I was fortunate enough to have to go to Australia for "work" this year. I got to spend a few days in Sydney on my way back from Iraq in 2003 but I didn't have the time or the mindset to really enjoy it. This time after the work was done, I took some leave, rented a car and set off to explore the outback. I was tempted to rent a Subaru Outback just to be funny but for traveling solo I couldn't justify the added expense so instead I was the guy with the Accent, both Hyundai and American.
Somehow my bags didn't make it from my commuter flight to the 747 at LAX so when I finally got to Townsville after 27 hours of traveling I had my camera bag, my wallet and passport, and the clothes on my back. It was a Sunday so everything except the Pubs were closed, so I met up with my co-workers and went to the Pub. 
Monday it turns out was the Queen's Birthday so even less was open, which meant none of my changes of clothes, hygiene items or work supplies could be replaced and the airlines still couldn't track down my bag. It was begining to look like I would be working in shorts and flip flops, hardly appropriate for a Marine Captain on board ship.
I had the day to myself to explore Townsville and set out on foot, I came across a few uniquely Australian vehicles, the first was a very interesting van which I would later figure out was a rental camper from Wicked Campers each of their campers have their own unique theme. The one I saw was Jim's Brazillians Muff Management Service, offering free estimates or advice. In retrospect, and after looking at their prices this is the way to go if you plan on road tripping around Australia, I would definitely opt for the four wheel drive if you plan on venturing into rural areas as access is frequently limited to gravel roads which are off limits to most rental cars. You may stand out a little in some of their vans, but you can camp with less raised eyebrows than you can in a Hyundai.
Later I came across a a Holden Ute (remember the El Camino?) they are really popular in Australia. Many of them are configured for hooning about, with CB antennas, kangaroo plows, and roll bars with lights, the Aussies also like to hot rod the motors which are LS1 and newer GM small blocks. I saw this particular one cruising the strip the night before with dirt bikes in the back and a blonde hoonette at the wheel.
For most of my walk around the city I had been using the large rock formation as my reference point, eventually I decided to climb said rock formation. As I got closer I found what was appropriately named the "goat trail" to the top of Castle Rock. If I had been able to find an open store I definitely would have bought a bottle of water before heading up the hill, but hey it was only the hottest part of the day so I went without. Little did I know this would be one of the last warm and sunny days of my trip. The hike was worth it and the weather was beautiful, but as I neared the top I heard a motorcycle. Apparently I could have taken a cab to the top, but where's the fun in that when you can work up a sweat in the clothes that you have been wearing for the past four days. From the top of Castle Rock I had an amazing view of Townsville, the surrounding area and islands. On my way back to the hotel I was intercepted by a few of my co-workers, they saved me from the local crazy guy that they met earlier in the day by pulling me into a pub. Fortunately my bag arrived late in the evening, and I was prepared to get to work on Tuesday morning. After one more night of exploring the local pubs, and sampling plenty of Vitamin B and XXXX Gold.
Tuesday morning we got underway on the USS John Paul Jones, due the their ability to travel very quickly they were chosen to pick us up and bring us out the meet the rest of the strike group. While aboard I was able to take a few photos of Townsville to include Castle Rock, I also got the chance to be up on the forecastle during a high speed run.
