Townsville is the largest city in Northern Queensland and has over 320 days of sunshine. An entryway to the Great Barrier Reef islands, it is well known for its beachfront named the Strand. The sunny weather and the attractions of the Townsville region has made it a tourist hotspot. A popular choice of stay among visitors are Townsville holiday apartments and for visitors looking for convenience and comfort in rooms and apartments, Oaks Gateway on Palmer located on Palmer Street would be a good choice of accommodation.
The beachfront named Strand is one of Townsville’s favourite spots for locals and tourists alike. The Strand has been an integral part of Townsville since the town was established in the mid-19th century. The foreshore as it is today was opened in the year 1999 with the destruction of the former one by Cyclone Sid and other tropical storms. The 2 1/2 km foreshore strip that is the Strand has spectacular views covering Townsville’s Port, Magnetic Island and the area up to Cleveland Bay. This beachfront promenade has walkaways and biking paths frequented by joggers, bikers and kids. The saltwater lagoon named the Rock Pool offers super thrills like Stand up Paddle Boarding. For adrenaline rush enthusiasts sky diving is an ideal choice. There are many restaurants and barbeque spots to enjoy a tasty meal fanned by sea breezes. The Waterpark is an El Dorado for both kids and adults. Every 04th Friday night of each month a night market is held here.
‘Ephemera’ is a bi-annual event on the Strand where local and regional artists exhibit their creations on the foreshore some of them achieving permanent status like the ‘Silver Coconuts’ by the Rock Pool. The Strand is also a popular venue for Christmas and New Year Festivities. Life guards are on duty to ensure the safety of visitors.
Apart from The Strand other Townsville attractions include the Reef Aquarium HQ, Museum of Tropical Queensland, Town Common Conservation Park, Jezzine Barracks, Texas Longhorns at Charters Towers and the Yongala Wreck Dive.
Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
