The Towns Cobbler
Nearly 20 years of loyal customers trust Gary as Townsville's only craftsman with decades of hands-on shoemaking experience.
From the 50 reviews analysed, 18 specifically call out fair or low pricing, and multiple customers describe him doing extra work unprompted at no cost, which is a reliable signal of someone who cares about the outcome more than the invoice. One practical thing to confirm before you visit: Gary operates cash-only, so come prepared — a couple of reviewers were caught off guard by the no-card policy.
Their work
What it's like working with them
Based on a sample of Google reviews (62 total)
What they help with
Based on what their customers hired them for
How they stack up
Context from 256 appliance repairs in Townsville
Credentials & background
Sourced from 4 public records so you don't have to look them up yourself
About The Towns Cobbler
Gary is the sole craftsman behind The Towns Cobbler, and the reviews make clear he's operating at a different level to the quick-fix shoe bars found in shopping centres — one reviewer explicitly notes he has around 50 years of experience making and repairing shoes, versus the short courses that chain repair outlets rely on. His core work is leather: resoling worn-out footwear (including RM Williams and specialty imports like camel-skin Punjabi shoes), replacing and rebuilding heels, stitching leather handbag straps, and reworking leather garments like riding jackets. What sets Gary apart is his willingness to go beyond the brief — multiple customers describe him fixing additional wear or pre-emptively reinforcing weak points at no extra charge, and he's posted repaired boots back to out-of-town customers fully polished. He's honest about what's worth repairing, telling customers straight when a fix isn't worth the money — a rare quality in any trade. Cash-only payment is worth knowing in advance, as several reviewers flag there's no EFTPOS. If you've got a beloved pair of boots, RMs, or a leather accessory you'd rather restore than replace, Gary's the person in Townsville equipped to do it properly.
Best for: restoring premium leather boots like RM Williams, repairing leather handbags and accessories, and giving beloved footwear a second life rather than replacing it.
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Claim This Profile — Free →Common questions about The Towns Cobbler
What types of shoes and leather goods does The Towns Cobbler repair?+
Gary handles a wide range of leather work — resoling and heel replacement on all types of footwear, restoration of RM Williams boots, repairs to leather handbag straps, and reworking leather garments like riding jackets. Reviewers also mention repairs on exotic leathers, including camel-skin Punjabi shoes sourced overseas. If you're unsure whether your item is worth fixing, Gary is known to give an honest assessment upfront rather than take on work he doesn't think will hold.
How long does a repair typically take?+
Turnaround is frequently same-day or next morning, based on multiple customer reviews. One reviewer dropped shoes off just before 10am and had them back by 3pm the same day. For customers not based in Townsville, Gary has posted completed repairs back, so distance doesn't have to be a barrier.
Does The Towns Cobbler accept card payments?+
No — Gary operates on a cash-only basis. At least two reviewers flagged this after being caught without cash, so it's worth bringing notes when you visit. There's no indication this is changing, so plan accordingly.
Is Gary able to accommodate visitors or tourists who are only in Townsville briefly?+
Yes — several reviews specifically mention Gary squeezing in out-of-town visitors or tourists on short notice. One reviewer visiting for graduation had a belt hole punched for free on the spot. For footwear repairs, Gary's same-day turnaround makes it realistic to drop off and collect within a single visit to Townsville.
How does The Towns Cobbler compare to shopping-centre shoe repair bars?+
A reviewer with direct knowledge of the local market notes that Gary has around 50 years of experience actually making and repairing shoes, compared to the short training courses that chain repair outlets typically provide. Customers who've had botched jobs from other repairers mention Gary fixing those mistakes — sometimes at no charge. For premium leather footwear or anything you'd rather not risk, the experience gap appears significant.