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Unfortunately Townsville is experiencing a high youth crime rate which needs to be addressed urgently if businesses expect to compete with the nearby city of Cairns. The accommodation where I was staying had their reception area broken into on my first night whilst the police reported 4 cars stolen and burnt out on the same night. Townsville is suffering from an identity crisis at present and I don't intend to rush back to the city - sadly. Also, a main tourist attraction "Marine/Reef Aquarium" is closed for renovations for around another 2 years.

Generally there is everything you need in the city. The service people in various venues we visited seemed to be over all the visitors though and were not as customer focused as one would be used to. Some drinking venues closed at midnight, which seemed ordinarily early. Not much available for snacks as the night wore on. There were a lot of visitors to town with a double-header of NRL and Rugby at the nearby stadium (which was excellent BTW) and this may have resulted in the huge patronage at the clubs and drinking venues. They seemed overwhelmed at times.

We went to the information centre for details on what to see etc. Very helpful Staff but disappointed they had no information on public bus system or timetables. Walked along strand & found every bus stop no longer in use. Eventually were able to purchase “all day” bus ticket. This enable us to tour outer suburbs, shopping centres etc. Nice boutiques in city centre but overall very quiet.

Visit Magnetic Island! Eat at Palmer street, Jam and Touch of Salt are excellent. Ottos' Market is a great casual eat street. Stadium is spectacular ! Beautiful mild tropical winter weather. The Strand is excellent, beaches are sandy - not rocky (yes that is you AB) - not mangrove (yes that is you cans!) Sandy sandy sandy (Like Bowen in the Whitsundays - think the Greek Isles sand!) Tropical Museum and Reef HQ are very interesting to visit - check venues though! - "Ronovations" renovations and closures are happening.

Billabong sanctuary is a great day out. Unfortunately the museum and Aquarium are closed for refurbishment. Recommend both Juliettes and the Coffee Club on the strand. Mariners North Holiday Apartments have a lovely view of the beach. Would definitely stay there again.

Townsville is central to a large area of tourist destinations. North, south snd West. Call at the Tourist Information Centre for full details. We wouldn’t get a hire car next time. You can get very cheap all day bus passes and travel the whole city. Magnetic Island is a must do. A stay at Tropical Palms at Picnic Bay, can include a four wheel drive vehicle, and the wonderful owners will pick you up from the ferry and drop you back at the end of your stay. You need a good two days on the island at least. Enjoyed a Townsville immensely.