The Rocks Guesthouse, QUEENSLAND
Airing Date: Nov 29th, 2004
The Rocks Guesthouse located in Townsville has a unique background. Built in 1886 as a banker's residence, it became a hospital in the early 1900s and then operated as an upmarket guesthouse during the 1930s. The post war years saw it function as a budget guesthouse, but it wasn't until 1996 that The Rocks underwent extensive renovations.
There are seven rooms open to guests, but perhaps the room that captures most attention is the one you can't stay in - the secret bunker! One of the guest rooms camouflages a secret bunker beneath its floor, and it was only when the current owners Jennie and Joe began their extensive restorations that they discovered this room hidden beneath the floor. No one is sure if it was a hiding place from the Japanese invasion or used for storing arms during WWII, but it certainly adds an air of mystery to The Rocks.
If you thought the secret bunker was strange, how about sleeping in a hospital operating theatre? Guests have reported seeing strange apparitions, and apparently the ghost of Dr Ernest Humphrey still makes his rounds at night.
Soak up the stories that haunt the guesthouse, enjoy complimentary sherry on the verandah, explore the drawing room and library or relax in the outdoor spa. The Rocks is a great place to stop, for a long stay or a short one, and it offers wheelchair access as well.
The facts:
Stay at the Rocks Guesthouse from $85 for a single room and $105 for a double. Includes breakfast.
The Rocks Guesthouse
Tel: 07 4771 5700
Qantas and QantasLink fly to Townsville. Flights start from $157 ex Brisbane, $212 ex Sydney, $297 ex Melbourne, $297 ex Hobart, $307 ex Adelaide, $317 ex Perth and $345 ex Darwin. Prices include charges/taxes.
Qantas
Tel: 13 13 13
Suggested reading material: Lonely Planet
Prices correct at 29/11/04
