Townsville Central State School was established in 1869 and is the oldest school in Townsville. It is now located on the site of Townsville's first gaol constructed in 1878. The gaol was relocated to Stuart Creek in 1891. The school was established at it's present location in 1955.
Information on the history of the school and the use of the former gaol buildings and grounds is recorded in the Queensland Heritage Register listing for Townsville Central State School.
A former student of Townsville Central State School recently discovered an article from 'The Townsville Daily Bulletin' dated Monday 11 May 1953, written during the construction of the school.