Slip into the local way of life with the Mercure Townsville as a base, writes David Bowden
AS Malaysians become more adventurous in their travels, new destinations like Townsville in tropical north Queensland open up as exciting new places to visit. So while Townsville is not yet on many travellers’ must-see list, it could soon be. Travel from the capital Brisbane to Cairns on the iconic Spirit of Brisbane train, or do a self-drive holiday between the same destinations and stop off at tranquil Townsville and slip into the local way of life for a few days using the Mercure Townsville as a comfortable base.
Malaysian’s will feel right at home in Townsville’s tropical weather but it’s also reassuring to know that there is an escape from the heat and humidity at the Mercure Townsville.
It features tropical design with an open lobby to allow the breeze to circulate and there are wide verandahs too, and extensive landscaped gardens of pines and palms to keep things cool. Naturally, there is air-conditioning in each room and a pool to plunge into when the mercury becomes unbearable.
The locals all dress casually and appropriately for the weather around here so you don’t need to pack your branded clothing even to dine in the restaurant.
POOLSIDE DINING
There is just one restaurant on the property serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, starting from breakfast at 6am to dinner up until 10pm. Celsius Restaurant at the Mercure Townsville is ideally located overlooking the resort pool with a verandah or indoor section with both cooled by ceiling fans. The setting is as light and breezy as the menu which is a mix of Modern Australia cuisine (Mod Oz) with Asian inspiration.
Diners can select shared plates of antipasto (cured meats, feta cheese, olives and pita bread), starters of tempura prawns and grilled scallops, and mains of various cuts of beef from the grill.
Another specialty is grilled local barramundi fish served with coconut rice pilaf. Desserts include leatherwood honey cake (a unique gourmet honey from the rainforests of Tasmania) and ice creams and sorbets supplied by local company, Frosty Mango. Gallo Cheeses from the nearby Atherton Tablelands are another local delicacy served in the restaurant.
UNIQUE QUALITIES
Mercure Townsville makes a comfortable and relaxing temporary home for several reasons. Its location overlooking Lake Curralea provides a peaceful setting and yet it is just a 10-minute bus ride into downtown Townsville. Being immediately adjacent (150m walk) to Castle Town Shopping World is a bonus and there are several fast food restaurants close by too (however, dining in Celsius Restaurant is the preferred option).
In-house movies are available in the room on a pay-as-you-view basis. The hotel also has a well-equipped laundry room as well as an iron and ironing board in each guestroom.
The property is well-equipped for small conferences with seven meeting rooms including a breezy location overlooking the pool that will be perfect for a stand-up reception.
FAST FACTS
HOTEL
MERCURE TOWNSVILLE
166 Woodcock Street, Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia T: +61 7 4759-4900, www.mercure.com.au
EAT
A poolside restaurant plus room service breakfast is available from 7am while all-day dining in-room dining meals are served from 11am to 10pm.
DO
A large free-form pool resembling a lagoon with a swim-through to a small children’s pool (open from 6am to 10pm) is the focus of the property giving it a resort feel. There are two tennis courts but with the steamy weather you have to wonder whether these ever get used. In-room massage services are offered but must be booked well in advance.
GO
Adjacent to Castle Town Shopping World with anchor tenants of Woolworths, Target and Big W plus an extensive range of boutiques, services, restaurants, food court and bus station (10 minutes to town on Bus 203). In or near the city centre, dine along The Strand, visit the casino, catch a ferry offshore to Magnetic Island with its many attractive sights, stop by and admire the grand old Townsville Train Station, and visit nearby wildlife parks to see Australia’s unique wildlife.
HIGHS
Mercure Townsville has a high-roofed and spacious lobby to offer a cool (as in lower temperature) reception from the free-flowing air. White rattan lounges make you want to stop awhile and read the newspapers and glossy magazines on offer here.
LOWS
Its address may not yet be on many travellers’ must-see list. But it could be soon.
Pictures by David Bowden