Rowes Bay, Queensland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rowes Bay Townsville, Queensland
Dusk at Soroptimist Park, Rowes Bay; looking northwards to Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park
Rowes Bay Location in Townsville, Australia
Population	541 (2021 census)
• Density	193/km2 (500/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4810
Area	2.8 km2 (1.1 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
Location	4.3 km (3 mi) NW of Townsville CBD 1,460 km (907 mi) NNW of Brisbane
LGA(s)	City of Townsville
State electorate(s)	Townsville
Federal Division(s)	Herbert
Suburbs around Rowes Bay: Town Common Coral Sea Coral Sea Garbutt Rowes Bay Coral Sea Garbutt Garbutt Belgian Gardens

Rowes Bay is a lovely suburb in Townsville, Queensland, Australia. It's part of the City of Townsville. In 2021, about 541 people lived here. It's known for its beautiful beach and natural areas.

Exploring Rowes Bay's Location

Rowes Bay is a low-lying area right next to the Cleveland Bay beach. Its edges are formed by the Coral Sea, the Townsville Airport, and Mundy Creek. Only a small part of the suburb has houses.

Nearby suburbs include Garbutt, West End, and Belgian Gardens. However, Rowes Bay feels quite separate from other areas. This is because it is surrounded by the Town Common, a large natural area.

You can also find the Townsville Cemetery here. It is sometimes called the Belgian Gardens Cemetery. There is also a retirement village in the suburb.

A Look at Rowes Bay's Past

Rowes Bay got its name from Charles Seville Rowe. He was one of the first people to settle in the Cleveland Bay area. The name "Rowes" became common only after World War II. Before that, people sometimes called it "Rose Bay" or "Ross Bay."

Rowes Bay During World War II

During World War II, a place called Jimmys Lookout was very important. It had an anti-aircraft gun and a searchlight battery. These were used to protect Townsville and its military airport from possible attacks by Japanese planes.

Police Training in Rowes Bay

The Queensland Police Service Academy (North Queensland campus) started training police officers here in October 1996.

How Many People Live in Rowes Bay?

The number of people living in Rowes Bay changes over time.

• In 2011, there were 539 people.
• In 2016, the population grew to 573 people.
• In 2021, the population was 541 people.

Learning Opportunities in Rowes Bay

Rowes Bay has a special school for young people.

Cleveland Education and Training Centre

The Cleveland Education and Training Centre is a school for boys and girls. It teaches students from Year 5 to Year 12. This school is located within the Cleveland Youth Detention Centre on Old Common Road. In 2018, the school had 66 students.

Nearby Schools for Mainstream Education

There are no regular primary or secondary schools directly in Rowes Bay.

• The closest government primary school is Belgian Gardens State School. It is in the nearby suburb of Belgian Gardens.
• The nearest government secondary school is Townsville State High School. This school is in Railway Estate.

Important Places and Services

Rowes Bay has several important facilities.

Cleveland Youth Detention Centre

The Cleveland Youth Detention Centre is for young people aged 10 to 17. These young people are either waiting for court decisions or have been sentenced to detention. It is located on Old Commons Road.

Belgian Gardens Cemetery

Even though it's called Belgian Gardens Cemetery, it is actually located inside Rowes Bay. You can find it at 62 Evans Street. However, you usually get to it through the suburb of Belgian Gardens. The Townsville City Council manages this cemetery.

Townsville War Cemetery

Inside the Belgian Gardens Cemetery, you will find the Townsville War Cemetery. This special cemetery has 222 burials from World War II. The Office of Australian War Graves is also located here. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission looks after the war cemetery.

Parks and Recreation

Rowes Bay is a great place for outdoor activities.

Rowes Bay Retirement Community

The Rowes Bay Retirement Community is a retirement village. It is located on Havana Street, off Cape Pallandera Road.

Local Parks

There are a few parks in the suburb where you can relax and play:

• Hooper Street Park
• Rowes Bay Park

Fun Things to Do in Rowes Bay

Rowes Bay is famous for its beautiful beach and outdoor activities.

Cleveland Bay Beach

The suburb has a scenic 10-kilometre (6.2 mi) long beach along Cleveland Bay. From the beach, you get amazing views of Magnetic Island. The beach has small tidal creeks that flow into the sea.

A short drive up Cape Pallarenda Road takes you to the suburb of Pallarenda. Pallarenda has a beachfront park and a boat ramp.

Cycling and Jogging

Many people enjoy cycling or jogging along the paved pathway next to the beach. It's a popular way to stay active and enjoy the views. However, swimming is not recommended here. This is because there is a risk of crocodile or jellyfish attacks.

Soroptimist Park

At the southern end of the beach is Soroptimist Park. This park has grassy areas, barbecue facilities, and a fun adventure playground. The playground is designed to be suitable for all children, including those with disabilities. The park also features some lovely public art pieces from 1988 and 1994.

Kitesurfing

The northern end of the beach is a popular spot for kitesurfing. People come here to enjoy this exciting water sport.

Jimmys Lookout

Jimmys Lookout is located off Old Commons Road. It is on the western edge of the Belgian Gardens Cemetery.

Images for kids

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  View from Castle Hill towards Pallarenda, showing the Rowes Bay caravan park.

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  Walking path and bikeway towards Pallarenda.

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  Looking towards Magnetic Island.

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  Looking towards Pallarenda.

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  Post-cyclone beach near Heatleys Parade, on dusk. Looking towards Pallarenda.

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  Detail of public art sculpture, Soroptimist Park, Townsville.

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  Public art sculpture, Soroptimist Park, Townsville.

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  Queensland Police Service Academy (North Queensland campus).

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  Rowes Bay Golf Club clubhouse, near the Town Common.

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  Rowes Bay Golf Club wetlands near the 11th hole.