Jupiters Townsville, Queensland holiday review: Weekend away

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.

Advertisement

This was published 9 years ago

Jupiters Townsville, Queensland holiday review: Weekend away

There’s always an upbeat vibe in a casino/hotel. And it’s not all about the lights of the gambling floor.

By Simon Holt
Jupiters Townsville isn't all about the casino floor. Kobe restaurant is of national standard, and rooms are neat and tidy.

Jupiters Townsville isn't all about the casino floor. Kobe restaurant is of national standard, and rooms are neat and tidy.

THE LOCATION

There's always an upbeat vibe in a casino/hotel. And it's not all about the lights of the gambling floor. For more than 20 years, Jupiters Hotel and Casino has been at the heart of Townsville's nightlife. It has arguably the best view of Magnetic Island from anywhere, except perhaps from the top of that rock in the middle of the city, Castle Hill. The large pool and lawn area is an open playground for families. There's a spa on-site, surprisingly well-priced. And there are two restaurants. Kobe restaurant, with its lively atmosphere, open kitchen, friendly service, and massive quality meals, would match it with any steakhouse in larger capital cities.

THE SPACE

Jupiters Townsville isn't all about the casino floor. Kobe restaurant is of national standard, and rooms are neat and tidy.

Jupiters Townsville isn't all about the casino floor. Kobe restaurant is of national standard, and rooms are neat and tidy.

In the lift, there's a man wearing a gold chain, bracelet and watch with shiny shoes and a neatly pressed short-sleeved shirt. An hour later, the same man enters the same lift without the chain around his neck. Perhaps he just wanted to pop it into the safe for good-keeping. Or perhaps 13 is his lucky number, and there's no Floor 13 in this lift. Nor, might it be said, are there Floors 4-10. Floor 3 is the lobby, 11 the next floor, then 12, and 14-19. Casinos are not in the game of deception, but they are good at making people feel like a winner. And granted, it does feel so much more prestigious being on the Executive Floor 19 than it would Floor 11 – the true penthouse level. As for the man with the missing gold chain, he was seen in the same lift yet again, third time lucky perhaps, with a cheeky grin. His night had probably improved.

THE KIT

At first, it seems odd that a cushioned sitting area in the room doesn't face the television. Then you sit in it, and suddenly the lightbulb in your head sets off a "ding". The view out the window of the ocean, and Magnetic Island in the distance holds far more value than any TV show. But never mind screen addicts, there are other chairs for that, and a work desk. Maybe it's the two-hour flight, or the swimming, or the walks along The Strand, but the bed here is one of the more comfortable ones around. And there's a big window separating the shower and bath from the bedroom. There's a pull-down blind for those still in "getting to know you" mode. Credit must go to the Jupiters team for keeping room designs modern after so long in the market, or perhaps it has something to do with new owner Chris Morris, the Computershare founder who is investing big money in the North Queensland region.

Jupiters Townsville isn't all about the casino floor. Kobe restaurant is of national standard, and rooms are neat and tidy.

Jupiters Townsville isn't all about the casino floor. Kobe restaurant is of national standard, and rooms are neat and tidy.

GOING OUT

Advertisement

In a way, you're already out. If you hadn't come for the spa, or the pool, or the restaurants, or the gambling floor, chances are you wouldn't have stayed at Jupiters. Regardless, it is a nice stop-over point on the way to or from Magnetic Islands, or one of the Great Barrier Reef trips. Kobe restaurant is a great asset for the casino. But it comes with a small tip: meal sizes are large, so it's a good idea to pretend you're doing it tapas style. Order a number of dishes between two or more to share. Crispy duck pancakes have a slightly different twist to the normal Peking duck, steaks are large and well-selected but can be cut to share, and sides are a dish unto their own which would complement a pooled arrangement. Be sure to try the bacon in the breakfast buffet at Aqua.

THE VERDICT

Given that Jupiters Townsville is a small casino by national standards, there was every chance that over 25 years, the hotel could have been left run ragged. But it hasn't. Management has maintained quality standards, particularly when it comes to room refurbishments. The restaurants offer variety, and staff are ensuring an upbeat and friendly holiday atmosphere. For the prices available in non-peak periods, it's a bargain.

HOW TO GET THERE

Jupiters Townsville can be seen from most of the key spots in town, and is one of the city's landmarks, on land which juts out parallel, yet opposite to the port. From the airport, follow signs to the Strand, make your way along the waterfront until Sir Leslie Thiess Drive. The Casino is at the end – you can't miss it.

ESSENTIALS

Jupiters Hotel and Casino, Townsville, Sir Leslie Thiess Drive, Townsville. Room rates kick off at around $107 mid-week on a two-night stay. Executive rooms vary anywhere between $150-$300/night depending on the time of week and year. It's well below the rack rate of $800, so it's worth spending the time to shop the internet. Phone 07 4722 2333, see jupiterstownsville.com.au.

The writer was a guest of Jupiters Townsville.

Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter

Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.

Most viewed on Traveller

Loading