Things to do in TSV on a status run

[samuel337]

I went on my first ever status run last weekend, doing the common SYD-BNE-TSV return trip in J. It was pretty uneventful; the TSV lounge guy knew exactly what I was doing. I had to do a bit of convincing before the lounge lady at BNE would let me in though; understandably most travelling in J class are SG or WP, not NB. Got told they're phasing out the availability of Appletizer on the way home, which was disappointing - it was my goto non-alcoholic drink on QF flights. And finally, experienced my first go-around arriving back in SYD - certainly got the cabin talking.

Surprisingly (or unsurprisingly I guess if many don't actually leave the terminal), there wasn't much on here about things to do in TSV during a status run. I was scheduled to be there for about 3 hours, and had spent way too much time in lounges already, so I decided to venture out into the city.

The trip to Townsville City (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Townsville+City+QLD+4810/@-19.261112,146.8169143,15z/) by taxi costs about $22 and takes about 15 minutes. There's a shopping centre there called Northtown if you need a landmark. From there I took a walk along the Strand - there's a memorial park, baths and a beach. The Townsville Aquarium and Museum of Tropical Queensland is in that area (look out for the big spider web above the traffic lights). Back in town, there's a number of cafes/restaurants, including Coffee Dominion (corner of Stoke and Ogden Streets, facing the Victoria Bridge), which seems to be recommended here a bit, and the Townsville Brewery. There are a few more cafes/bars/restaurants across Victoria Bridge.

That was enough to fill in the time for me. There's a few more things to do in this post - http://www.australianfrequentflyer....a-change-and-double-scs-57193.html#post973940

Hope this helps others pursuing this 'silly' hobby

P.S. what do people do for towels in the lounge showers? Or was that shower just missing towels?

 

[markis10]

Shower Packs which include a towel and toiletries are available from reception, what did you do

 

[samuel337]

Shower Packs which include a towel and toiletries are available from reception, what did you do

To be honest, I didn't even realise I didn't have a towel until I was finished (I'm a 'towel always in the bathroom' person) and by then, it was too late. It isn't the first time this has happened while travelling though, so I'm surprisingly good at drip-drying. I used the hand-drying 'napkins' to finish the job.

 

[Flying Fox]

Shower Packs which include a towel and toiletries are available from reception, what did you do

Did you try and shake the water off like a duck?

I've tried that; its never worked for me

 

[ReLoad]

Back in town, there's a number of cafes/restaurants, including Coffee Dominion (corner of Stoke and Ogden Streets, facing the Victoria Bridge), which seems to be recommended here a bit, and the Townsville Brewery. There are a few more cafes/bars/restaurants across Victoria Bridge.

One of Australias best art galleries is opposite the Townsville brewrey, "Perc Tucker Regional gallery" they are very forward thinking in what they do there so you will often see some great stuff. The gallery is also free.

 

[Grogan]

A trip to the top of Castle hill gives a nice view of the place. If you only have a few hours you really can't (or need to) go much further than one of the bar's / cafes on the strand.

 

[gazzman]

why would you have an issue with the Brisbane lounge lady? If you have a J boarding pass for BNE-TSV you're in.

 

[samuel337]

why would you have an issue with the Brisbane lounge lady? If you have a J boarding pass for BNE-TSV you're in.

I didn't have the printed boarding pass, just the one on my phone. When I scanned it, she was just looking at the part of her screen that told her my FF status. It would've said NB at that point, so she started asking if I was returning or knew anyone inside because only SG and WP have lounge access privileges... until I gently pointed out that I was travelling in J. No big deal, understandable oversight, given the usual people frequenting the lounge have status.

 

[Limewood]

Have a top feed at Benny's South Bank.

 

[airbound]

I spent three nights in Townsville over the Australia Day long weekend and found plenty to do. (It was only actually two full days, as I arrived on Friday evening and departed very, very early Monday morning.) It was my first trip there, and I was pleasantly surprised.

Given that it was summer, and hot, I concentrated on the indoor attractions primarily. While I don't mind the heat, as such, I fry rather quickly!

I hired a car so that I could get around more easily. I drove to the top of Castle Hill, which, as mentioned above, provides great panoramic views over the city, water and Magnetic Island. (If one is feeling energetic and fit, one can walk or jog to the top; an activity perhaps better suited for the winter months.)

I also went to the Reef HQ Aquarium, which had quite good exhibits, including the large tropical reef. The Museum of Tropical Queensland was very good as well. It had exhibits on the HMS Pandora and the SS Yongala, which were interesting, as well as an exhibit on tropical cyclones (of course) and other matters pertaining to Queensland. I spent quite a bit of time there.

The Townsville Maritime Museum was also interesting. It is a smaller museum, but only cost $5 or $6. It has exhibits on the impact of WWII on Townsville as well as more on the SS Yongala. The former HMAS Townsville should also eventually move down to that museum sometime in the next year or two. It is currently moored downcreek, so close yet so far!

The Strand is gorgeous and worth a walk of its length in the balmy early evening. It has a water park, a pool, and some stinger-netted swimming areas. Very prrtty.

I also took a drive up to Cape Pallarenda which has some WWII structures and great views again.

The Sunday markets on Flinders Street would interest some. The Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, as noted, was also surprisingly interesting. It had a good lego exhibit which included a cross section of the Love Boat and lego monochrome portraits of the James Bonds. Very impressive.

Sports fans could also catch a basketball or rugby league match, depending on the season. (While not a basketball fan, I did go on the Friday night to see the Crocs play the Taipans in the local derby.)

Overall, I commend Townsville as a destination. If I went back in the cooler months, I'd head across to Magnetic Island and probably explore a bit more outside. There would also be places in the area to drive to too.

 

[NTflyer]

If you are into exercise a run up Castle Hill will get heart working!

 

[Clivem]

Quite a few good places to eat on Palmer St. If you are staying in the area can you can have a good feed somewhere diffrent every night There are also some good spots for breakfast or lunch in Northward (old hospital area part of town)

 

[Buzzard]

On my status run to TSV last October, the highlights were The Brewery (in the old GPO) and the boutique brews they produce, especially the Red Ned, the other highlight was Reef HQ and the Turtle Hospital. There was a very good eatery on the strand where I had a long enjoyable breakfast but I can't remember the name. I also had a meal one evening at Malt Restaurant which is part of The Brewery and was quite impressed.

The only lowlight for me was the leagues club. Not worth the visit IMHO.

 

[Chief Wiggum]

If you are into exercise a run up Castle Hill will get heart working!

Yeah... I happened to drive up there for a look-see in the hire-car right around 5pm on Thursday evening and I felt SOOOO very guilty driving slowly past the hundreds and hundreds of fit, puffing, sweating TSV folk making their way up and down this amazing 360 degree TSV "viewing platform". I promise that next time I will walk up to the top from the very bottom... promise...

 

[kremin]

I had a bacon steak for breakfast at a place called The Balcony on Flinders St. Was pretty lush ! Second the Strand for a stroll, evening would have been much better in the January heat on retrospect

K

 

[Simo]

I would either do the Strand or Palmer St.