The Strand

The Strand is a 2.2 kilometre waterfront promenade and beachfront precinct in North Ward, Townsville, Queensland, stretching along Rowes Bay between Kissing Point and Breakwater Marina. Developed as a public foreshore and extensively redeveloped in the late 1990s, it combines sandy beaches, parklands and paved walkways. It is notable for its views across Cleveland Bay to Magnetic Island, heritage-listed Anzac Memorial Park, and family facilities including the Rockpool and water park.

Visitors can expect a wide, paved seafront promenade lined with palm trees, parklands and sandy beaches facing Cleveland Bay and Magnetic Island. The precinct includes swimming areas including the free, patrolled Strand Rockpool and Tobruk Memorial Baths, a water park, playgrounds, barbecue and picnic areas, fitness stations, the Strand Jetty, and Anzac Memorial Park with memorials and mature trees. Cafes, restaurants and open lawns are interspersed along the foreshore with views to Castle Hill.

The Townsville foreshore has been a public recreation area since the late 19th century. Anzac Memorial Park was established in the 1910s-1920s and is heritage-listed. The modern Strand precinct was extensively redeveloped by Townsville City Council between 1999 and 2000 following damage from earlier developments, creating the current promenade, Rockpool, parklands and memorial restoration.

The Strand is the principal community gathering place for Townsville, hosting Anzac Day services in Anzac Memorial Park, markets, festivals, fitness activities and daily recreation. It is valued as a social and cultural focal point linking the city centre to the sea and to views of Magnetic Island.