The Strand: Townsville's Waterfront Playground for Relaxation and Fun
Credit: Expedia
Hugging pristine shores of Cleveland Bay, The Strand stands as Townsville's crown jewel and one of North Queensland's most beloved coastal destinations.
This spectacular 2.2-kilometre world-class beachfront promenade offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, recreational facilities, and urban sophistication that makes it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.
Whether you're seeking family-friendly adventures, romantic sunset strolls, or simply a place to unwind with stunning ocean views that look toward majestic Magnetic Island, The Strand delivers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of tropical North Queensland living.
For guests staying at quality Townsville accommodation on The Strand, this waterfront paradise is just a leisurely 20-minute walk or quick 5-minute drive away from Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville, making it incredibly convenient to experience all that this iconic destination has to offer.
From the moment you set foot on the palm-fringed promenade, you'll understand why The Strand has become synonymous with the relaxed yet vibrant lifestyle that defines Townsville.
What Makes The Strand a Must-Visit in Townsville?
The Strand Townsville is a carefully crafted and curated coastal experience that seamlessly blends natural beauty with Queensland life.
This award-winning foreshore development offers spectacular views across to Magnetic Island, providing a picture-perfect backdrop for any activity. The palm tree-lined stretch features dedicated bike and walkway paths, making it ideal for morning jogs, evening strolls, or leisurely cycling adventures.
What truly sets The Strand apart is its comprehensive range of facilities that cater to every type of visitor. The promenade boasts safe swimming beaches, picturesque picnic spots, multiple playgrounds, exercise stations, and the popular Strand Water Park – all available free of charge. The area has been thoughtfully designed to offer something for everyone, from adrenaline-seekers looking to try stand-up paddleboarding to those who simply want to relax under the shade of a palm tree with a good book.
The Strand's unique position as Townsville's social hub means it's constantly buzzing with activity, yet spacious enough to find peaceful spots for relaxation. Its proximity to the city centre, combined with ample parking and excellent accessibility, makes it the perfect destination for both day trips and extended stays.
What Attractions Can You Find Along The Strand?
The attractions along The Strand are diverse and impressive, ensuring visitors never run short of things to see and do.
The Strand Rockpool stands as one of the most popular features – a stinger-resistant seawater pool located at the northern end that provides safe swimming year-round. This unique facility, originally constructed in 1968, features a gently sloped design with shallow areas suitable for wheelchair access and children, leading into deeper sections perfect for swimming.
The free Strand Water Park is another major drawcard, featuring water slides, spray elements, water cannons, and the famous giant dumping bucket that delights children and adults alike. After recent refurbishments, the water park continues to attract over 150,000 visitors annually, making it one of Townsville's most popular attractions.
For those who enjoy fishing, the 200-metre pier extending into Cleveland Bay offers excellent opportunities to cast a line. The pier also provides spectacular vantage points for photography and simply taking in the panoramic views of Magnetic Island and the surrounding coastline.
Multiple playgrounds are positioned along the promenade, including teenage facilities near the main playing field and junior playgrounds closer to the beach area. These spaces are complemented by extensive barbecue and picnic facilities, making The Strand ideal for family gatherings and social events.
When Is the Best Time to Visit The Strand?
The Strand can be enjoyed year-round thanks to Townsville's tropical climate, though different seasons offer distinct experiences.
The dry season from May to October is particularly popular, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 18°C to 27°C and minimal rainfall. During these months, the stinger nets are typically not required, making ocean swimming more accessible.
The wet season from November to April brings warmer temperatures and occasional tropical storms, but also offers the advantage of stinger nets being installed for safer swimming. Townsville's stinger season runs from November to May, when marine stinger activity increases, but the protective nets at The Strand ensure visitors can still enjoy the water safely.
For the best experience, visiting during the early morning or late afternoon provides the most comfortable temperatures and stunning lighting for photography. The golden hour before sunset offers particularly magical views across to Magnetic Island, making it a favourite time for couples and photography enthusiasts.
Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends, though the vibrant atmosphere on weekends adds to The Strand's appeal. The first Friday of each month brings the popular Strand Night Markets, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for evening visits.
Looking for Family-Friendly Activities Along The Strand?
The Strand is the ultimate family destination in Townsville, offering an abundance of activities for kids big and small.
The centrepiece for families is undoubtedly the Strand Water Park, where children can spend hours enjoying the various water features in a safe, supervised environment. The park operates with lifeguards on duty and is completely free to use, making it the perfect place to set up for a day in the sun.
Beyond the water park, The Strand features multiple playground areas designed for different age groups. All playground areas are surrounded by shaded seating and picnic tables.
The wide, paved promenade is ideal for families with prams, wheelchairs, mobility aids, and bikes, ensuring everyone can enjoy the full length of The Strand.
Is The Strand Suitable for Kids and Families?
Townsville is known as one of Queensland’s playgrounds, so it’s only fitting that The Strand has been specifically designed with families in mind.
People often ask, ‘Can you swim at The Strand in Townsville?’ Yes, swimming is not only possible but actively encouraged, with multiple safe swimming options available year-round – perfect for escaping the tropical heat of North Queensland.
