The Strand Water Park

On a stinking hot Townsville day, this water park is genuinely one of the best calls you can make with kids in tow. It sits right along The Strand foreshore in North Ward, so you’ve got the beach on one side and the water play area on the other — hard to beat that combo. The enclosed setup means toddlers aren’t going to wander far, and parents can actually relax a bit without losing sight of everyone. There’s decent shade from the trees which makes a real difference up here, and parking is straightforward enough. Bring a change of clothes, because no kid is leaving dry.