The Strand, Townsville

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The Strand Logo

The Strand is a seaside foreshore located in Townsville, Australia. The strand is located in the suburb of North Ward. The Strand has a magnificent view of the Port of Townsville and Magnetic Island, as well as views stretching all the way out to Cape Cleveland.

[edit] History

The Strand has been a part of Townsville's history since the city was founded in the mid 1800's. The current foreshore was opened in 1999 after the old foreshore was severely damaged and eroded after heavy rainfall and wind from Tropical Cyclone Sid in January 1998 and other monsoonal storms between 1997 and 1998. It was moderately damaged by Cyclone Tessi in April 2000. The Townsville City Council and Queensland State Government put in for an initial joint funding of around $600m (AUD) for the development of the current foreshore, around an estimated 80'000 people turned out on the opening weekend, which included numerous events and a skyshow.

There is also a height restriction on the foreshore area of the Strand, limiting to only small rise buildings. This was due to the construction of the 15-story Aquarius Hotel in 1971, which was challenged by the residents of North Ward, and nearby Castle Hill. The Aquarius is the only highrise along the foreshore strip, but since the early 90's, two other high-rise buildings have been erected on the Strand, but away from the foreshore strip.

[edit] Features

Strand Park, centre of the foreshore strip

Rockpool
BBQ areas
Lifesaving Clubs
Waterpark
Tobruk Memorial Pool

[edit] Ten Things to do on the Strand

The Townsville City Council has recently introduced a program aimed at highlighting the many recreational aspects of the Strand, as well as complimenting the many fitness activities and obstacles that are currently in place with the Strand.