Front Sign of Station Grounds
was a place I waited at for several hours to change long-distance train services. It services
The Inlander and
Spirit of Queensland services but is an important stopping point for changes in the crew. Therefore, security is tight and it is in fact ideal to wait around for train changes as the place is staffed with servicing The Inlander after the Spirit of Queensland passes through to Cairns.
There are some cool places to visit nearby such as the Sovereign Hotel, some large parks facing the station, while the
Puma service station has a plethora of hot and cold snacks, drinks and ice creams or ice blocks served by super friendly staff doing transactions with that characteristic 'no dramas' North Queenslander approach. It is a vital point that
Queensland Country Bank Stadium is within walking or walkable distance. It's also in a less familiar shadow of
Castle Hill, so the hill looks much different when seen from the train station, and as seen in the pictures below, you are very, very close to the hill if at such a station.
Back at the railway station, the toilets are clean and the taps are good. I saw at least one drink vending machine, spacious drop off points that were adequate for many travellers, good luggage trolleys, and overall, based on its high Google reviews rating, the fact I could comfortably walk around this unfamiliar, beautifully spacious yet Queensland rural location meant I had a favourable impression of the place, and would happily switch trains here again if really needed. Although it is a perfectly valid point about switching trains, the distances are so far, it's better just to stop off at Townsville's many accommodation options, which is about a ten dollar rideshare fare from the station in Central Townsville.
It ought to be added that there are several very spacious parks in the vicinity if wanting some exercise, but it is a bit unpredictable up there. They are
unique outdoors type of venues. To really venture off and live the life of the locals, it doesn't hurt to be ever so slightly cautious in approach. I think overall, the locals have a different mentality to other areas in Australia. It seemed to me to be laidback yet not sloppy, so hard work and risks make much sense to them while unnecessary things and silliness don't really appeal too much. But it's entirely my perception and I truly accept other opinions on such people, places and outlooks. Just a thought but if you can relate to North Queenslanders having a hard-working yet laidback approach to life, don't hesitate to add a brief comment below.
Personally, it becomes a lesson in incentive, that a station and most of Townsville is very valuable for tourism and natural resources, not to mention
a full army base there, so while an outer suburb of Townsville might sound a bit rough, in fact, it's quite livable. I see that as having an incentive to make it that way, people were either employed or taking it easy, but there were no signs of politically correct 'dramas', so no signs of conflicts or dramas in that enclave around the station, and thus I highly recommend a walk around and say hi to some of the locals, especially when they work hard to serve you some purchased snacks or a bag of lollies or choccie milk.
The gallery below for your viewing, all pictures taken by author August 2021.
Townsville station at the foot of Castle Hill
Townsville station at the foot of Castle Hill
Townsville Railway Station
Townsville Railway Station
Platform, Townsville Railway Station
Sign @ Townsville Railway Station
Taxis and drop offs @ Townsville Railway Station
Soverign Hotel Townsville, Townsville Railway Station
