & there are mangroves; take caution. My bites required medication & I had the worst 3 or 4 days imaginable; I could think of nothing else but the constant burning, nagging pain & relentless itching. Townsville is a big town, much larger than I had ever imagined. We had a nice dinner at the Townsville Yacht Club.