Townsville Showground

The Townsville Showground was established in 1882 by the North Queensland Pastoral and Agricultural Association; later the Pastoral, Agricultural and Industrial Association. The showground was located adjacent to the Defence Force Reserve, which engendered a long standing relationship between Defence and the Show Association. A magnificent grandstand was built in 1901, designed by local architects Tunbridge and Tunbridge. A drill hall was built in 1918, and this served as an exhibition hall, until W & M Hunt designed a dedicated exhibition hall, built in 1939 by JF Howlett. It was named Heatley Hall honouring one of the longest serving members of the association. From April 1942, the showgrounds were occupied by the Australian Army. The show was suspended for three years during WWII and many prefabricated warehouses added to the site. Cyclone Althea caused damage to every building in 1971. The cyclone provided the impetus for major changes, including the enlargement of the ring to provide for harness racing, greyhound, bicycle and motor cycle racing. The grandstand was dismantled and re-erected and a new grandstand built to provide seating, office and exhibition space. The showgrounds continue to host major events and cultural activities.