The stinger-resistant Strand Rockpool provides year-round swimming opportunities in a controlled environment. This seawater pool is particularly popular with families as it eliminates concerns about marine stingers while still providing an authentic ocean swimming experience. The pool features sandy banks and shallow areas perfect for young children, with deeper sections for confident swimmers.
All play areas include adequate shade structures, essential for protecting children from the strong North Queensland sun. The abundance of barbecue facilities and picnic tables makes it easy for families to spend entire days at The Strand.
Where Can You Dine with Ocean Views on The Strand?
Credit: Longboard Bar and Grill
The Strand boasts an impressive array of dining options that showcase both local cuisine and international flavours, all with spectacular ocean views.
The Watermark stands out as a premier waterfront restaurant, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily from 6 am with breathtaking views of Cleveland Bay and Magnetic Island. Known for its fresh seafood and warm hospitality, The Watermark has established itself as a favourite among both locals and visitors.
Shorehouse Townsville has earned recognition as the Best Restaurant in North Queensland's People's Choice Award for two consecutive years. This iconic waterfront venue features an outdoor deck perfect for casual lounge dining and a beach house-inspired bar serving artisan cocktails and craft beers. The menu focuses on modern Asian cuisines using locally sourced North Queensland produce.
For more casual dining, The Strand offers numerous beachfront cafés and takeaway options. Longboard Bar and Grill, positioned on the headland facing Magnetic Island, provides a relaxed beach and surf-themed atmosphere with uninterrupted views. The venue perfectly captures the laid-back North Queensland lifestyle while serving quality food and beverages.
Finally, Harold's Seafood on the Strand specialises in fresh, quality seafood with the convenience of takeaway service – the ultimate grab-n-go dinner to set up at the picnic tables in The Strand.
Curious About The Strand's History and Landmarks?
The Strand's rich history dates back to Townsville's founding in the mid-19th century, making it an integral part of the city's development story. The area has been a focal point for both recreation and defence throughout its existence, with the first public outdoor swimming baths constructed between 1886 and 1889.
While The Strand utilises natural coastal features, The Strand people know and love today is largely the result of extensive man-made redevelopment following damage from Tropical Cyclone Sid in 1998. Learning from the cyclone, the redevelopment included the construction of protective seawalls, landscaped gardens, and the iconic promenade that defines The Strand's character.
One of the most interesting historical features is the Strand Waterfall, a 20-metre-high man-made cascade constructed in 1968. Originally, this area was a quarry that supplied rocks for the port's breakwaters, but it was transformed into a public amenity complete with floodlighting for evening illumination.
The Tobruk Memorial Baths, built between 1941 and 1950, honour Australian servicemen who participated in the Siege of Tobruk during World War II. These historic baths represent the continuation of The Strand's role as a community swimming destination spanning over a century.
What Historical Sites Are Near The Strand?
The northern end of The Strand leads to Jezzine Barracks, a site of immense historical significance that encompasses both military and indigenous heritage. Originally established as Kissing Point Fortification in 1891, this rocky headland served as a coastal defence installation designed to protect Townsville from naval bombardment.
During World War II, the Strand and surrounding areas became a hub of military activity. The area hosted various military installations, including anti-aircraft batteries, officer clubs, and landing facilities for military vessels.
Officially closed as an active military site in 2007, it now houses the Army Museum of North Queensland. The heritage-listed Kissing Point Fort now serves as a memorial to both Aboriginal and military heritage, offering visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the diverse cultural layers that have shaped this coastal region.
Planning Your Visit: Tips for Enjoying The Strand
To make the most of your visit to The Strand, consider these practical tips that will enhance your experience.
Parking along The Strand is free for up to three hours, with numerous spaces available along the promenade. However, arriving early during peak times and weekends ensures the best parking spots and a more relaxed experience. The area is easily accessible by public transport, and many visitors choose to walk or cycle from nearby accommodation like Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville.
For swimming, always check the lifeguard flags and current conditions. During stinger season, stick to netted areas or the Strand Rockpool for the safest swimming experience. It’s important to remember that the Rockpool is closed on Wednesdays for cleaning, so plan accordingly.
If you're visiting with children, the Strand Water Park operates from Wednesday to Monday (closed Tuesdays for maintenance) with extended hours during school holidays.
If you’re looking for a nudist beach in Townsville, The Strand isn’t what you’re looking for. While there are unofficial nude beaches in the broader Townsville area, such as Shelly Beach near Pallarenda, the Strand itself is entirely family-friendly and clothed swimming is required.
Wander The Strand in Townsville on Your Next Stay
The Strand truly embodies everything that makes Townsville special – stunning natural beauty, excellent facilities, rich history, and that unmistakable North Queensland lifestyle that draws visitors from around the world.
For those planning to explore this magnificent waterfront playground, book a stay at Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville, conveniently located just a 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk from The Strand.
With rooms overlooking the iconic Castle Hill, Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville provides the perfect base for discovering all that The Strand Townsville has to offer.
Start your day right with an early morning walk from your room along the promenade, or saunter down at sunset for evening dining with spectacular ocean views.
Book your stay at Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville today and discover why The Strand is considered the heart of North Queensland's coastal lifestyle.