Museum of Tropical Queensland in Townsville is just over the road 150m away!

The Museum of Tropical Queensland is a museum of history, archaeology and history located in Townsville, Queensland, Australia.  It is located in the same building as the Reef HQ Aquarium. In 1987 the museum opened as the "North Queensland Branch" of the Queensland Museum.

 The museum houses artefacts recovered from the  

One of the displays is that of the wreck of HMS Pandora, which is one of the most significant wrecks in Australian waters. The Pandora sank off the coast of north Queensland in 1791after capturing some of the crew from the mutiny on the Bounty.

A painting By Robert Dodd.depicting the mutineers turning Bligh and some of his officers and crew adrift on 29th April 1789.

  The wreck of the Yongala which has become a tourist attraction and dive site, was not found until 1958.
  The passenger ship SS Yongala sank on 23 March 1911 off Cape Bowling Green, Queensland, Australia
while sailing from Melbourne to Cairns as she steamed into a cyclone and sank south of Townsville. All 122 aboard were killed, it wasn't until days later, when cargo and wreckage began to wash ashore at Cape Bowing Green and at Cleveland Bay that is was discovered to be missing. It was believed that the hull of the ship had been ripped open by a submerged rock.

SS Yongala

 Captain William Knight in 1911

 For more information go to http://www.mtq.qm.qld.gov.au/Visit+Us#.U65h2UAn-6M

Reef Lodge save 10% on cheap accommodation in Townsville

Reef Lodge has cheap accommodation in Townsville. The hostel is set up to cater for backpackers as well as people wanting to travel on a budget. You can self cater in the communal kitchen or simple walk out the front door to find your self a restaurant, most of which are with about 500m away. When you check in ask us about where you can get cheap meals around the place. As many places have specials at different times of the week. Contact Reef Lodge direct and save 10% on the rate.

Ph 07 47 211 112
enquiries@reeflodge.com.au

WE are set with Motel rooms which have their own bathroom TV / DVD ect, Twin and Double rooms with their own TV's for those who want a little more privacy, but are happy to share bathrooms as well we have dormitory for those who want a cheap alternative. These include 8 bed,  6 bed, 4 bed and 2 bed dorms.

Also ask us about saving $$$ on cheaper ferry tickets to Magnetic Island when you check in at
Reef Lodge.

 Check out prices below:

The price for a 6 bed dorm       for 1 person is $23-00 
+ Free linen no a/c

The price for a 8 bed dorm       for 1 person is $24-00 
+ Free linen with a/c

The price for a 6 bed dorm       for 1 person is $25-00 
+ Free linen with a/c

The price for a 4 bed dorm       for 1 person with a/c is $26-00 
+ Free linen with a/c

The price for a 2 bed dorm       for 1 person with a/c is $30-00 
+ Free linen with a/c

The price for a 6 bed Girls dorm       for 1 person is $26-00 
+ Free linen with a/c 

The price for a 6 bed dorm + Bathroom       for 1 person with a/c is $26-00
 + Free linen with a/c

The price for a 2 bed dorm +TV      for 1 person with a/c is $35-00 
Wardrobe + Fridge + Free Tea / Coffee + Free linen + FREE Towels

The price for a Twin Room        for 2 people is $62-00 that is with air-conditioning +TV
Wardrobe + Fridge + Free Tea / Coffee + Free linen + FREE Towels

The price for a Double Room    for 2 people is $62-00 that is with air-conditioning +TV 
Wardrobe + Fridge + Free Tea / Coffee + Free linen + FREE Towels

The price for a Motel Room      for 2 people is $80-00 that is with air-conditioning +TV / DVD  bathroom 
Wardrobe + Fridge + Free Tea / Coffee + Free linen + FREE Towels

Cheap accommodation in Townsville. A good reason why you should book direct. Save 10% off Backpacker and budget accomadation in Townsville for October 2014

You save 10% on your accommodation at the Reef Lodge backpackers Townsville for the month of October 2014 if anyone books directly with the Reef Lodge Backpackers Hostel in Townsville we will pass on a 10% discount. This could be a saving of up to $6-20 per night.

All you need to do is book through our website http://reeflodge.com.au/accomodation and quote "Blogger 10% discount" in the notes.

