The Quarterdeck

by Kate Galea (subscribe)

"Where's good to go for a few drinks in Townsville?" I asked Dani at Hair Cartelle who was giving my ratty hair a much needed revamp after months on the road. "Quarterdeck" was her immediate reply. "It has amazing views of the water and a casual cool vibe". Sold.

A few hours later we were there. Thanks to my fabulous new do and giving my one "going out shirt" the rare touch of an iron I was in the mood for cocktails. Quarterdeck is located in the Ville hotel and casino, so we were able to get there on our scooter and check in our helmets at reception. As soon as we stepped into the hotel foyer, I knew we'd made a good choice. The decor was subtle, clean and bang on trend in white, grey and a few flicks of tropical greens. The hotel staff were friendly and helpful and not at all bothered that we weren't staying in the hotel - they were happy to hold our helmets until the next day. A screen of rotating specials told us that there was a martini cocktail on special for just $10. Perfect.



Towards the back of the foyer, the clean glass doors opened into the Quarterdeck bar. A long wooden bar with a tropical feel ran down one side with plants hanging down, giving the stacked bar a fresh, healthy feeling, despite being stocked with Bundaberg Rum. The seating area was partly inside, but without doors or windows, you could enjoy the afternoon breeze and stay in the shade. Most of the seating was alfresco, so we headed straight to a couple of bar stools along the wall overlooking the view. And what a view it was. Magnetic Island was kilometres away, sitting peacefully in the Coral Sea. A few sailboats dotted the sparkling ocean. Right below us was the piece de resistance. The newly completed infinity pool. With a $10 cocktail (with edible flowers swimming in it) in hand, it the perfect place to watch the sun slip away into the ocean for the night.



The bar grew busier as wedding guests, bucks dos, tourists and locals alike crowded the bar. But with about 10 cocktail waiters and waitresses behind the bar, the queue was a fast-moving happy one. We moved on from our cocktails to $5 beers, marvelling at how such an amazing venue had such good specials on a Saturday night. We didn't order any of the food but as pizzas and nibbles passed by us to their lucky owners, you could see that the food would all be really tasty. Oh well, next time! This place is a real gem in sunny Townsville and somewhere I plan on spending much of my time in. So not only a great haircut but a great recommendation. Townsville you are rocking my world!

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Why? Eat, drink and see

Website: https://www.the-ville.com.au/dine/quarterdeck

Where: Townsville