A health crisis close to home (not so close to home, geographically) has found me deep in the tropics for a month or so. Three long days’ drive away. It is like a foreign country up here. I don’t know how anyone can live here. In early April, the heat is oppressive. This isn’t even high summer. When an ICU doctor here told me that Rockhampton – thought by many to have the least bearable climate in Australia – was nothing compared to Townsville, it got my attention. The five o’clock bubbles need extra chilling here. It has been said that Miami Florida would never have become a high-growth region and the preferred lifestyle destination for millions of migrating “snowbirds” from northern USA and Canada without air-conditioning. Same here. One can only wonder what will become of the residents of these cities come the climate revolution and net zero fascism. You dive from the air-conditioned house (or in my case, a caravan park cabin or three-star motel room) to the air-conditioned car, then head off to the air-conditioned mall or the air-conditioned hospital. In between times, it is hot as hades. So, all your life, you live either in a fridge or a pizza oven, and jump from one to the other. I am not quite sure about the “lifestyle destination”.
This is a wonderfully accurate and delightfully descriptive account of Townsville and the Deep North. I know, I live here, in Ingham, for my sins. Note I say - I live here - I don't come from here. As a 'lifestyle destination' - Just forget about it!
Townsville is north light. When are you coming to Darwin. We would love to.show you around. Lise 0411234633.
What wonderfully well written article,thankyou
We just spent a week in Cairns. The humidity is a killer as you describe so well.
This is a wonderfully accurate and delightfully descriptive account of Townsville and the Deep North. I know, I live here, in Ingham, for my sins. Note I say - I live here - I don't come from here. As a 'lifestyle destination' - Just forget about it!
I have no desire to travel in Queensland. The humidity in my place of residence in NSW is more than I can bear.
Interesting piece, though.
It takes a week or two to become acclimatized to higher temperature and humidity.
Air conditioning is a mixed blessing as stepping outside is a shock to the system.
In my experience the grotty people and parts of Australia exist all over. Just some variation in quantity and quality.
And if you are mug enough to own a pet don't compound the error by traveling with it.