IN THE WATER BALBERRA

Rock-strewn, sandy beaches and hoop pine-dotted hillsides that plunge towards the sea contrast with sub-tropical rainforest and mangrove-fringed wetlands, making Cape Hillsborough one of the most scenic national parks along the Central Queensland coast. The Yuibera Trail is a self-guiding trail highlighting the coastal way of life of the Yuibera Aboriginal people. The Yuibera people lived in this area for thousands of years and have left behind reminders of their special connection to the Cape.

Rugged mountains rise abruptly from the wetlands, saltpans and mangroves of the coastal plain, south of Townsville, in the Mount Eliot section of Bowling Green Bay National Park. Mount Elliot reaches a height of 1,210 metres, jutting out of the surrounding coastal plain and dominating the landscape, and Alligator Creek descends in a series of cascades, deep pools and waterfalls. The park's wetlands are an important habitat for migratory wading birds. Camp amongst the gum trees at Alligator Creek camping area. Go birdwatching near the wetlands. Look for wallabies in the later afternoon and spotlight for possums around the camping area at night. Enjoy a short stroll along the boardwalk through riparian vegetation to the creek or tackle the 17 kilometre return Alligator Falls track. Have a picnic by the picturesque Alligator Creek. Take care near the creek as water levels can rise rapidly.

This track meanders through melaleuca woodland, a mangrove community, open eucalypt forest and vine thicket. Appreciate the diverse plant communities and their unique wildlife. This walk also highlights the importance of such diversity for the Yuibera people and their culture. The first 300 metres of the walk is accessible to wheelchairs.

When travelling the Overlanders Way, between Townsville and Mount Isa, the Jack Brown Lions Park at Richmond presents itself as a halfway stopover with a difference. Beautiful shade trees and lush green lawns make it the ideal break for travellers. Good clean toilet facilities are available, along with picnic tables and ample parking especially for caravans. Here you can see Moon Rocks of all shapes and sizes and reflect at the war memorial.

ANZAC ceremonies invariably close with the words 'Lest we forget'. In the outback town of Richmond, a memorial to those who fought in WWI was dedicated on 25 April 2001. The Richmond war memorial is a unique monument: a steel crucifix stands supported by three stylised rifles, marking the graves of three ANZAC soldiers who died in the bloodiest of WWI battles, at the Somme in France during 1916. About 1 million soldiers, British, Australian, French and German, died during five months of battle over 12 kilometres of ground. Australia's loss of 60,000 young men throughout the Great War led to an unprecedented outpouring of grief, the birth of the ANZAC tradition of mateship, loyalty and courage, and the emergence of public monuments honouring the volunteer recruits who went to fight for the British Empire. Richmond's memorial includes rolls of honour for individuals from the region who served and died in WWI and subsequent international conflicts. Jack Browns Lions Park is also home to a memorial to Lieutenant Colonel Henty William Murray VC, described as the most decorated infantry soldier of the British Empire during WWI. He lived at Glenlyon Station, Richmond from 1928 until his death in 1966.

Richmond is home to the Award winning Kronosaurus Korner. Inside Kronosaurus Korner you'll find the only centre in Australia primarily dedicated to displaying marine reptiles, as well as a very special dinosaur. Minmi, with impressions of its fossilised skin, is considered to be Australia's best-preserved dinosaur skeleton. The Richmond Pliosaur here is Australia's best vertebrate fossil, and one of the world's best skeleton fossils. The centre is home to over 400 fossil specimens dating back to the Cretaceous Period, 98 - 114 million years ago, when Richmond was part of the inland sea. Don't miss the themed theatrette and hand-held audio guides which are available for self-paced and self-guided tours. If you find that you're infected with fossil fever after visiting Kronosaurus Korner, grab a map to guide you through the region's designated fossicking site. The friendly staff will be happy to identify your finds. Relax in the Moon Rock Cafe and enjoy a meal or light refreshment and buy a souvenir to remind you of your visit. Kronosaurus Korner has to be seen to be believed!

Lake Fred Tritton is conveniently located at the edge of Richmond. With a 1.2 kilometre circumference and a maximum depth of eight metres, the lake allows visitors and locals the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of water sports. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish including: barramundi, gulf grunter, sleepy cod, spangled perch, yellow fin, freshwater prawns and redclaw crayfish - making it an ideal stopover during the long journey to the Gulf. So why not break the drive, spend a night or two, and wet your line at Lake Fred Tritton.