Happy Place — Restaurant in Queensland

I won't lie, Townsville is far from my fave nth QLD destination (it's expensive and arid compared to its lush relative Cairns further north) so given that I didn't choose to be here (coupled with low blood sugar and hunger angst) it was always going to be a big ask to make me happy. I didn't really hit happy. Maybe moderately satisfied, but not happy. I wanted bacon and eggs with toast. At the register the order was read back as eggs. I was too tired to correct this. I note that the menu does NOT offer bacon and eggs. It offers eggs with a choice of optional extras ( bacon isn't one of them) but there is a bacon and egg roll. I could have requested bacon and egg roll but swap out the roll with two slices of toast but now we're getting complicated. The eggs arrive. They may be free range but they're unusually small. If it was a chicken, it wouldn't have broken a sweat popping these two out. If it was a Quail, the poor thing has a migraine right now. The toast arrived sans butter. To be fair, I was asked if I wanted butter by my server at the table (I replied no as hunger would have resulted in consuming the toast before the butter arrived) But at the risk of starting a debate, shouldn't butter be assumed with toast? At least on the side? The coffee was okay. The service was nice (at least I got served, I came here because I couldn't get served at that horrendous Coffee Club a few doors down). Not quite my happy place....more my it's ok...

5-Star Breakfast Bliss at Happy Place on The Strand

Tucked away on Townsville's vibrant Strand, Happy Place isn't just a cafe—it's the ultimate morning escape with those jaw-dropping Coral Sea views that make every bite feel like a mini-vacation.

Hands down, their Eggs Benedict steals the show. It's the best I've had anywhere—poached eggs perfectly runny, nestled on toasted sourdough, drizzled in a hollandaise that's creamy, tangy, and laced with just a hint of local lemon myrtle for that tropical twist.

No soggy bottoms or overcooked yolks here; it's a symphony of textures and flavors that'll have you savoring every bite.

It's the kind of spot where you feel like a regular from the get-go. And the menu? A delightful variety of quality eats that cater to every vibe: smashed avo with feta and dukkah for the health nuts, fluffy French toast stacked with seasonal mango for sweet tooths, and hearty veggie-packed hashes for plant-based pals.

Everything's sourced fresh and local, so portions are generous without feeling heavy—ideal fuel for a Strand stroll afterward.

Pro tip: Arrive early for window seats to watch the ferries glide out to Magnetic Island. You won't...

I went to Townsville with my friend to get away from cold weather as many people do. We picked up this restaurant for breakfast after reading the menu in the main enterance. I was a bit confused when I see the prices of medium coffee behind the counter are 50 cents more than the main entrance ($6 in the counter, $5.5 in the main enterance). When I checked the receipt, it actually showed $6.5.

I have no idea if they do it intentionally or by mistake. Personally, I just feel it's just another story in a popular tourist destination again. Food itself is okay with nothing particularly good or bad. In term of service, I am sorry but I personally don't feel much sense of service. In a busy restaurant like them, you pretty much pay for your order and just wait for your food to be served.

Overall, I am a bit disappointed with the experience. I may/should just walk away if I am...