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.
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.
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 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
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.
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
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!
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.
‘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 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 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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About Lyn
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.
Looks like a neat place to have a holiday at. Would have to make a plan to visit it.
Hi Roaan, The Barramundi fishing season is from 1st February until 1st November. For your info. Lyn
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.