Wally Cowin visits Townsville and Magnetic Island – and finds a fun, friendly place for a holiday.

The capital of North Queensland, Townsville, and her nearby sister Magnetic Island (aka Maggie) are ideal if you want a taste of the outback but with water and beaches.

Some internet research before departure revealed www.gaymagneticisland.com.au – compiled by Phill Stephens – who also works at the Stage Door Theatre Restaurant on Maggie at night, treading the boards as ‘John Revolting’ with the beautiful ‘Oliver Neutron Bomb’ (Bernadette Smith). Phill and Bernadette are masters at keeping audiences in stiches with their revival of Grease. And the food at the Stage Door is excellent too!

The base for our stay was the fabulous Mantra Hotel at Magnetic Island’s new Mantra One Bright Point complex. Perched on a granite headland near the marina, it was handy to everything we could wish for, just a few kilometres offshore from Townsville and connected by regular ferry services. Our room boasted a very comfortable bed, a fully equipped kitchen (if you care to DYI, there’s a well-stocked IGA deli next door), and the big white spa in our bathroom was a hit, with the bathroom amplifying the sounds of waves crashing below. Exhilarating!

The hotel also featured three pools (including a rooftop pool), and a rooftop gym, which is an ideal place to while the time away, spotting dolphins, manta rays and eagles. We were very glad to take advantage the pools as the waters around Magnetic Island and Townsville weren’t safe for swimming (thanks to the start of the stinger season), and the Strand beach in Townsville was closed due to recent crocodile sightings!

There are some other great swimming options back on the mainland too, especially at Thuringowa’s Riverway where you’ll find the  riverside gardens complemented by patrolled cascading freshwater pools right on the banks of the Ross River. The Riverway development, which is a little like Brisbane’s Southbank, has created a chic new civic hub in the twin cities.

Unlike some other regional Queensland cities, LGBT people will find themselves catered for in Townsville. The local LGBT community centres around the main local watering-hole, the Sovereign Hotel on Flinders Street, which is a big, old friendly country pub, lovingly restored by long-time partners Peter and Steve.

Steve used to be a refrigeration mechanic so he makes sure The Sov, as it’s known, has the coldest beer in town! The ground level of the Sov hosts three different themed rooms catering to most tastes. Features include a video jukebox, a large screen projector – and a mirrored urinal in the toilets, for those who like to watch! The dance floor was great, and Steve kept us dancing until 5am. The kitchen was closed for renovations during our visit, but will be reopening soon, in time for a new cafe. Upstairs, the Sov has Spartan but reasonably priced accommodation, providing another friendly place to stay for LGBT tourists.

Townsville and Maggie is a great place to unwind – and being in the dry tropics, it has plenty of sunshine all year round, and never gets too cold. I’ll certainly be back soon!

USEFUL LINKS

www.townsvilleholidays.info

www.gaymagneticisland.com

www.sovereignhotel.com.au

Pictured: Townsville (above) and the Mantra One Bright Point, Magnetic Island (below)