Balgal Beach, Queensland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Balgal BeachTownsville, Queensland |
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Balgal Beach
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 Balgal Beach
Location in Queensland
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| Population | 998 (2021 census) | ||||||||||||||
| • Density | 79.2/km2 (205/sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 4816 | ||||||||||||||
| Area | 12.6 km2 (4.9 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Time zone | AEST (UTC+10:00) | ||||||||||||||
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| LGA(s) | City of Townsville | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Hinchinbrook | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Kennedy | ||||||||||||||
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Balgal Beach is a lovely coastal area and beach in Queensland, Australia. It is part of the City of Townsville. The small town of Balgal is also located here. In 2021, about 998 people lived in Balgal Beach.
Contents
Where is Balgal Beach?
Balgal Beach is about 59 kilometers (37 miles) north of Townsville. It is also 64 kilometers (40 miles) south of Ingham.
The area is next to the Coral Sea on its eastern side. To the west, you'll find Rollingstone Creek. This creek flows into the Coral Sea at the northern tip of Balgal Beach.
The coastline here has a long, sandy beach. It is also known as Balgal Beach. A railway line runs along the south-western edge of the area. The main road, Balgal Beach Drive, connects to the Bruce Highway nearby.
A Look Back in Time
Balgal Beach was once part of a large farming area called Armidale. John Lambert first settled here in 1883. Later, the area's name changed to Rollingstone.
In 1947, the coastline north of Rollingstone was named Balgal Beach. This was when the first houses were built. The name "Balgal" comes from an Aboriginal word meaning "stone."
For a long time, the land was mostly used for farming. But in the mid-1980s, many new homes were built. This caused the number of people living here to almost double. The Mystic Sands Golf Resort opened in 1993.
Who Lives in Balgal Beach?
The number of people living in Balgal Beach has grown over the years.
- In 2006, there were 743 people.
- By 2011, the population grew to 849 people.
- In 2016, there were 966 residents.
- In the most recent count in 2021, 998 people called Balgal Beach home.
Learning and Schools
There are no schools directly in Balgal Beach. Young students usually go to Rollingstone State School. This primary school is in the nearby town of Rollingstone. For high school, students often travel to Northern Beaches State High School. This school is located in Deeragun.
Fun Things to Do and Places to Visit
Balgal Beach is a popular spot for outdoor activities. People enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming here.
- Swimming: From November to May, the beach has a special netted area. This protects swimmers from marine stingers.
- Golf and More: The Mystic Sands Golf Resort is a great place to visit. It has a 9-hole golf course with 18 different starting points. You can also play lawn bowls, swim, or play tennis. The resort also has a restaurant and a bar.
- Boating: There's a boat ramp and a pontoon at the northern end of the Esplanade. This is a good spot to launch boats. From here, you can easily reach Palm Island and Orpheus Island National Park. The Townsville City Council manages this area.
- Other Facilities: You can also find a general store and cafe in Balgal Beach. There are holiday units and special areas for camping.
