St Patrick's Convent, North Ward, Roman Catholic convent in North Ward, Australia

St Patrick's Convent is a two-storey timber-framed building at 45 The Strand, North Ward, built around 1883 for the Sisters of Mercy. It is the oldest known surviving purpose-built convent in Queensland. Local architects and builders Rooney Brothers added a new dormitory to its boarding facilities.

The convent was founded in 1883 as the first purpose-built residence for the Sisters of Mercy in Queensland. Its establishment followed their arrival in the region to continue their educational and missionary work.

The Sisters of Mercy ran a boarding school at this location, establishing what became Townsville's longest-running girls' high school. The facility shaped generations of students and remained a center for education and community care.

The building is located at The Strand in North Ward and continues to function as a religious facility while welcoming visitors interested in heritage architecture. Access from The Strand offers the best view of the colonial verandahs and the building's setting.

St Patrick's Convent is the oldest known surviving purpose-built convent in Queensland. The Sisters of St Joseph, founded by Saint Mary MacKillop, ran the parish's first convent school here from 1872, teaching about 100 students, before leaving Townsville in March 1878 with 15 orphans after a dispute with the parish priest.