MainStay Suites Townsville

MainStay Suites Townsville, at 30-34 Palmer Street in South Townsville, is an apartment-style property (previously trading as Aligned Corporate Residences) on the Palmer Street dining strip, close to the marina and the Magnetic Island ferry. Unlike most corporate apartment hotels, it takes dogs in designated residences, which makes it a genuine serviced-apartment option in Townsville with a dog.

Dogs at the MainStay Suites Townsville

Dogs and cats are allowed in specific residences, with a limit of two pets per apartment and a maximum of 20kg each. Expect a pet charge of about AU$350 per stay plus a refundable AU$100 deposit, with service animals exempt. The pet-friendly stock is limited to certain one-bedroom apartments and fees vary between listings, so book a pet apartment directly and confirm the policy, weight limits and which residence you are getting before you pay. Street numbers on Palmer Street differ between sources, so double-check the exact address on your confirmation.

Worth knowing

The one-bedroom apartments have full kitchens, laundry, balconies and marina views, and there is a pool on site. The kitchen and laundry setup is the real advantage with a dog - you can self-cater for longer stays and wash the towels after wet walks. On-site parking can be limited, so check the parking arrangement when you reserve. Best suited to a longer, self-contained stay with a smaller dog, given the weight cap and the fee.

Getting there and parking

The property sits on the Palmer Street precinct in South Townsville, minutes from the CBD, the ferry terminal and the Ross Creek path. Ask about parking at booking, since the on-site bays are limited.

Close by with the dogs

The Ross Creek path along Palmer Street is the easy on-lead walk from the door, and Townsville Main Dog Park is a short drive for an off-lead run. Skull and Swallow is the neighbourhood cafe on the strip. If the apartment route does not work, Yongala Lodge by The Strand and BIG4 Townsville Gateway Holiday Park are alternative dog-friendly stays.

Max: two pets, twenty kilos, three hundred and fifty dollars a stay - pricey, but I get a balcony with a marina view.