Townsville Esplanade, The Strand

Sun, palms, ocean pool swims and a front row seat to Magnetic Island

We rolled into Townsville on the Queensland leg and The Strand delivered the goods fast. Sun glinting off the Coral Sea, palms lining the path like it is auditioning for a postcard, and Magnetic Island sitting smug on the horizon. It is the kind of waterfront that makes you accidentally clock 10,000 steps before lunch.

Why The Strand is a no-brainer stop

Long, flat and ridiculously scenic. You get parks, beaches, shaded stretches, playgrounds, cafes and constant ocean views. It is busy in a good way, with runners, prams and sunset walkers giving it that holiday hum.

Ocean pool cooldown

At the northern end you will find the ocean pool. Safe, salty and brilliant for a mid-walk dip when the sun is flexing. Grab a quick swim, rinse off, then keep cruising. This space is not dog friendly in the water but on the grass, you are good to go.

Magnetic Island on show

Face the water and you have Magnetic Island in full view. The light shifts all day and the island throws different blues and purples at you like it is doing wardrobe changes. It is hard to take a bad photo, which is frankly annoying for anyone who likes to blame their camera.

Juliette’s gelato break

Chocolate from Juliette’s is non-negotiable. Rich, smooth and the precise sugar hit you need to power the return leg. If you are not a chocolate person, that is fine, be wrong confidently. Coffee is solid too.

Dog friendly touring

Penelope and Bert turned The Strand into their personal catwalk. Long, even paths, plenty of grassy pauses, water taps and sea breezes that set the beagle ears flapping like little flags. Keep it courteous around the joggers and you will have an easy, happy walk with loads of sniffable moments.

Parking and timing

There is plenty of parking along the foreshore and nearby streets. It fills quickly from late morning into early evening thanks to the runners and gelato-powered families, so aim early or swing back for golden hour. Sunrise and sunset both kick off with kinder temperatures and prettier light.

Make a mini itinerary of it

• Start at the ocean pool for a quick swim

• Stroll the path south under the palms and stop for gelato at Juliette’s

• Detour onto the sand for a barefoot section

• Loop back as the sun drops behind the city and the island turns moody purple

Photo notes

Go wide to stack palms, path and island in one frame. Use the pool railing for leading lines. For dog portraits, crouch low and let the sea fill the background. You will thank yourself later.

Quick tips

• Shade pops up often but hats and sunscreen still earn their keep

• Weekends buzz, weekdays are calmer

• Pack water for the pups and yourself

• Respect bikes and runners and the whole thing flows

Townsville Esplanade is a walk, a swim, a snack and a view all lined up in one neat strip. For a touring crew, it is the easiest win of the day. While you are here, come along to our Townsville Paint and Sip!