Once upon a time, Townsville was considered a whistle stop for the herding tourists on the way to Cairns.

Nowadays, tourist numbers to Townsville are climbing faster than the little engine that could. And it’s no wonder, as the city boasts about 300 days of glorious sunshine every year. Coupled with this wonderful weather, there’s a tropical attitude and a wonderfully laidback lifestyle.

Accommodation options for Townsville travellers wishing to stay gay were boosted recently when The Palms Bed and Breakfast opened for business. One of the main attractions of The Palms is an ex-Queensland Rail carriage permanently shunted behind the station house.

Split into two compartments (‘Bruce’s Caboose’ and ‘Cody’s Carriage’), the renovated rail relic comes complete with ensuites, air conditioning, queen-size beds and flat screen TVs, as well as a fully-screened gazebo outside in the garden. The greenery is also home to rare Bird Wing Butterflies. Thanks to thoughtful planting by The Palms’ host, Trevor Sund, these fluttering beauties are attracted to a vine on which they lay their crystalline eggs.
The carriage overlooks the house, which features a dining area on the large covered platform veranda and a private eight-passenger spa.

Served on the veranda, the tropical breakfast includes a variety of breads, a fruit platter, cereals, juice, tea and coffee. The carriage rooms also include a cup plunger coffee maker as well as The Palms’ signature chocolates.

The Palms is only five minutes by taxi to Flinders Street and Townsville’s local gay bar, The Sovereign Hotel, known to its friends as ‘The Sov’. And just round the corner on Palmer Street we found Whiteblue, the best little Greek restaurant in North Queensland.

Chef Rebeka should be anointed a true Goddess of the Kitchen, as the meals she served were divine. She expertly fuses Mediterranean cuisine with the modern tastes of Australia. Whiteblue is a magnificent must-do.

The Palms’ guest book also contains words of praise for the service and friendly welcome shown to visitors since opening – comments with which I must agree.

Freight rates for singles staying in the house start at $60. Carriage rates are $80 for a single or $90 for a couple.

The Palms also offers visitors a free personalised tour of Townville. And for day-trippers looking to Moke around Magnetic Island, just ask about availability at the beachfront unit when you book.

The Palms is at 6 Martin Street, South Townsville. For more information on The Palms, visit www.thepalmsbnb.com. Whiteblue is at 13 Palmer Street, Townsville South. For bookings, phone 4724 4498.

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