I’d made a few phone calls yesterday and one was to Novus Glass – they said they could custom-make a mirror for my bike for only $40. So, that was first stop today. It took 30 mins so I rode around a little while they did it. I picked it up, fitted it, and took off. What a piece of crap! Where some mirrors are curved to provide a slight fish-eye/wider view, this was the opposite… things were magnified (around x2). It’s better than what I had, but not good. Worst thing is I think he glued it in so I’m now worried I won’t be able to easily replace it (and will now have to buy another part – grrrrr). Oh, well. Live & learn.
Townsville is surrounded by quite a few very steep-faced hills. I thought as I leave I’ll take a drive up to the top of Mount Stuart for the panorama. Crap – they’d closed the road up to the top for maintenance. Typical! Anyway, I gave it a shot.
Onwards to Arlie Beach. The mountains started to peter out (still there, but just not as numerous). Although these photos don’t show it, traffic was a pain – quite a few roadworks going on, camper vans in the way, etc.
Bruce Hwy is pretty much the only way down the coast. I could have headed inland, but that meant more heat and I was keen to stay away from it. It was still a good drive though.
Arlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitesundays. That means, things are expen$ive, especially accommodation. I’d not had a problem just rocking up to caravan parks before – it’s never been hard for them to find 1 campsite for me. However, not here. I ended up in a Big4 park which are often a little pricey… but to pay $42 to pitch a tent is a bit rude methinks.
After setting up, I had a quick swim and headed into the town for a pub dinner. I’d been warned about the mozzies here, so wanted some a/c for a few hours.
Arlie Beach is very popular with backpackers… full of 20-something beach-goers. Lots of pubs, surf shops, tattoo parlours, etc… a fun place to be.
