Drystone Wall, Melton Hill

The Drystone Wall at Melton Hill runs along Cleveland Terrace as a continuous boundary line in Townsville's center. This structure is built by stacking stones without mortar, creating a strong and lasting barrier that remains visible today.

Built in 1877 by architect Charles Alexander Ward, this wall once marked the boundary of James Melton Black's property. The site was later integrated into Townsville's Supreme Court complex as the city expanded.

The wall shows how early settlers brought European building techniques to Queensland. You can still see the distinctive stone placement patterns when you look closely at its structure today.

The wall is located at Cleveland Terrace in Townsville's central business district and is easy to access on foot. As a heritage-listed structure, it is protected by law, so visitors should view it from a respectful distance.

This is the last surviving physical remnant of the former Library and School of Arts building that once served as Townsville's main social gathering place during the 1800s. Today, the wall stands as the only reminder of that important community space and what it meant to residents back then.