We’ve just wrapped up an unforgettable family holiday in Townsville and Cairns, packed with sun, reunions, laughter, and a lot of sweat (hello, Far North Queensland in January). For us southerners, the heat and humidity were next level—one of us ended up holding a hose over his own head just to cope. Still, we wouldn't trade it for anything.
Our trip kicked off in Townsville, staying with my brother and his family—a home base full of energy, conversation, and cousins reconnecting. Evenings are spent in the yard, cold drinks in hand, the occasional dip in the kiddie pool, and plenty of backyard games. You could almost hear the collective sigh of relief when the sun started to dip.
There were special bonding times with Uncle Adrian, who brings cuddles and good banter. “Boy Cousin” Declan introduced Mirin to his game stash. Hayden and Brodie were seen at times, between gaming or an occasional game in the backyard. These spontaneous cousin connections are gold.
We were lucky enough to time it with a mini-Doig reunion. Uncle Richard and Diane visited for a BBQ, as did Dad (Stephen Doig) and his wife Sheila. It’s not often we all end up in the same city, and having everyone together calls for a few beers.
We head up to Castle Hill, of course—a must-do when in Townsville. Katherine nails the top, and we pause for a selfie with the city sprawling behind us. I can’t help but reflect on the moment Hayden stands in the exact same spot his brothers, Nevan and Liam, did seven years ago. Different time, same block of concrete (possibly an old toilet block?), same big view. These are the moments that connect time.
A cheeky geocaching adventure takes us off the regular path and straight into “The Dark Knight Office”—a hidden bat bunker on the side of Castle Hill. Yes, bats. Real ones. The smell hits you before you even get inside. I've lived in Townsville twice and never knew this existed!
Next we car caravanned for a road trip north to Cairns for a few days. On the road, we pull over for lunch at Kurrimine Beach, just a few kilometres off the Bruce Highway. It’s peaceful, breezy, and has that perfect small-town Queensland charm. Definitely worth the detour.
Next stop: Cairns, where it’s always on and always raining—but in the most vibrant, tropical way. We stayed at Cairns Coconut, which is absolutely designed for families: waterslides, pools, mini golf, jumping pillows, play zones, playgrounds, and a gym for good measure. The cabins are excellent, and every one of us finds something to love. It’s the kind of place where you could happily stay for a week and never leave the resort.
We explored Cairns Night Markets, where Katherine and Hayden tried a fish spa—feet dipped into a tank of nibbling fish. The giggles are unstoppable. There’s something hilarious and oddly ticklish about tiny fish feasting on your feet while you pretend this is normal.
Between Townsville’s sticky heat, Cairns’ monsoon-style rain, and all the family chaos in between, this trip is one for the memory books. It’s full of those little moments—sweaty yard games, mountaintop selfies, bat-filled bunkers, and cousins reconnecting—that become the stories we tell for years.
And while we’re still recovering from the humidity, we’re already talking about when we can do it all again. Maybe in winter next time.
