Balgal Beach, Queensland

Balgal Beach is a coastal suburb and a beach in the City of Townsville, Queensland, Australia.[2][3] The town of Balgal is within the locality.[4] In the 2016 census, Balgal Beach had a population of 966 people.[1]

Balgal Beach
Townsville, Queensland
Balgal Beach
Balgal Beach
Coordinates19.0438°S 146.4116°E / -19.0438; 146.4116
Population966 (2016 census)[1]
 • Density76.7/km2 (198.6/sq mi)
Established1947
Postcode(s)4816
Area12.6 km2 (4.9 sq mi)
Time zoneAEST (UTC+10:00)
LGA(s)City of Townsville
State electorate(s)Hinchinbrook
Federal Division(s)Kennedy
Suburbs around Balgal Beach:
Rollingstone Rollingstone Coral Sea
Rollingstone Balgal Beach Clemant
Rollingstone Clemant Clemant

Geography

Balgal Beach is 59 kilometres (37 mi) north of Townsville, Queensland, Australia, and 64 kilometres (40 mi) south of Ingham, Queensland.

History

Balgal Beach was originally part of the Armidale pastoral lease, settled in 1883 by John Lambert before later changing name to Rollingstone.[5] The area of coastline to the north of Rollingstone was named Balgal Beach in 1947, when the first dwellings were constructed. The name "Balgal" was derived from an Aboriginal word meaning "stone."[4]

The land in this area was predominantly used for farming and grazing, and remained rural until the mid-1980s when the allocation of 500 rural/residential blocks at the Mystic Sands Estate saw the population increase nearly twofold.[6]

In the 2006 census, the population of Balgal Beach was 743, a 30.3% increase since the 1996 census.[7]

In the 2011 census, the population of Balgal Beach was 849.[8]

In the 2016 census, Balgal Beach had a population of 966 people.[1]

Amenities

Located a few kilometres north of the suburb of Rollingstone, Balgal Beach today is a popular destination for recreational activities such as boating, fishing and swimming. A boat ramp is located by the mouth of Rollingstone Creek, allowing for access to Palm Island and Orpheus Island National Park. Facilities at Balgal Beach include a patrolled stinger enclosure from November to May, the Mystic Sands Golf & Country Club, a general store/cafe, holiday units and designated camping areas.[9]

References
  1. Australian Bureau of Statistics (27 June 2017). "Balgal Beach (SSC)". 2016 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 20 October 2018.
  2. "Balgal Beach – suburb in Townsville City (entry 49829)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  3. "Balgal Beach – beach in Townsville City (entry 44526)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  4. "Balgal – town in Townsville City (entry 1356)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  5. Roads Out Of Townsville, North Queensland, accessed 1 November 2010.
  6. Balgal Beach, accessed 1 November 2010.
  7. 2006 and 2001 Enumerated Census information for Balgal Beach, accessed 1 November 2010.
  8. Australian Bureau of Statistics (31 October 2012). "Balgal Beach (State Suburb)". 2011 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 17 February 2017.
  9. Discover Thuringowa: Northern Beaches Archived 19 July 2008 at the Wayback Machine, accessed 1 November 2010.

Further reading
  • Vidonja Balanzategui, Bianka; Thuringowa (Qld.). Council; Queensland. Environmental Protection Agency (2003), Thirty-three miles to Rollingstone : a short history of Rollingstone and Balgal, City of Thuringowa, ISBN 978-0-9577305-7-1
  • "Balgal Beach". Queensland Places. Centre for the Government of Queensland, University of Queensland.
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