Lifeguard Hours & Stinger Nets

Stinger Nets Removed

Updated: 10 January 2026

All following stinger nets have been removed due to the weather:

  • Balgal Beach

  • Picnic Bay

  • Pallarenda Beach

  • The Strand.

Council will advise when the nets are reinstalled.

Lifeguard Hours and Status

Information has been provided courtesy of Surf Life Saving Queensland.

Stinger Nets

Stinger nets are installed at many of Townsville's beaches over the stinger season, which runs from November to May. Nets are only removed after the stinger season ends and once no stingers are caught in daily net drags for 14 days.

Stinger nets are installed at:

  • The Strand (north and south)
  • Pallarenda
  • Balgal Beach
  • Horseshoe Bay
  • Picnic Bay.