Cherry Tree Bay is a secluded, sandy cove tucked beneath the iconic Grassy Hill Lookout on the outskirts of Cooktown, in Far North Queensland. This hidden gem is only reachable by foot along a scenic walking track from the summit, rewarding visitors with a peaceful, uncrowded beach on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The calm, clear waters offer excellent shore-entry snorkelling over sandy seabeds and scattered coral bommies, where you can spot tropical reef fish. Its remote character and stunning views of the surrounding coastline make it a perfect escape for nature lovers seeking a quiet snorkel spot away from the tour-boat crowds.
Cherry Tree Bay
IntermediateMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 0.0 sWind Speed 7.0 knPrecipitation 5.8 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Marine stingers (box jellyfish)
Stinger (box jellyfish) season in tropical North Queensland waters. Marine stingers may be present during the warmer months (November to May).
Low risk: Steep walking track access
The bay is only accessible via a walking track from Grassy Hill Lookout. The track can be steep and rough in sections, requiring sturdy footwear and a moderate fitness level.
Low risk: Intense sun exposure
Tropical sun exposure is intense year-round, with limited shade on the beach.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Cherry Tree Bay is accessed via a walking track from Grassy Hill Lookout in Cooktown, Far North Queensland. Park at the Grassy Hill carpark and follow the walking track down from the summit to the beach.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at Grassy Hill Lookout carpark in Cooktown.
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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