The Strand

Palm-lined and fully paved, The Strand runs about 2.2 kilometres along the Townsville foreshore at North Ward, looking across the water to Magnetic Island with Castle Hill behind. Dogs are welcome on lead all year, which makes it the city's easy everyday walk.

Lead rules

Townsville City Council requires dogs on a lead along The Strand and its beach. Dogs are not allowed in the signed stinger enclosures and swimming areas, so steer around those.

The walk

The concrete path is wide, flat and fully accessible, shared with prams, runners and wheelchairs. Grassy lawns, mature tropical trees and shaded picnic shelters line the way.

Drinking fountains with low bowls for dogs sit along the walkways, and bins run the whole length. Free street parking and off-street bays sit right beside the path.

Pepsi: The fountains with low dog bowls mean a thirsty dog is never far from a drink here.

Make a day of it

Dogs can cross to Magnetic Island as foot passengers on the SeaLink ferry if they wear a muzzle. Once you land, Island Spice Cafe in Nelly Bay is a handy stop.

Early morning and late afternoon are the kindest times for a dog in the tropical heat. The flat surface suits dogs of every age.