Rowes Bay, Queensland

Rowes Bay is a coastal suburb of the City of Townsville, Queensland, Australia.[2]

Rowes Bay Townsville, Queensland
Dusk at Soroptimist Park, Rowes Bay; looking northwards to Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park
Population	573 (2016 census)[1]
Postcode(s)	4810
LGA(s)	City of Townsville
State electorate(s)	Townsville
Federal Division(s)	Herbert
Suburbs around Rowes Bay: Town Common Coral Sea Belgian Gardens Garbutt Rowes Bay Belgian Gardens Garbutt Garbutt Belgian Gardens

Geography

Rowes Bay is located in a low-lying area adjacent to the Cleveland Bay beach. Its borders are determined by the coast, Townsville Airport and Mundy Creek, and only a small portion of the suburb's area is taken up by housing. Neighbouring suburbs include Garbutt, West End and Belgian Gardens; however, Rowes Bay is relatively isolated from other suburbs due to its location surrounded by the Town Common.

The Townsville Cemetery (also known as Belgian Gardens Cemetery) and a retirement village are located within the suburb. The Queensland Police Service Academy (North Queensland campus) commenced training in October 1996.

History

Rowes Bay was named after Charles Seville Rowe, one of the first settlers at Cleveland Bay. Only after the Second World War did the name Rowes come into general use; prior to this the area was recorded as Rose Bay and Ross Bay.[3]

In the 2011 census, Rowes Bay had a population of 539 people.[4]

Attractions

Rowes Bay is dominated by a scenic 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) Cleveland Bay beach, which has sweeping views of Magnetic Island. The beach is punctuated at intervals by tidal creeks. A short drive up Cape Pallarenda Road is located the suburb of Pallarenda which is equipped with a beachfront park and boat ramp. Cycling or jogging alone the sealed foreshore pathway is a popular pastime but swimming is not encouraged due to a risk of crocodile or jellyfish attack.

At the southern end of the beach area is Soroptimist Park, which has lawns, barbecue facilities and an adventure playground designed specifically to be suitable for all children including those with disabilities. The park includes several attractive pieces of public art, contributed in 1988 and 1994. The northern end of the beach is a popular site for kitesurfing.

Gallery

• 
  View from Castle Hill towards Pallarenda, showing the Rowes Bay caravan park.
• 
  Walking path and bikeway towards Pallarenda.
• 
  Looking towards Magnetic Island.
• 
  Looking towards Pallarenda.
• 
  Post-cyclone beach near Heatleys Parade, on dusk. Looking towards Pallarenda.
• 
  Detail of public art sculpture, Soroptimist Park, Townsville.
• 
  Public art sculpture, Soroptimist Park, Townsville.
• 
  Queensland Police Service Academy (North Queensland campus).
• 
  Rowes Bay Golf Club clubhouse, near the Town Common.
• 
  Rowes Bay Golf Club wetlands near the 11th hole.

References

1. Australian Bureau of Statistics (27 June 2017). "Rowes Bay (State Suburb)". 2016 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 6 October 2020.
2. "Rowes Bay (entry 46542)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
3. "Parks Services - Townsville City Council". Archived from the original on 31 August 2007. Retrieved 23 August 2007.
4. Australian Bureau of Statistics (31 October 2012). "Rowes Bay". 2011 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 16 January 2016.