Photographic Collection: The Strand

Strand Esplanade

Townsville's Strand is a 2.2km stretch of beach located just minutes from the city heart. Since Townsville was first settled the Strand has been a popular place for socialising and public events. Swimming on the Strand has long been a favourite pastime in Townsville. The first swimming baths along the Strand opened in 1890 and over the years more swimming enclosures were built.

The Strand 1900

Opening of the Strand Swimming Baths 1921

Tobruk Swimming Pool

The Tobruk swimming pool was constructed towards the end of World War II. Between the years 1952 - 1964 Tobruk was the official training venue for the Australian Olympic Swimming team and it is one of Australia's most famous swimming pools. Over the years some of Australia's best swimmers such as Dawn Fraser and Murray Rose trained at Tobruk.

Tobruk Pool, 1950 (courtesy of Walters Studio)

Rockpool

The Coral Sea Memorial Rockpool, at the Strand's Northern end was constructed in 1968 and is dedicated to the memory of the sailors and airmen who were killed in the Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942.

Rockpool, 1968

Redevelopment

A major redevelopment of the Strand was undertaken in 1998 after Cyclone Justin caused extensive damage to the beach and hinterland. The main aim of the redevelopment project was to weatherproof the Strand but there have been many other benefits. Thousands of trees and shrubs have been planted, new stinger nets installed, grassy areas established and three new headlands, and a children's water park constructed. Townsville's 'new' Strand was officially opened in October 1999 and today the Strand is more popular than ever with locals and tourists making use of the area for swimming, dining, and just relaxing.

2001

2001

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