From Quarry to Cascades: Discover the Strand Waterfall

The Strand Waterfall is a 20m high man-made water feature and is located opposite the entrance to Mariner’s Drive, on the Strand.

Originally, the rocky outcrop of Melton Hill extended right down to the beach just past Tobruk Pool to an area known as :The Rocks:. In 1869 there was a request to create a footpath around the rocks to extend the Strand parklands promenade so the area from Melton Hill to the sea was made into a Quarry to supply rocks for breakwaters for the Port.

In 1968 it was suggested to be made into gardens for the public to enjoy and a man-made Strand Waterfall was constructed in 1968, which was designed by Alan Wilson, the Council Parks Superintendent. The Magnetic Island (to Townsville) Swim Committee raised funds towards its construction which included floodlighting for illuminating at night.

On the 13th of May 1968 Miss Barbara Mays, Queen of Magnetikana handed over the waterfall to the Mayor of Townsville, Alderman Harold Phillips.

Members on the local Facebook group “I Grew Up In Townsville” share stories of people pouring a combination of dye and washing powder into the top of the waterfall causing coloured suds to spill out and cover the cars passing by. Reportedly the prank would be a great expense to Council Workers to clean up the messy outcome. The area continues to be a lush attraction for visitors who still wonder if it’s natural or man-made.