Touring Townsville

Ouch! We’re now sat in Rob’s flat wishing we’d put on mossie repellent. After the bite free zone that is Melbourne we’d forgotten how much they loved us. Rob, by the way, is our first couch surfing host and an absolute legend. Couch surfing is a concept where people have a space to spare for people in their house and so offer it to travellers for free. Based on trust and reviews it seems to be mostly people who have been travelling and are returning favours and people who want to go travelling and are building up some karma points. We’ve decided to do it as it seems like a great idea and a great way to save money. Still it was nerve wracking calling Rob yesterday for the first time but no worries as after calling to say the we’d arrived he came and picked us up from the station! The views from his balcony are amazing and his flat is pretty awesome too. We had our own guest bedroom and double bed – bliss after shared dorms. He and his housemate’s girlfriend, Sabrina, helped us settle in and introduced us to the delights of Blue Mountain State over an amazing pork roast. Felt like being back home chilling with some beers!

This morning Sabrina offered to be our guide for the day and drove us to the Strand for lunch. The Strand is Townsville’s beachfront walkway lined with palm trees and water parks. She took us to an amazing restaurant called Longboards. It was built on a small rocky outcrop, protruding from the bay about halfway along. The food was amazing but especially the buffalo chicken wings – imagine heaven in your mouth as your eyes take in the stunning beach scene. The Strand is also a great place to go for stroll which we did, only stopping to top up our bellies on some scrumptuous ice cream.

Next on the trail was Castle Hill, a hill plonked right in the middle of Townsville. There is a road leading to the top but we went for the more adventurous option and went up the goat track. It was a steep track but worth the climb for its beauty. As we neared the top we realised Caste Hill is something of a misnomer- no castle! There was however incredible views stretching across the bay and inland. We watched the sunset and as night fell headed back down the road. Unfortunately this was when the mozzies descended and due to the aforementioned lack of insect repellent we were attacked left, right and centre. Hopefully we’ll remember tomorrow for Magnetic Island!

Rex’s Rules of the Road

• Remember that there are biting insects year round in the North of Oz, and worse in the summer too!

• If you want to taste some amazing buffalo wings and you happen to stop by Townsville head to Longboards on the Strand.

• Check out Castle Hill for some great views and ask a local about the legend of the saint.

• Check out Rach's reviews of the Strand, Longboards and Castle Hill.

• For more info on couch surfing head to couchsurfing.org.