UNIQUE AND INTERESTING

THE STRAND

The Strand is a seaside foreshore located in Townsville, Australia. It is located in the suburb of North Ward. The Strand has a magnificent view of the Port of Townsville and Magnetic Island, as well as views stretching all the way out to Cape Cleveland.

The Strand has been a part of Townsville's history since the city was founded in the mid 1800s.

The Strand was recently named Australia's cleanest Beach 2008.

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.

An estimated 80,000 people turned out on the opening weekend, which included numerous events including a pyrotechnics and fireworks display, and a skyshow.

The Strand’s infrastructure ensures every aspect of this beach, from the
catchment to the reef, is in the best condition possible. The dedication to ensuring an enjoyable seaside experience for locals and visitors alike is coupled with an enthusiastic and active commitment to Townsville's environment. There is a strong desire to exhibit best practice innovation, through the use of simple technologies and fantastic educational techniques.

Townsville’s The Strand also picked up the Protection of the

Environment and Environmental Innovation (Water) Category Awards, and was highly commended in the Heritage and Culture, Environmental Innovation and Litter Prevention categories.

Since the opening of the Strand, the foreshore has been used for many annual or monthly events. The first Friday of each month sees Strand Park used for Night markets, which is a very popular festivity among the local residents.
Other events include the annual Townsville City Council Run Christmas events, Carols by Candlelight and Stable on the Strand, as well as a fireworks display and gathering on New Year's Eve.One example of a bi-annual event is the Strand Ephemera, wherein local and regional artists display their works along the foreshore.

Some works from this event have become permanent on the foreshore, including the Silver Coconuts near the Rock Pool.

Strand is the favourite and popular place not only for the residents of Townsville but also for all the visitors.

People residing in Townsville visit Strand almost everyday for walking and everybody enjoys the cool breeze.

Usually I go for evening walk at Strand and enjoy the pleasant climate and watching all the people of various ages walking around, children playing and enjoy taking bath in swimming pool, dogs walking on the beach and the lovely birds moving and flying all around.