The Strand is where visitors will find golden sand and a promenade with vistas to islands cast adrift in the Pacific. Located in North Ward, this strip of beach and gardens epitomises the tranquil atmosphere of Townsville. Children swim in a saltwater lagoon, while locals mingle at the gas barbeques as the sun goes down and waves lap against the two-kilometre beach. An award winner of the prestigious Cleanest Beach in Australia, The Strand is one of the premier coastal areas in the whole of Queensland.

Winding above the sand is an excellent promenade, which offers the iconic views out to Magnetic Island and the Port of Townsville. This area heads past various sections of beach where lifeguards are on duty, alongside a popular water park, then onwards to a rock pool and jetty. Back in the 19th century, The Strand was the hub of Townsville social life, with locals casting their fishing rods out from the jetty. They still do this, although the social side of the beach is mostly made up of sun loungers, sunbathers and the odd game of cricket as the tide goes out.

The Strand is situated to the north of Ross Creek, the water that divides the town. It's possible to catch a ferry across the creek to the port or to take one out to nearby Magnetic Island. Highway 16 winds alongside The Strand and there are various public buses running along this route. Immediately to the north of the beach is Army Museum North Queensland and the old Jezzine Barracks.

A lively atmosphere can be experienced here on any day of the year. It's enhanced further by a rolling program of events, which include a monthly night market, art exhibitions and firework displays.