Where Townsville
meets the sea...Known as one of the best inner city
beach fronts in Australia, the Strand offers a pleasantly
tranquil atmosphere, suitable for people of all ages
and all interests.
Whether you are looking for a place to fish, to exercise,
to swim, to entertain the children or to simply sit
back and relax, the Strand is definitely the place to
be.
The 2.5 km promenade bursts with breathtaking
picturesque views across Cleaveland Bay and Magnetic
Island and provides a perfect place to soak up the tropical
sunshine with over 300 days of sunshine each year. The
world-class lifestyle precinct is bursting with family
oriented activities and provides ample facilities including
swimming enclosures, children's playgrounds and waterparks,
basketball courts, barbeque and picnic facilities, walking
paths, gardens and recreational and exercise facilities.
Whether you prefer fresh fish and chips or a three-course
meal, the Strand caters for you with quality restaurants
with bars to café-style eateries and even an
ice creamery.
The Strand Waterpark
The kids will love the Strand waterpark.
And best of all it is free entry. There are
great facilities to accommodate the family
for the entire day including barbeques, playgrounds,
plenty of shade, toilets and also the great
atmosphere of the Strand. Please make sure
you supervise your children and make sure
they have a fun, safe day. Note: the Strand
Water Park is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays
for cleaning and maintenance.
The Strand Nightmarkets
On the first Friday evening from May to November,
the Strand comes alive with over 150 stalls
partaking in the monthly night markets. Intricate
handmade jewellery, hand-sewn craftwork and
unique fashions are just a few of the treasures
to be found. Arts, crafts, cultural activities,
produce stalls and kid's rides are just some
of the attractions of the night markets. After
strolling the markets, sit down to a snack
or meal with the diverse range of ethnic food
stalls or sit back and relax in the grassy
areas whilst being entertained by arts including
live music. The strand markets provide a perfect
night out for all the family with a child-friendly
atmosphere.
Strand Night Markets
First Friday evening of the month
May - December, 5:00pm - 9:30pm
Stall bookings are essential.
Aerial view of the Strand looking
towards Cape Palleranda.
Looking over Strand Park, the
shaded children's playground, basketball half-court,
Picnic Bay Surf Lifesaving Club and amenities.
Magnetic Island can be seen in the background.
Further Information
Visit The Strand
Website for further information. View
site
Strand Dining
The Strand has many great dining options
and the views come standard!
Information
Best time of year
to go
The Strand is alive
with activity year round from summer through to
winter although summer months are the preferred
time for making use of swimming facilities.
What to take
• Sunscreen and hat
• Camera
• Towels
• Fishing gear
• Swimming gear
• Sporting gear
• Spare clothes
• Picnic basket
• Food and drinks
Useful information
• The consumption
of alcohol along the Strand is not permitted
and fines will apply for those breaching this
rule.
The Strand is just a short distance
from Townsville City. The 2.5 km promenade bursts
with breathtaking picturesque views across Cleaveland
bay and Magnetic Island.
Strand Activities
Swimming...Swim in the Rockpool (closed
Thursdays for cleaning and maintenance), the famous
Tobruk Pool, or use the special protective net enclosures
during November through May due to the northern stinger
season. Always swim between the flags.
Play...Let the kids enjoy the Strand water park and
the many playgrounds dotted along the Strand.
Exercise...either walk, jog, or run along the Strand.
take advantage of the eight exercise points. Alternatively,
sign up with the Picnic Bay or Arcadian Surf Life Savers
for some real action. There are also three outrigging
clubs positioned on the Strand, Townsville, Magnetic
Island, and Coral Sea. The sailing club operates from
the southern end of The Strand.
Fish...Take advantage of great land-based fishing with
the Strand pier, the Rockpool or along the beach.
Dine...There are great options for breakfast, lunch
and tea in the many cafe's, restaurants or just picnic
with the family at a number of ideal spots. View map
for BBQ locations.
Extreme Adventure...skydiving with Coral Sea Skydivers
who operate on The Strand, landing at Kennedy Street.
Participate...in the public activities and events in
Strand Park. View the public artwork reflecting the
significant heritage of The Strand.
more activities...
• Stroll, cycle or roller
blade along the many walking paths
• Grab a bite to eat
and enjoy the sunshine
• Enjoy a barbecue
or picnic in the park overlooking Cleveland Bay
• Sip cocktails at
sunset at one of the restaurants and bars
• Swim in the Rock
Pool (safe swimming enclosure)
• Indulge in North
Queensland's fresh seafood
• Try out the exercise
equipment along the walking paths
• Go twilight sailing
on Cleveland Bay
• Fish from the pier
or Rock Pool
• Have a game of touch
or basketball in Strand Park
• Watch the passing
parade while lazing on the beach
• View heritage buildings
and war memorials in Anzac Park
• Visit the Military
Museum at Kissing Point
• Visit the historic
Tobruk Pool Complex and view the Australian Olympic
Swimmer's Hall of Fame.
Swim Safe
Townsville's location in the tropical north
of Australia means that stingers are prevalent
at certain times of the year, especially in
Summer. Stinger nets are located at several
places along the Strand (see map) and provide
a safe and patrolled swimming area. When stinger
nets are not in place flags are in place to
outline the safe swimming area. Always swim
within the flags or in a stinger net for your
own safety.
For further information, please consult the
Strand Surf Lifeguards on patrol. They do
a fantastic job, they are friendly, and they
are more than willing to assist you.
If you are a diving enthusiast you must
experience the S.S. Yongala, it will leave you with memories
that will remain forever. It’s certainly a dive experience
you will never forget.
