The Strand

Are there security cameras on The Strand?
There are eight (8) cameras positioned along the length of The Strand. They are monitored by a contracted security company from the central camera location in the City Mall. A link has also been set up with the Townsville Police Station.

Can I camp on The Strand?
Camping is not permitted as it is illegal to camp in any public parkland within Townsville overnight under Chapter 15 Parks and Reserves.

Can I drink alcohol on The Strand?
The consumption or sale of alcohol along The Strand is not permitted under Local Law 51 (unless the appropriate license is obtained for an event).

Can I fish on The Strand?
Fishing off the Pier and the Rock Pool fishing platform is permitted but has restrictions of no more than 3 lines per person. The platforms should be left in clean condition. Bins are provided in each location.

Can I hold an event or function on The Strand or in other Townsville Parklands?
Events are permitted and approved under either the Parks Events and Activities Management Policy or The Strand Parklands Events and Activities Management Policy. An online booking form or an application in writing is required to book an area of the Strand or other Parklands for your event/function. Complete the Event/Function application form. Community Venues staff will contact you to confirm availability, discuss your requirements and any applicable fees. Applications should be forwarded to Community Venues at least six weeks prior to the event/function. Alternatively you can put all of the event details in a letter and post, fax or email to the Community Venues. Fees and Charges apply to most events/functions.

Can you get married on The Strand or in other Townsville Parklands?
Ceremonies are permitted. To book an area of The Strand or other Parklands for your wedding or naming ceremony, complete the Wedding/Naming Ceremonies application form. Community Venues staff will contact you to confirm availability, discuss your requirements and any applicable fees. Applications should be forwarded to the Strand Office at least six weeks prior to the ceremony. No weddings are approved for the Pier on The Strand or on any beaches. Under the Use of Parks for Weddings Policy, no outdoor wedding receptions are permitted. A hire fee and/or security deposit will apply for ceremonies from 1 July 2008.

Can I ride my bike along The Strand?
Bicycles are permitted on The Strand subject to the rider obeying the State Laws regarding bicycle safety.

Can I smoke on The Strand?
Smoking on beaches is not permitted. No smoking permitted within 10 metres of any part of children's playground equipment. From 1 July 2006, any event that has an outdoor eating or drinking area must be no smoking. $150 on-the-spot fine applies to people smoking in no smoking areas. This is policed by Queensland Health.

Can you reserve a barbecue or playground on The Strand or in other Townsville Parklands?
Council is unable to give exclusive rights to barbecues or playgrounds on The Strand or in other Townsville Parklands.

Can you walk your dog along The Strand?
Dogs are permitted to be walked along The Strand providing they are on a leash at all times. Dogs are prohibited from all beaches along The Strand. There are eight (8) doggy bag holders, attached to bins, positioned along the length of The Strand to assist owners with the disposal of faeces.

How long is The Strand?
The Strand is 2.2 kilometres from the Rock Pool to the sun dial at the Tobruk Pool.

How many barbecues are there on The Strand, are they free, and how often are they cleaned?
There are 13 twin electric barbecues on The Strand. They are cleaned daily and are free to the public.

What are the lifeguard hours?
From 1 December until Easter the beaches are patrolled from 10am until 6pm. The hours of operating during the other months are 9am until 5pm. A lifeguard operates at the Waterpark on weekends, public holidays and Queensland state school holidays from 10am to closing.

What happens to lost property on The Strand?
Any lost property found along The Strand is handed into the Community Venues Office where a register is kept.

When is the Rock Pool cleaned and how long is it closed for?
The Rock Pool is closed for cleaning and maintenance every Thursday. The cleaning process takes approximately four (4) hours to empty, four (4) hours to clean, and eight (8) hours to refill and is timed to coincide with low tide.
No swimming is permitted during cleaning or filling of the Rock Pool.

When is the stinger season and when do the nets go in?
The Marine Stinger season generally runs from November through to May, but stingers may be present outside of these months. Stinger resistant enclosures are in place by the first week of November, but may be positioned earlier if stingers are caught in lifeguard drags of the beach. Protective clothing such as marine suits is recommended. You should not swim outside of the enclosures.

When is the water park open?
The Water Park opens Thursday to Monday inclusive. It is closed every Tuesday and Wednesday for cleaning and maintenance, except Queensland Public Holidays and Queensland State School when it opens daily.
Normal opening hours are as follows:
- December - March 10am to 8pm
- April - May 10am to 6pm
- June - August 10am to 5pm
- September - November 10am to 6pm

Where are the bins located on The Strand?
There are 34 bins on The Strand. They are located at all the heavy usage areas along The Strand and are emptied twice per day. Due to popular demand and acceptance of the public recycling program, 11 double recycling bins have been installed along The Strand.

Where are the toilets located on The Strand?
There are three (3) blocks of toilets positioned on The Strand. They are located at the Rock Pool, Burke Street Headland near the Picnic Bay Surf Club, and at the Water Park.

Contact Community Venues if you have any queries.