Townsville to Mission Beach - Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef - page 491

backing onto national park. Cool off at the breezy outdoor bar, go coconut bowling on
Thursdays, or tuck into a curry at the on-site restaurant (mains $15.50-24;

lunch & dinner) .

Shaws on the Shore
( 07-4778 1900; www.shawsontheshore.com.au ; 7 Pacific Dr; 1-/2-/3-bedroom apt $175/265/320; )
These great-value, self-contained apartments are just a literal stagger from the beach.
Private balconies overlook the bay, and inside, they're cool, clean and
welcoming.

APARTMENT $$$

Eating & Drinking
Several hotels and hostels have restaurants and bars that are at least as popular with locals
as they are with guests and visitors. Opening hours can fluctuate according to the season
and the crowds.
Seafood is, unsurprisingly, the chomp of choice on Maggie.

Picnic Bay

Picnic Bay Hotel
(The Esplanade; mains $11-26; R&R Cafe Bar 9am-late) Settle in for a drink, with Townsville's city
lights sparkling across the bay. Its R&R Cafe Bar has an all-day grazing menu and huge
salads, including Cajun prawn.

PUB $

Nelly Bay

Man Friday
( 07-4778 5658; 37 Warboy St; mains $14-39; dinner Wed-Mon; ) Chow down on classy Mexic-
an favourites in an incongruous but idyllic fairy-lit garden. Bring your own wine, and be
sure to book ahead.

MEXICAN, INTERNATIONAL $$

Le Paradis
( 07-4778 5044; cnr Mandalay Ave & Sooning St; restaurant mains $23-40; restaurant from 6pm, cafe from
11am) This fully-licenced restaurant offers a range of French-inspired eats, including divine

FRENCH $$