The Strand, Townsville

The Strand is a seaside foreshore located in Townsville, Australia. It is located in the suburb of North Ward. The Strand has a view of the Port of Townsville and Magnetic Island, as well as to Cape Cleveland. Features in the area include a jetty, a recreational park, restaurants, cafes and pools.

The Strand has been a part of Townsville's history since the city was founded in the mid-19th century. 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, Queensland State and Australian Federal Governments provided an initial joint funding of around A$35 million for the development of the current foreshore. An estimated 80,000 people turned out on the opening weekend, which included numerous events including a pyrotechnics and fireworks display, and a skyshow.

There is a height restriction on the foreshore area of the Strand, limiting development to 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 high rise 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.

The Strand was recently named Australia's cleanest Beach in 2008. This was the second time the award was given to the beach in five years. An Anzac Day march in 2009 attracted 20,000 people to The Strand.

Since the opening of the Strand, the foreshore has been used for many annual or monthly events. The fourth Friday of each month sees Strand Park used for Nightmarkets, which is a popular festivity among the local residents. Other events include the annual Townsville City Council Run Christmas events, Carols by Candlelight and Stable on the Strand, as well as a fireworks display and gathering on New Year's Eve. One example of a bi-annual event is the Strand Ephemera, wherein local and regional artists display their works along the foreshore. Some works from this event have become permanent on the foreshore, including the Silver Coconuts near the Rock Pool.

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