Australia and the South Pacific / Australia / Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef / Townsville and Magnetic Island / Best Hotels

Mercure Townsville

Set in tropical gardens on the shores of a large lake, this resort-style hotel is a pleasant surprise. It’s a bit out of town (on the main road north), right next to a big shopping center, but once you’re there you may not want to travel far. The free-form swimming pool is Townsville's largest (it also has a Jacuzzi); take a dip or go for a stroll around the lake and watch the birds. Rooms are a good size, and family suites sleep four and have kitchenettes.