 

The price for a 6 bed dorm       for 1 person is $23-00 
+ Free linen no a/c
10% discount pay only $20-70

The price for a 8 bed dorm       for 1 person is $24-00 
+ Free linen with a/c
10% discount pay only $21-60

The price for a 6 bed dorm       for 1 person is $25-00 
+ Free linen with a/c
10% discount pay only $22-50

The price for a 4 bed dorm       for 1 person with a/c is $26-00 
+ Free linen with a/c
10% discount pay only $23-40

The price for a Twin Room        for 2 people is $62-00 that is with air-conditioning +TV
Wardrobe + Fridge + Free Tea / Coffee + Free linen + FREE Towels
10% discount pay only $55-80

The price for a Double Room    for 2 people is $62-00 that is with air-conditioning +TV 
Wardrobe + Fridge + Free Tea / Coffee + Free linen + FREE Towels
10% discount pay only $55-80

The price for a Motel Room      for 2 people is $80-00 that is with air-conditioning +TV / DVD  bathroom   Wardrobe + Fridge + Free Tea / Coffee + Free linen + FREE Towels
10% discount pay only $72-00

*Conditions Apply

Cannibals eating away at human society. DOG EATS DOG! What has happened to integrity!

As a young man I remember both my real farther and my other farther would seal a deal with a hand shack and your word was your honor. In fact I can remember my Grandfather sealing deals with no no more than a hand-shack worth thousands of dollars back in the 70's.  If by chance you said you would do something for a price, then that was the price you stuck to. In recent years, particularly the last 3 years I have noticed the amount of people who say they would do one thing, then re-neg and do another, going back on their word.
Recently I did a deal with a company to supply a service and things were discussed and points bought up and issues resolved and decision were made. One of these issues was a simple issue of the invoice being sent by mail and not E-mail. (My wife does not use E-mail) As it happened I recently got an E=mail saying our account has failed to be paid and the service would stop. As it happened I e-mailed back to said person and reminded them that this was in fact discussed and agreed. It would be mailed not E-mailed.

I may hear you say that's just the way of the world is today. But what has actually happened is a verbal contract has been broken. This is not only morally wrong but illegal (Verbal contracts are binding in court of law if it can be proven) but more importantly in my book it also goes to character. One of our greatest attributes as humans. A corner-stone for society our integrity and honor.

Sadly as years pass I see less and less of people with that sort of attitude of honesty and integrity and it is a dog eat dog world.

Raising money for cancer! Shane O Callaghan

This is Shane O'Callaghan who is ridding around the world to raise money for cancer and stayed at the Reef Lodge Backpackers here in Townsville. You can check him out at:

https://www.facebook.com/longwaytocork

It is wonderful on the days when you least expect it, that someone comes to stay and has a story to tell. Shane booked into the Reef Lodge after the manager or Molley Malones Irish pub in Townsville came over and paid for  Shane to stay a here. When Shane turned up we started having a chat about his endeavors and what he was doing. Nice to meet such a selfless person who is doing so much for so little and bringing a little hope for so many, in world that is so self consumed.

GOOD ON YOU SHANE O'CALLAGHAN!   \(`v')/

Will I suck on that blond Swedish girl or the German.

By Reef lodge Backpackers Townsville

I always find it interesting that the minute someone has a bite on them they instinctively say "BED_BUGS!" As it happens there are a lot of critters out there that would like to eat bite chew and suck on you. I have had to deal with these little critters for the last 12 years and feel these days have pretty much got our house keeping and control of bed-bugs down pat. I am not saying for a minute that we definitely / positively most surly and comprehensively do not have them.

I would debate if these are bed-bug bite. They are not close together which is the general rule with most bed-bug bites. My thoughts would be these are sand-fly bites. But lets not put the truth in front of a good story. Funny thing is this photo is part of a review for the Reef Lodge Backpackers Townsville although the photo does not look like it is in any of our rooms. But then again maybe I have it wrong!

 

These I would say are bed-bug bites. This is a pretty classic set of bites where you get approximately 3-8 bites in a row. (Not sure where this photo was taken.)

Again these I would say are bed-bug bites and again bites all line up. (Not sure where this photo was taken.)

 And again I would say are bed-bug bites more classic lines.

These also I would say are bed-bug bites but this poor girl has been really attacked by a whole brigade of the litttle bed-buggers. Little bed bug humor there! LOL (Not sure where this photo was taken.)

 

This a fairly good idea what you are looking for. Check your bed around seams of the mattress as well as skirting boards and fixtures. The little Buggers can hide pretty much any where they can hide.

