Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Rocks
If you have a weakness for Victoriana, you will sigh with
delight when you enter this exquisitely renovated old Queenslander home. The
owners have fitted it with 19th-century antiques, from the crimson velvet settee
to the grandfather clock in the drawing room. Even your meals are served on
collectible dinnerware. Every room is decorated with lovely linens, old trunks,
and in a few, even original washbasins tastefully wrapped in muslin “gowns.”
One has an en-suite bathroom; the others share a historically decorated bath-
room with a cast-iron claw-foot bath. Complimentary sherry is served at 6pm
on the wide veranda, where you have lovely views of Magnetic Island and Cleve-
land Bay. Despite the old-world ambience, the house has telephone, fax, Inter-
net, and e-mail access for guests (although not in your room). Free tea and coffee
are available. There's also an outdoor Jacuzzi, a billiards table (antique, of
course), a small croquet court, and a guest laundry. The Strand is a minute's
stroll away, and you are a 10- to 15-minute walk from town and the Magnetic
Island ferries.
20 Cleveland Terrace, Townsville, QLD 4810.
&
07/4771 5700,
or 0416/044 409 mobile phone. Fax 07/4771
5711. www.therocksguesthouse.com. 9 units, 3 with private bathroom (shower only). A$105-A$119
(US$68-US$77) double. Extra person A$25 (US$16). Rates include continental breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Air-
port shuttle. Limited free on-street parking.
Amenities:
Outdoor Jacuzzi; tour desk; business center; laundry
service. In room: A/C (5 rooms only).
Seagulls Resort
This popular low-key resort, a 5-minute drive from the city,
is built around an inviting free-form saltwater pool in 1.2 hectares (3 acres) of
dense tropical gardens. Despite its Esplanade location, the motel-style rooms do
not boast waterfront views, but they are comfortable and a good size. The larger
Reef Rooms have painted brick walls, a sofa, dining furniture, and a kitchen
sink. Apartments have a main bedroom and a bunk bedroom, a kitchenette, din-
ing furniture, and a roomy balcony. The rooms were last refurbished in late
1997, and the modest fittings are in good condition. The foyer was refurbished
in late 2000, and the whole resort is wheelchair-friendly, with bathroom facili-
ties for people with disabilities. The accommodations wings surround the pool
and its pretty open-sided restaurant, which is popular with locals. It's a 10-
minute walk to The Strand; the resort makes free transfers to the city and Mag-
netic Island ferry terminals, and most tour companies pick up at the door.
74 The Esplanade, Belgian Gardens, QLD 4810.
&
1800/079 929
in Australia, or 07/4721 3111. Fax 07/4721
3133. www.seagulls.com.au. 70 units (all with shower only). A$103-A$114 (US$67-US$74) double; A$139
(US$90) 2-bedroom apt. Additional person A$15 (US$9.75), extra children under 14 A$9 (US$5.85); crib A$9
(US$5.85). AE, DC, MC, V. Airport shuttle A$3 (US$1.95) one-way. Bus: 7. Free parking.
Amenities:
Restau-
rant; bar; 2 large outdoor saltwater pools, children's wading pool; access to nearby golf course; small tennis
court; access to nearby health club; children's playground; business center; tour desk; limited room service;
coin-op laundry; limited laundry service; dry cleaning. In room: A/C, TV w/free movies, dataport, kitchenette
(Reef rooms and suites), fridge, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
WHERE TO DINE
Apart from the suggestions below, you will find more restaurants and cafes on
Palmer Street, an easy stroll across the river from Flinders Mall, Flinders Street
East, and The Strand.
Michel's Cafe and Bar
MODERN AUSTRALIAN This big contemporary
space is popular with Townsville's “in” crowd. Choose a table on the sidewalk,
or opt for air-conditioning inside. Owner/chef Michel Flores works in the open
kitchen where he can keep an eye on the excellent service. You might choose a
Louisiana blackened rib filet, or kangaroo, or something more casual like the
stylish pizzas, pastas, seafood, or warm salads.
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