| Balgal Beach Townsville, Queensland |
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Balgal Beach
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| Population: | 743 | ||||||||||||
| Postcode: | 4816 | ||||||||||||
| State District: | Hinchinbrook | ||||||||||||
| Federal Division: | Herbert | ||||||||||||
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Balgal Beach is a residential coastal suburb approximately 59 kilometres north of Townsville, Queensland, Australia, and 64 kilometres south of Ingham, Queensland. As of the 2006 census, the population of Balgal Beach was 743, a 30.3% increase since the 1996 census.[1]
Balgal Beach was originally part of the Armidale pastoral lease, settled in 1883 by John Lambert before later changing name to Rollingstone.[2] The area of coastline to the north of Rollingstone was named Balgal Beach in 1947, when the first dwellings were constructed. The name "Balgal" was derived from an Aborigial word meaning "stone."
The land in this area was predominantly used for farming and grazing, and remained rural until the mid-1980s when the allocation of 500 rural/residential blocks at the Mystic Sands Estate saw the population increase nearly twofold.[3]
Located a few kilometres north of the suburb of Rollingstone, Balgal Beach today is a popular destination for recreational activities such as boating, fishing and swimming. A boat ramp is located by the mouth of Rollingstone Creek, allowing for access to Palm Island and Orpheus Island National Park. Facilities at Balgal Beach include a patrolled stinger enclosure from November to May, the Mystic Sands Golf & Country Club, a general store/cafe, holiday units and designated camping areas.[4]