The Strand

Townsville

The Strand featuring a park, hiking or walking and a sunset
The Strand showing hiking or walking, a garden and a sunset
The Strand showing a sunset, general coastal views and a beach
The Strand
The Strand featuring general coastal views, a sunset and a sandy beach

Go for a swim, enjoy a meal with a view, take a Jet Ski tour or just stroll beneath the palm trees on Townsville’s scenic waterfront.

The Strand, situated in the center of Townsville, stretches about 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) along the coast. With commanding views of Magnetic Island, parklands, water activities and many dining options, it is popular with tourists and locals alike.

Head to Breakwater Marina at the southeastern end of The Strand. Get your heart pumping with a Jet Ski tour or gaze calmly at the yachts bobbing in the marina. From there, slowly make your way up along the long sandy stretch of The Strand with its waving palm trees.

Pay the small entry fee to do laps in the open-air swimming pools of the Tobruk Memorial Baths or keep the kids happy with a free visit to The Strand Waterpark for a splash and a slide.

Whether you walk or cycle, stop for a picnic in the parklands or pop into a café for a treat. Throw a line in at the Strand Pier if you brought a rod with you.

Enjoy the view across the ocean to Magnetic Island and cool off with a dip in the inviting waters. Swimming from these beaches is generally safe and pleasant year-round. Lifeguards are on hand. Stay within the netted areas to avoid the jellyfish in summer. If you’d rather swim in an even more protected setting, try the Rock Pool, a man-made swimming lagoon with salt water.

At the northwestern end of The Strand find the Jezzine Barracks, a redeveloped military area with open parkland. The restored Kissing Point Fort now commemorates Aboriginal and military heritage. Wander among the dozens of specially commissioned artworks and stroll along the coastal boardwalks.

The Strand is the ideal location for markets and festivals. The monthly night markets are popular and the annual Strand Ephemera Sculpture Festival gets bigger and better every year.

Return to The Strand after sunset to enjoy the balmy tropical evenings. Choose from one of the many cafés and restaurants and watch as the moonlight dances across the ocean through the gently swaying palm trees.

The Strand is an easy walk from Townsville’s downtown. Parking along the waterfront is free for up to 3 hours.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in The Strand

Aquarius on the Beach
Aquarius on the Beach
4 out of 5
75 The Strand, North Ward, QLD
The price is €84 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
€84
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Townsville. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Enjoyed competing at athletic festival. Winning 6 gold medals from 6 events"

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

Aquarius on the Beach
Madison Ocean Breeze
Madison Ocean Breeze
3.5 out of 5
81 Mitchell Street, North Ward, QLD
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (542 reviews)
"Couldn't have been happier, reasonable rate 11.00am checkout open plan living and kitchen ... will seek out next time we are coming through."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Madison Ocean Breeze
Waters Edge The Strand
Waters Edge The Strand
4 out of 5
63 64 The Strand, North Ward, QLD
The price is €114 per night from 16 Jul to 17 Jul
€114
16 Jul - 17 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (865 reviews)
"Thank you. Only down fall I would say is the fold down bed. Very uncomfortable and hard. Two singles , mother and daughter stayed in room."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Waters Edge The Strand
Shoredrive Motel
Shoredrive Motel
3.5 out of 5
117 The Strand, North Ward, QLD
The price is €73 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
€73
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach motel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (565 reviews)
"Stayed in the spa room at the front of the property Room was good but road noise was a bit annoying windows didn't close very well and let noise in"

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Shoredrive Motel
Beach House Motel
Beach House Motel
3.5 out of 5
66 The Strand, North Ward, QLD
The price is €91 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
€91
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach motel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (484 reviews)
"Bed awkwardly positioned. Lighting was very harsh. Needs lamps"

Reviewed on 3 Jun 2025

Beach House Motel
QCWA Kissing Point Units
QCWA Kissing Point Units
3.5 out of 5
116 The Strand, North Ward, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €91 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
€91
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Townsville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal and Queensland ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (38 reviews)
"Very comfortable large unit. Staff extremely friendly &helpful. Definitely stay again whenever we go to Townsville."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

QCWA Kissing Point Units
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around The Strand

Queens Gardens showing forest scenes and a park

North Ward

North Ward is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Strand Waterpark and The Strand Beach while you're in town.

North Ward
Castle Hill showing general coastal views and a city

Castle Hill

Castle Hill is well liked for its parks. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Townsville area, you might plan a trip to Townsville Sports Reserve or The Strand Beach.

Castle Hill
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West End

Travellers like the historical sites in West End, and National Trust Heritage Centre is a top attraction you might want to visit.

West End
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South Townsville

Visitors highly recommend South Townsville for its abundant dining options, and you can make a stop by Maritime Museum of Townsville while you're in town.

South Townsville
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Railway Estate

While visiting Railway Estate, you might make a stop by sights like Reid Park Street Circuit and Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Railway Estate
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Hermit Park

Hermit Park is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can plan an outing to Reid Park Street Circuit and Queensland Country Bank Stadium while you're in town.

Hermit Park

The Strand

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