Best of Townsville
The Strand Townsville: Beachfront, Pool and the City Waterfront
The Strand is Townsville's main waterfront strip, running for about 2.2 kilometres along the Coral Sea beachfront north of the CBD. It combines a patrolled beach (protected by stinger enclosures in season), a large public rockpool for safe swimming, BBQ areas, cafes, restaurants, playgrounds and fitness stations along its length. The Tobruk Memorial Baths at the southern end are a historic 50-metre outdoor saltwater pool. Castle Hill rises behind the Strand, and its summit road provides a popular morning walk with views over the city, the harbour and Magnetic Island. The beachfront is at its busiest on weekend mornings and evenings, with a strong fitness and social culture year-round.
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- 1
The Strand Pool (Free)
A free public rock pool and ocean pool on The Strand, maintained by the council and patrolled during the stinger season, the safest swimming in Townsville.
- 2
Strand Foreshore Boardwalk
A 2.2km foreshore boardwalk from Tobruk Pool to Kissing Point, with views of Magnetic Island, free BBQ areas and jogging paths used by locals year-round.
- 3
Magnetic Island Views
The Strand offers continuous, unobstructed views of Magnetic Island across the Cleveland Bay, a free and easily accessible backdrop for any visit to Townsville.
- 4
Watermark Hotel
A large waterfront hotel on The Strand with a popular bar, restaurant and live entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings.
- 5
North Queensland Cowboys Rugby League
The Cowboys' stadium is within walking distance of The Strand, match-day evenings bring a large crowd to The Strand's bars and restaurants before and after games.
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