Palm Waters Holiday Apartments

Palm Waters Holiday Apartments is a small, family-run apartment complex at the corner of Cook and Landsborough Streets in North Ward, a short walk from the Jezzine Barracks end of The Strand in Townsville. It is one of the few stays in the suburb that takes dogs, and the self-contained setup suits travellers settling in for more than a night or two.

Dogs at Palm Waters

Dogs are welcome in designated pet-friendly rooms only, with listings citing select family rooms and a limit of one pet per booking. The quoted surcharge is AUD 50 per pet per night, though service animals are exempt from pet fees. The pet rooms are limited, so contact the property directly before booking to confirm one is free for your dates, and ask about rules on leaving a dog unattended in the apartment.

Worth knowing

The one and two-bedroom units are self-contained with full kitchens or kitchenettes, in-room washing machines, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and private balconies, which makes the practical side of staying with a dog much easier. There is a saltwater pool and gardens on site, and free undercover parking. Guests consistently mention the clean, roomy apartments and the quiet street.

Getting there and out with the dog

The Strand waterfront is around a four-minute walk, with its paths, parks and on-lead beach walks, and Castle Hill's walking tracks are close by. North Ward's cafe strip sits within a couple of blocks: Odyssey on the Strand and Juliette's are local institutions, and Chubby Magpie Coffee Roasters handles the serious coffee. For a bigger off-leash run across town, Orleigh Dog Park sits by the river in West End.

More options are under QLD pet friendly stays, and the North Ward guide pulls the suburb together.

Max: A four-minute walk to The Strand from my own apartment with a balcony. I approved this booking personally.