Strand Park

Strand Park

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 Strand was the 'cauldron stop' for Townsville, during the Australian leg of the 2000 Sydney Olympics Torch Relay.

The Strand held the 2001 Centenary of Federation events, including a fireworks display and skyshow which attracted a crowd of around 86,000. The Strand was 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. In 2010, A$35 million was spent on redeveloping the 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.