Hope this doesn't bore you all to tears!


If you want to go staight to the source, (tomato chilli or black?) here is the URL. Maybe you could have a word to "Tripadvisor" for me!


http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Hotel_Review-g255073-d285812-Reviews-Reef_Lodge_Budget_Accommodation-Townsville_Queensland.html

It has always fascinated me as the the lengths people will go out of their way to put you down when they think they are so badly done by. Over the years I have been ridiculed abused and called many many thing. As can be seen by visiting sites like "Tripadvisor" Attached are 3 screen shots of some of the stuff that gets put up about our hostel and about us personally.
Funny how peoples perception of an incident changes and how descriptive they become when they are upset. I also like the threats of I'm going to put a bad review on such and such a site if you don't give me my money back. I had in the past thought to give back money but at the end of the day you just start feeding the "BEAST" and yes I have been threatened many time about bad reviews.
Sadly I think sites such as Tripadvisor do more harm than good in their ideology of giving people a voice. Sadly these days it quite often the case of give me back my money or else. I have never been visited by any of these review sites with the exception of "BUG Backpackers Ultimate Guide" and "Lonely Planet." at least their is no emotional content from these independent reviews which is a good idea. Don't get me wrong I think if people were not so emotional about what they say or take offense that I didn't smile at you the 22nd time I walked past you, but I did smile the 21 times before. "HONEST"
Mostly I am working these days from the time I fall out of bed till I fall back in. LOL

ON WITH THE STORY!!!! And that is not my typo in the next paragraph it does say "Hosel" and I presume it is supposed to be "Hostel" but I won't take marks off for bad grammar or spelling lucky for third review or I would have to fail him on the grounds of bad language!

The first of these headed "Grumpy management ruins hosel atmosphere" by Canadian_chic05.
Well what can I say, I vaguely remember this young lady but can not remember all the details. It seems that if you work in hospitality you have to walk around with a grin from ear to ear 24/7 or you are simply labeled GRUMPY MISERABLE UNHAPPY or a few other choice words I don't want to use.
Hold on could that be me I did have a "Grinch shirt on the other day for "Grinchmas" or was that supposed to be "Christmas"
Sadly when you have 50 to 70 people staying in a place its a bit unreasonable to think the guy who is unblocking a poo filled toilet or fixing a door cutting a tree or cleaning a room is actually going to smile every time he sees another person. I'm sorry my face muscles need a break thinking about this. Sadly no one ever comes up to you and says are you OK you look like you may be having a bad day? Want to talk about it?
I got it, "BOTOX" and I can have an everlasting smile.
LOL
Maybe I was just having a bad day. We do have them to you know!

The second screen grab headed "Terrible" by supachops.
Not sure why this guy decided to stay at a backpackers hostel, I thought to myself this guy should be staying at a motel or hotel not a backpacking hostel. Sadly when you are staying in a DORM with backpackers, the management don't go around and tell people to "make sure all their gear is packed away nice and tidy" or "I think your shoes smell a little you should put them outside to air a little." Personally I would like to think people would be a little more considerate and do that all by then selves! But sadly some don't!
Also the door has a lock and so do the windows so I would recommend if you want to secure your stuff so they don't get stolen, is, CLOSE THEM.
Latter he even went on and stated at the end of his post that Quote "maybe its OK if your 18 and backing but I couldn't see myself staying here." what did you expect the Hilton for $25.

Third screen grab headed "Nice hostel Weird owner" by Dave R
This is a guy I presume was kicked out of the hostel about 18 months or 2 years ago. Prior to this post on "Tripadvisor" he only posted on my "Guestbook" and most of it was rude and disgusting, making references to my wife and daughter as well as things he said he had done to many different woman while staying at the hostel many degrading toward handicapped girls as well as racial demeaning of "Blacks" as he stated in one message and where they should be in society. The reason he posted on "Tripadvisor" was because my "Guestbook has been closed down pending a new website. I was sent a very disgusting e-mail from this guy demanding me to put the "Guestbook back up and is as follows.

Quote " Oi you f--king sh-t, why is your guestbook not working, how the hell am i supposed to tell Dean that he looks like a homo when you have removed this facility from your website, i demand that you c--ts fix this straight away you ass f--kers."

And yes I do know it is the same guy its not that hard to find out where they come from and funny enough the return e-mails never work.

Happy Happy Joy Joy!!!

PS Please don't check my spelling I almost failed English.