300 DAYS OF SUMMER

IT’S A MONDAY MORNING in the middle of winter and the luxe pool precinct at The Ville, Townsville’s newly refurbished resort, is packed. Chief executive Michael Jones is confused at first. The Ville has been well supported by locals during the stage-by-stage unveiling of its 43 million redevelopment, but the water’s too cold for them.

Then it clicks. For those visiting from south of the border, it’s the Queen’s Birthday public holiday and the 27-degree June day is absolute perfection. It might seem odd that a hotel CEO would need a moment to account for interstate visitors, but Townsville isn’t accustomed to life as a weekender destination. At least,