SWIMMING SPOTS
TOWNSVILLE’S tropical climate means residents love to jump in and make a splash at some of the area’s beaches, pools and freshwater spots.
As the humidity drops the outdoors beckons and the stingers take a hike. So it’s time to get you sorted with the region’s best swimming spots.
As a bonus, these beauties are all within 70km of the CBD, and absolutely free.
CRYSTAL CREEK
Paluma Range Road Off Bruce Highway, Townsville Area
This popular freshwater swimming hole includes both Big and Little Crystal Creek and a large picnic area, 65km north of the city.
Kids love the natural slippery dip made up of a series of short slides over slick mossy rocks which shoot down into pools.
Explorers will marvel at the stone arch bridge, constructed manually in the early 1930s during the Depression.
Make a trip out of it with camping available 10 minutes from the gate.
ROCKPOOL
The Strand, North Ward
Run by Townsville City Council, this lifeguarded man- made pool attracts tourists with its Strand location, croc- free guarantee saltwater and shade all around.
Community and Cultural Development Committee Chair Councillor Colleen Doyle said it was a great facility for residents to use and enjoy.
“The Strand Rockpool is perfect for everyone to visit for free and have the safety of lifeguards stationed there every day,” she said.
RIVERWAY LAGOONS
Village Boulevard, Thuringowa Central
With an area in size of more than three Olympic swimming pools, this water spot attracts families all year round as lifeguards remain on duty daily.
The lagoons are run by council and are nestled among shady raintrees near the picturesque Ross River. There are barbecue facilities and playgrounds nearby.
Cr Doyle said the Riverway pools were important for beating the heat and always well maintained.
“They’re in the best condition for residents to use as often as they want,” she said.
There are two areas here, varying in depth up to 2m which allows for lap swimming for adults and shallow play areas for kids.
Riverway also has specific areas for disabled and elderly access, with hand rails and suitable water levels.
MAGNETIC ISLAND
Residents on Maggie have beauty all around with three life- guarded beaches attracting families and tourists.
The island’s swimming spots include the ever popular Alma Bay, named one of the top 10 beaches in the state by Surf Life Saving Queensland in December.
Arcadia Surf Life Saving Club president Paul Demopoulos said the location was a pristine small beach that was unique.
Also popular, Horseshoe Bay is the premier location for watersports on Magnetic Island with its array of equipment hire options.
Picnic Bay is another local hot spot with a jetty extending 200m into the bay.
ALLIGATOR CREEK
Bowling Green Bay National Park
Located 20km south of Townsville, this creek flows between two rocky mountain groups — Mount Elliot and Saddle Mountain.
The swimming hole is cool and refreshing. There are toilets, picnic and camping facilities and you may even spot the occasional rock wallaby if you’re lucky.
KEELBOTTOM CREEK
Just off Hervey Range Developmental Road
It’s not all on the coast, as this spot 30km west of Townsville remains a popular bush swimming and camping spot.
This swimming hole is at its best after a good wet season.
BLUEWATER CREEK
Off the Bruce Highway, Forestry Road into Bluewater Park.
This freshwater hole is an idyllic spot with amazingly blue water surrounded by reeds and water grasses. It is best after the rain. About 40km north of Townsville, Bluewater Creek runs under the bridge and along a camping area.