About - AvenueXchange Backpackers Accommodation Townsville

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The Beauty of Staying with us at the AvenueXchange Backpackers Accommodation

Who We Are

A Historic Queenslander with a Story to Tell

AvenueXchange Backpackers Accommodation offers comfortable and affordable accommodation for travellers looking for a relaxed and welcoming place to stay in Townsville.

Today, AvenueXchange Backpackers Accommodation welcomes travellers from around Australia and the world, offering a comfortable, drug and alcohol-free environment where guests can relax, recharge, and enjoy a peaceful stay. With comfortable accommodation, lush gardens, a year-round outdoor swimming pool, and friendly service, we strive to create a place that truly feels like a home away from home.

Avenue Xchange was the perfect hostel for my trip. The staff were incredibly friendly, and the amenities were top-notch. Highly recommend for anyone visiting!

Sara Thompson

Our Story

The Story Behind AvenueXchange Backpackers Accommodation

AvenueXchange Backpackers Accommodation is more than just a place to stay — it is a small piece of Townsville’s history.
Set within a charming historic Queenslander built in the late 1800s, the house has quietly witnessed generations of change in the city around it.
Originally built around 1880 by the pioneering Rooney family, the property is believed to be one of Townsville’s largest traditional Queenslander homes

A Home with a Wartime Story

During World War II, when Townsville became a major Allied military hub in the Pacific, the house was taken over by the United States military and used as the American Embassy.
The upper level served as officers’ quarters, while the lower level was extensively modified for military operations.
There are even reports that the property was considered a fallback location for General Douglas MacArthur if he had been injured during the war.

The Mystery Beneath the House

Adding to the intrigue of the property are long-standing stories of hidden tunnels beneath the house, believed to have been constructed by the US military during wartime.
These tunnels were said to connect the building to nearby military infrastructure in Townsville, allowing soldiers and supplies to move discreetly during operations.
Over the years, sealed concrete sections and a concealed trap door discovered beneath the lower level have only deepened the mystery.

A New Chapter

Today, the historic house has entered a new chapter as AvenueXchange Backpackers Accommodation.
The same wide verandas, high ceilings, and traditional Queensland architecture that once sheltered soldiers now welcome travellers, workers, and visitors from around Australia and the world.
Guests can enjoy the charm of a historic home while relaxing in a safe, welcoming and drug-and-alcohol-free environment designed to offer comfort, community, and a peaceful place to stay.

A Place with Over a Century of Stories

When you stay at AvenueXchange Backpackers Accommodation, you’re not just booking accommodation — you’re stepping into a home that has been part of Townsville’s story for more than 140 years.

Join Us Now AND EXPERIENCE SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

Experience the Charm of our Historic Queenslander …
🌿 Thoughtfully Designed with a Lighter Footprint 🌿

Stay in one of Townsville’s most unique heritage homes, where over 140 years of history meet comfortable, welcoming accommodation. Once part of the city’s wartime story, AvenueXchange Backpackers Accommodation now offers travelers a peaceful place to relax, connect, and feel at home.

A friendly community and comfortable stay awaits you.

At AvenueXchange Backpackers Accommodation, we understand that modern travelers care about more than just where they stay — they care about how their choices impact the world around them.

That’s why we’re taking practical steps to reduce our environmental footprint, without compromising comfort or experience.

From introducing refillable bathroom amenities to reducing single-use plastics and improving operational efficiency, we’re focused on meaningful changes that make a difference.
It’s not about being perfect — it’s about being intentional.

When you stay at the AvenueXchange Backpackers Accommodation, you’re choosing a space that values simplicity, connection, and a more conscious way to travel.

Book Your Stay Today

The Beauty of Staying with us at the AvenueXchange Backpackers Accommodation

A Historic Queenslander with a Story to Tell

AvenueXchange Backpackers Accommodation offers comfortable and affordable accommodation for travellers looking for a relaxed and welcoming place to stay in Townsville.

Avenue Xchange was the perfect hostel for my trip. The staff were incredibly friendly, and the amenities were top-notch. Highly recommend for anyone visiting!