If you've never lived in Pimlico, you might know it simply as the suburb you drive through on the way into Townsville's CBD. But for the people who live here — and for the businesses operating in the precinct — it's one of Townsville's most genuinely convenient and characterful inner suburbs.
This is a practical guide to Pimlico: what's here, what's nearby, why people choose to live here, and what new arrivals should know about the suburb.
Where Is Pimlico?
Pimlico sits just south of the Townsville CBD, roughly two kilometres from the city centre. The suburb is bounded by Bowen Road to the north, Bayswater Road to the east, and connects directly to Hyde Park and North Ward — two of Townsville's most sought-after inner residential suburbs. The CBD, The Strand beachfront and Castle Hill are all within easy reach.
Its central location makes Pimlico one of those suburbs where you can genuinely live without needing to travel far for most of your daily requirements — work, schools, shops, medical care and recreation are all close by.
Schools
Pimlico is home to one of North Queensland's most well-regarded state secondary schools. Pimlico State High School draws students from across the Townsville region and has a strong academic and sporting reputation. The school's presence makes Pimlico a particularly popular choice for families with older children.
Several primary schools are also accessible within the broader precinct, and the suburb's proximity to the CBD means private school options are also easily reachable.
Medical and Health Services
Townsville's Mater Hospital is located a short drive from Pimlico, making the suburb convenient for medical staff, patients and families visiting the hospital. The broader Townsville Hospital and Health Service campuses are also accessible from Pimlico, and a range of medical centres, allied health and dental practices operate in the area.
Pimlico's proximity to both the Mater Hospital and the Townsville University Hospital makes it one of the most practical suburbs for nurses, doctors and allied health professionals working in Townsville's major medical facilities.
Shopping and Everyday Services
Pimlico's commercial strips offer a mix of local services, convenience shopping and specialty businesses. French Street itself is a good example — a neighbourhood commercial centre combining personal services, professional advice and storage in one well-parked precinct. Larger supermarkets and major retailers are a short drive away in surrounding suburbs and the CBD.
Recreation and Green Space
The suburb has good access to Townsville's broader recreational network. The Strand — Townsville's iconic beachfront promenade with its rock pools, parklands and waterfront dining — is a short drive from Pimlico. Castle Hill, the distinctive granite monolith at the edge of the city, offers a popular walking track with panoramic views across the CBD, Magnetic Island and Cleveland Bay.
Local parks within and around Pimlico provide everyday green space, and the proximity to the CBD means Townsville's broader cultural and sporting venues — including Queensland Country Bank Stadium — are easily accessible.
Transport
Pimlico is well served by Townsville's bus network, with multiple routes connecting the suburb to the CBD, the hospitals and surrounding areas. The suburb's road connections to major routes make driving straightforward for most directions across Townsville.
Housing in Pimlico
Pimlico's housing stock is a mix of older Queensland-style homes — many with the wide verandahs, high ceilings and elevated designs that characterise the era — and more contemporary infill development. This gives the suburb genuine character while offering a range of property sizes and styles.
The trade-off of older homes is typically limited built-in storage — a smaller laundry, no double garage, fewer wardrobes than a newer house of the same size. This is one reason self storage is popular among Pimlico residents, particularly those who move from newer suburban estates.
What French Street Centre Offers the Pimlico Community
French Street Centre at 28 French Street has been part of the Pimlico precinct for many years. The centre brings together Chez Belle Skin Care, Liddy's Hair Design, Hawaii Massage, Finch & Finch Accountants and French Street Self Storage under one roof, with free on-site parking — a genuine convenience in a suburb where parking can otherwise be tight.
French Street Centre — In the Heart of Pimlico
Five businesses, free parking, and self storage available. Visit us at 28 French Street, Pimlico Townsville.
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