Arthur Bay is a secluded, horseshoe-shaped cove on the north-eastern coast of Magnetic Island, part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Fringing reefs skirt the shoreline, offering excellent shore-entry snorkelling directly off the beach. Sheltered from prevailing winds, the bay typically delivers calm, clear waters ideal for exploring coral gardens teeming with tropical fish. A highlight for adventurous snorkellers is the Octopus wreck — a bucket dredge from 1928 resting at 8-10 m depth near the headland. The bay is also home to Shelly the resident turtle, a beloved local character. Less crowded than the island's main beaches, Arthur Bay feels like a private paradise, reached via a short rainforest walk from the Forts Junction carpark.
Arthur Bay
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 3.1 sWind Speed 11 knPrecipitation 1.4 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Ocean currents
Strong currents can develop, especially around the headlands and near the Octopus wreck. Swimmers should assess conditions before entering.
Moderate risk: Marine stingers (jellyfish)
Marine stingers (box jellyfish and Irukandji) are present in tropical waters. Wear a stinger suit for protection.
Low risk: Unpatrolled beach
The beach is not patrolled by lifeguards. No lifeguard services are available.
Low risk: Sharp coral and reef hazards
Sharp coral and rocky areas near the shore and fringing reef. Avoid standing on coral and wear reef shoes.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Arthur Bay is on Magnetic Island, accessible by ferry from Townsville (Nelly Bay terminal). From the ferry terminal, take the bus or drive to the Forts Junction car park on Horseshoe Bay Road. From there, follow the Arthur Bay walking trail (approx. 1.4 km return, 20-30 minutes walk) down to the beach. No vehicle access to the bay itself.
Parking & facilities
Park at the Forts Junction car park on Horseshoe Bay Road (large carpark with amenities). From there, walk to the bay.
parkingtoilets
No entry fee for the beach. Ferry costs apply (approx. $30-40 return from Townsville).
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports