Castle Hill, Townsville
[6] The surface is primarily bare rock or shallow lithosols with small areas of duplex soils.
There is a former quarry site on the southern slopes, accessed via Stagpole Street, and on the northern cliff face a large graffiti of 'The Saint' is painted.
[7][8] The bitumen "Castle Hill Road" winds for 2.6 kilometres (1.6 mi) from the northeast slopes to the summit of the second peak, on which the Hynes Lookout platform has been erected.
On the southern face was a two-storeyed octagonal building of concrete block work, which formerly housed the Panorama Restaurant, which has now been demolished.
In 1940, the Municipality of Leichhardt decided to replace that cemetery with parkland (called Pioneers Memorial Park).
The decision to accept the monument was opposed by two councillors, one claiming that Robert Towns had done nothing for Townsville and it was only sheer good luck that caused the city to bear his name.
[14] A local resident, Tom Gleeson, proposed "high on the peak of Castle Hill, overlooking the harbour" would be a suitable location for the monument.
[16][17] In February 1948, the Queensland Government gave its approval to the council to place the monument in the centre of the car parking area on the top of Castle Hill.
Specialised flora also occur on the cliffs and rocky outcrops, in particular the Triodia hummock grass community, Ficus spp.
Education groups regularly using the reserve to study natural environments, community history and urban geography.
The North Queensland Conservation Council is undertaking a voluntary bush rejuvenation program of the site.
Castle Hill was one of the earliest sites named by Andrew Ball who, together with MW Reid, were the first Europeans to explore the Ross River area in April 1864.
By the late 1880s the Townsville Herald (1822–97) voiced considerable public outrage at the continued denudation of Castle Hill.
Alderman Edward Downs and EJ Banfield privately planted various trees through the 1890s, including the surviving banyans, but by the 20th century, popular interest in preserving the natural vegetation of Castle Hill had waned.
Infantry and field regiments of the 5th Australian Division were deployed on the hill, and the observation post they constructed remains.
With views of North Ward and Magnetic Island; it has been described as the most expensive real estate outside south-east Queensland and is noted for its elevation and large homes, precariously placed on the foothills.
