The Strand

Townsville

The Strand which includes hiking or walking, a sunset and general coastal views
The Strand featuring hiking or walking, a garden and a sunset
The Strand showing general coastal views, a beach and tropical scenes
The Strand showing a sunset
The Strand showing a sunset, a beach and general coastal views

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


The Strand Hotel Deals

Aquarius on the Beach

Aquarius on the Beach

4 out of 5
75 The Strand, North Ward, QLD
The price is ¥15,056 per night from Oct 19 to Oct 20
¥15,056
¥16,561 total
Oct 19 - Oct 20
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Large functional rooms, clean, comfy bed"

Reviewed on Sep 18, 2025

Aquarius on the Beach
Madison Ocean Breeze

Madison Ocean Breeze

3.5 out of 5
81 Mitchell Street, North Ward, QLD
The price is ¥16,473 per night from Oct 12 to Oct 13
¥16,473
¥18,120 total
Oct 12 - Oct 13
includes taxes & fees
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! (561 reviews)
"Great location, comfortable 👌"

Reviewed on Sep 19, 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 ¥16,622 per night from Oct 8 to Oct 9
¥16,622
¥18,429 total
Oct 8 - Oct 9
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! (885 reviews)
"Great location, very tidy."

Reviewed on Sep 8, 2025

Waters Edge The Strand
Shoredrive Motel

Shoredrive Motel

3.5 out of 5
117 The Strand, North Ward, QLD
The price is ¥11,513 per night from Oct 20 to Oct 21
¥11,513
¥12,664 total
Oct 20 - Oct 21
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! (596 reviews)
"Great location, pet friendly at reasonable rates"

Reviewed on Sep 1, 2025

Shoredrive Motel
QCWA Kissing Point Units

QCWA Kissing Point Units

3.5 out of 5
116 The Strand, North Ward, QLD
The price is ¥14,204 per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
¥14,204
¥14,204 total
Oct 1 - Oct 2
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 Strand ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
"Wonderful staff and a great place to stay. I have already booked my next visit. Thank you"

Reviewed on Sep 15, 2025

QCWA Kissing Point Units
Beach House Motel

Beach House Motel

3.5 out of 5
66 The Strand, North Ward, QLD
The price is ¥11,816 per night from Oct 8 to Oct 9
¥11,816
¥13,100 total
Oct 8 - Oct 9
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! (502 reviews)
"Comfortable room, friendly staff."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2025

Beach House Motel
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 neighborhoods around The Strand

Queens Gardens featuring forests and a park

North Ward

North Ward is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Strand Waterpark and The Strand Beach while in the area.

North Ward
Castle Hill which includes a city and general coastal views

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 Catholic Diocese of Townsville.

Castle Hill
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Belgian Gardens

Restaurants and gardens are notable features of Belgian Gardens. You might consider a stop by Pallarenda while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Belgian Gardens
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West End

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

West End
South Townsville showing heritage elements and interior views

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
One of the views on castle hill steps

Railway Estate

If you're spending some time in Railway Estate, Reid Park Street Circuit and Queensland Country Bank Stadium are top sights worth seeing.

Railway Estate


The Strand