What to see in Townsville, Australia

Townsville is a city of 164.955 inhabitants on the coast of North Queensland, home of the largest military base in Australia. The only reason I found myself there twice is the airport which closes at midnight and it is quite far from the center which can be reached in half an hour by bus (3.50 AUD) or ten minutes by taxi (20 AUD). A pleasant town with 165,000 inhabitants, the meeting point of the Coral Sea, the outback and rainforest. Speaking with some locals I have found that it is best not to swim in the sea because of saltwater crocodiles.

Townsville Victoria Bridge

Townsville By Day

The nightlife in Townsville is defined by the Lonely Planet as lively. The statement may be true on weekends when Flinders Street, with pubs, restaurants and clubs, is full of young Australians. The first time I arrived in town at 9 pm and without a reservation, I struggled to find a hostel. I only stayed at Backpackers and Adventurers for a few hours since my bus was leaving early in the morning. For 25 AUD I could sleep in a dormitory with 6 which I can not define as clean: it seemed that no one had opened the windows for ventilation for years, dirty clothes piled up here and there, supplies and dirty dishes of the two girls who lived scattered between the floor and bedside. Fortunately, the shared bathrooms, crumbling and certainly not the latest generation, were large and clean.

Townsville North

Townsville City and Beyond

On the way back I was able to find the Reef Lodge Backpackers in Wickham Street which is very handy if you arrive in Townsville by bus, as it is located very close to the Greyhound terminal. For a double room without bath we spent AUD 30 per head and it was worth them all! Fridge, kettle, tea and instant coffee, free television and fan, all clean and tidy as in the bathrooms. The reviews that you can find on the net are very positive.

Townsville from the Water

Townsville By Night

The only negative about the experience was the arrival: I tried to call before 21 and noone answered. Got there before I tried to contact the emergency number posted on the front door but instead of talking with the manager of the hostel, I began playing with the phone in the deserted reception. So, remember to indicate your arrival a little in advance.

Townsville Pier

Townsville photos: Oriolus84, nauticalnancy, Stephen Peter, Jason MacLachlan.