Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

THE NORTH COAST 303
active, there are areas to in-line skate, bicycle, walk, or fish, and there’s a basketball
half-court. Four rocky headlands and a picturesque jetty adjacent to Strand
Park provide good fishing, and two surf lifesaving clubs service the three swimming
areas along The Strand. With 300 days of sunshine each year, Townsville
is a place where you’ll enjoy cooling off—in either the Olympic-size Tobruk
Pool, the seawater Rockpool, or at the beach itself. During summer
(Nov–Mar), three safe swimming enclosures operate to keep swimmers safe from
marine stingers, and if watersports are on your agenda try a jet ski, hire a canoe,
or take to the latest in pedal skis. A state-of-the-art waterpark has waterfalls,
hydrants, waterslides, and water cannons, plus a huge bucket of water which
continually fills until it overturns and dumps water on those below.
Don’t miss the views of Cleveland Bay and Magnetic Island from Castle Hill;
it’s a 2.5km (1 1 ⁄2-mile) drive or a shorter, but steep, walk up from town. To drive
to the top, follow Stanley Street west from Flinders Mall to Castle Hill Drive;
the walking trails up are posted en route.
Cotters Market, held every Sunday in Flinders Mall from 8:30am to 1pm,
has 200 stalls featuring works by local and regional artists. There’s everything
from pottery and lead-lighting to homemade chocolates and orchids on sale.
Townsville’s three major suburban shopping complexes, containing major
department stores and specialty shops, are Stockland in Aitkenvale, Castletown
in Pimlico, and Willows in Kirwan.
At the Billabong Sanctuary (& 07/4778 8344; www.billabongsanctuary.
com.au) on the Bruce Highway 17km (11 miles) south of town, you can see
Aussie wildlife in a natural setting; hold a koala, a (baby) crocodile, a python, or
a wombat; and hand-feed kangaroos (all for free). Bring your own camera. There
are talks and shows continuously from 8:30am; one of the most popular is the
saltwater-crocodile feeding at 12:15 and 2:30pm. There are also Aboriginal cultural
talks, a kiosk, gas barbecues, and a pool. Admission is A$23 (US$14) for
adults, A$21 (US$12) for students, A$19 for seniors, A$12 (US$7.15) for kids
ages 4 to 16, and A$64 (US$38) for a family of five. The sanctuary is open every
day except Christmas from 8am to 5pm. Take your swimsuit as there is a pool.
To save money on cafe food, pack a picnic or barbecue supplies and eat in the
pleasant grounds.
WHERE TO STAY
Aquarius on the Beach Value You get nice views of the bay and Magnetic
Island from every room at this slightly older-style 14-story waterfront hotel. It’s
popular with business travelers who like the location, practical amenities like 24-
hour reception and the excellent top-floor restaurant (see “Where to Dine”
below). With a kitchenette, sofa, desk, and a small dining table with two chairs
squeezed into every room, there’s not much space left, but the accommodations
are comfortable. If space is important, ask for a corner room, as they are slightly
larger. All rooms have private balconies. Executive rooms on the top three floors
also have CD stereo systems. The views and facilities make this a good value.
The Strand beach is across the road; the town center and island ferry terminals
are 15 minutes’ walk away.
75 The Strand, Townsville, QLD 4810. & 1800/62 2474 in Australia, or 07/4772 4255. Fax 07/4721 1316.
www.aquariusonthebeach.com.au. 100 units. A$132 (US$86) double studio; A$143 (US$93) double executive
room. Extra person A$13 (US$8.45). AE, DC, MC, V. Airport shuttle. Amenities: Restaurant; outdoor pool and
children’s pool; room service; tour desk; car-rental desk. In room: A/C, TV w/free movies, kitchenette, fridge,
hair dryer, iron.