The Strand Townsville|North Queensland|Australia

A delightful day on The Strand, Townsville

After arriving in Townsville the previous day we had arranged to meet up with  friends on The Strand at the ‘C Bar’. This restaurant has a  great outdoor eating area with a wonderful view across the bay to  Magnetic Island (or Maggie Island as the locals call it).  As we ate lunch, to our delight the Red Baron Seaplane came zooming in across the water. After lunch we walked along the promenade on The Strand; so enjoyable in the  warm sunshine, with the fresh sea air and breeze blowing across the water. The weather in Tropical Townsville is  truly magic at this time of the year.

The Strand - Walking along the boulevard tropical Townsville

On The Strand- strolling along the promenade  tropical Townsville

Strolling the Promenade on The Strand

The promenade on The Strand in Townsville is a very popular place to walk. It is a shared pathway for pedestrians and other users, which seems to work very well. Dogs are allowed if they are on a lead, and providing you clean up after your pet (otherwise you could get a fine). The Townsville City Council has exercise locations all along the promenade so you can keep very fit and combine it with your walking.  Late in the evening it would seem that The Strand is the ‘place to be’, with many walkers and families enjoying a stroll along the promenade.

The Strand 'WaterPark' tropical Townsville North Queensland

On The Strand at the ‘Water Park’  Townsville North Queensland

On The Strand children can keep cool at the Water Park

The Strand is a great family orientated place to visit, especially  if you have children; although it is a great place for all ages. There is a Water Park, Space Net,  flying fox, a number of playgrounds, as well as the  sand and beach for sun bathing or just building sand castles. If you enjoy swimming there is a Rock Pool and two swimming enclosures on The Strand for your enjoyment, or you may like to just sit, relax and enjoy the view across the bay.

Space-Net on The Strand tropical Townsville North Queensland

Space-Net at twilight on The Strand Townsville North Queensland

A Pier for recreational fishing on The Strand

On The Strand  is a large Pier for recreational fishing with shade, seating, rod holders and cleaning boards. Here you can catch a ‘barra’, or a mackerel and many other varieties of fish.  Below the jetty lurks a legendary giant cod, which has been hooked a few times but never landed! Be sure to wear your Polaroids if you visit the jetty where someone may hook this giant cod for a run. It is a huge fish and you can see it so clearly through the water if you’re wearing Polaroids , as well as many other fish swimming around. As you can imagine when this giant cod gets hooked it creates great excitement with locals and tourists alike.

On The Strand the Fishing-Pier Townsville Tropical North Queensland

The Fishing-Pier On The Strand Townsville Tropical North Queensland

Public Art on The Strand Townsville

Along the promenade on The Strand there are some beautiful sculptures, very appropriate to their location. A cluster of  large silver coconuts, a large Dugong, a Scorpion Fish  and  a Turtle that I noticed. Children find the Dugong and Turtle hard to resist. At the far end of The Strand is the rock pool, this is a salt water lagoon for swimming. On the beach areas along The Strand  are two large enclosed swimming areas with lifeguard support.

The-Strand-Beach-and swimming enclosure Tropical Townsville

On The-Strand-Beach-and swimming enclosure Tropical Townsville

The Strand is a beautiful landscaped waterfront area with free barbecues, picnic tables, large shady trees, green grass and swaying palms. The Strand at Townsville has it all. When visiting The Strand remember Townsville is a tropical climate  even in winter, and you still need a hat and sunscreen, especially if your sunbathing. I recommend you bring a lightweight hat you can roll or fold when you pack (space-saving), also only carry a small quantity of sunscreen so you have it on the day. If you need more you can always buy a larger quantity when you get to your destination. Always travel light.   Be sure to bring a camera, great views from The Strand across to Magnetic Island.

Stroll the beachfront promenade on The Strand in Townsville

Strolling the promenade on The Strand  from one end to the other (about 2km), is a good walk but so enjoyable. There are kiosks along the promenade on the headlands, for hot snacks, cold drinks, and ice creams to keep everyone happy. We finished our walk at the Ice Creamery which was too tempting to resist!

The-Strand-Shaded-Barbeque-areas for family events Townsville

Shaded-Barbeque-areas on The Strand for everyone at  Townsville

Wining and Dining on The Strand Townsville

Opposite The Strand is a great old pub called The Seaview,  which has been there  since 1929 and withstood a cyclone or two.  It looked tempting for a visit. There are a number of other  restaurants and cafe’s  in this location for alfresco and A la carte dining opposite The Strand.

Many entertainment events are held on The Strand

Many major entertainment events are held on The Strand in Townsville  every year. These include open air concerts, Carols by Candlelight, Stable on the Strand (at Xmas),  Kite Festival (usually in October),  Strand Ephemera held biennially in September; this is a Public Art Exhibition with artists locally and nationally competing, their artworks displayed the full length of The Strand at various locations. There are also New Years Eve celebration as well as many other activities during the year.

The Strand-Epherema 2009, placed along the 2km walk along The Stran

‘Journeys’ by local artist Marion Gaemers. An exhibit in The Strand-Ephemera 2009 Exhibition of  Public Art, placed along the 2km walk on The Strand,  Magnetic Island as a backdrop.

Night Markets on The Strand

A Night Market held on the fourth Friday of each month on The Strand at  Strand Park. This is a very popular evening event with a huge variety of stalls selling handcrafted items, local produce and tropical fruits. Music and entertainment provided, as well as a variety of  food stalls.

The-Strand--the boulevard and-Strand-Park-tropical Townsville

The promenade and-Strand-Park on The Strand, tropical Townsville

Other attractions on The Strand at Townsville

Other attractions include Skydiving, either tandem or solo with beach landings on The Strand. For bookings phone 4721 4721. Skydive Townsville

The Red Baron Seaplanes graces the skies between Townsville and Magnetic Island. Bookings phone 07 4758 1556.

The Strand Ephemera Art Exhibition. The next Exhibition is being held on The Strand  from 2-12 September 2011. For further details  contact The Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, or phone –  07 4727 9011

Five minutes from The Strand to Queens Gardens and Castle Hill

View Castle Hill from Strand Park on The Strand tropical Townsville

View Castle Hill from Strand Park on The Strand Townsville

It was around 3.30pm by now,  still plenty of warm sunshine left in the day,  so we decided to visit Queens Gardens which is 5 minutes away by car from The Strand, then take a drive up Castle Hill to enjoy the views from the lookout.
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Comments

  1. Those space-nets are in Costa Brava, Spain, as well 🙂

    • I guess they may well be all over the world! The Strand Space Net is nine meters high. Kids have a great time climbing. Thanks for your comment.

  2. Looks like a neat place to have a holiday at. Would have to make a plan to visit it.

  3. Great post. I would love to visit north Queensland. The Strand looks so inviting. Thank you and good luck.

    • A great State, wouldn’t want to live anywhere else but North Queensland. Hope you get your wish to visit. Thanks for dropping by.

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