Alive & Curious

Less than twenty minutes after arriving in the city that plays gate-keeper to the Great Barrier Reef, you will feel like slipping into a pair of comfy shoes and soaking up enough salted fresh air to survive Armageddon.

DO NOT be lured into relaxation mode. Well, not straight away. This town’s motto ‘alive with curiosity’ has become my travel mantra. So quickly shake off the eagle-like grip of tropical sedation, and explore. Local tradition dictates you conquer Castle Hill, a pink granite monolith playing sentry over the city, surrounded by hordes of locals on their twice-daily pilgrimage; meander along The Strand foreshore gobbling down gelato watching people run, skate, rollerblade, swim, skydive; and end the day by soaking in the sea or alternatively join in the action which is never-ending.

Townsville is a thriving coastal city perched on the shoulders of the world's largest coral reef, and a twenty-minute ferry ride to island living. Tropical is its calling card. Or so I thought. No. This town is also a gate-way to inland road trips, waterfalls and mountain trails. And as quickly as I discover this the sun shuts up shop presenting a whole other personality.

I felt my body leave my head hanging on multiple occasions. This effect couldn’t possibly be connected to the Expresso martinis I gulped down before venturing out. No I felt confused by a party strip showcasing a blues basement bar, gnome- loving garden inn, a hip Mexican bar-taurant, a micro-brewery, a London-styled lounge, an assortment of Irish pubs and a couple of gentlemen’s clubs. Least I forget the newly opened glampackers I’d checked into located smack bang in the middle of this intercontinental mix.

Most of the time you can walk into a place, anywhere in the world, and recognise the type of establishment based on the décor and clientele. Townsville is a wakeup call to falling into the tourist trap of tagging a place. And just like that you are swept away to that extraordinary place where you are free to party with no concept of time or space.

DO NOT visit here in summer (December-February). I repeat, DO NOT visit in summer. The unforgiving humidity hits you like a steaming wet blanket which makes breathing difficult and sweating compulsory.

DO outdoor activities - Townsville is famous for showing off three hundred (300) plus days of sunshine. DO Magnetic Island - magical place where a fresh version of you is bought to instant life.