Finch Bay is a pristine, palm-fringed stretch of white sand on the eastern edge of Cooktown, sheltered by rainforest-covered headlands. This scenic beach offers calm, turquoise waters at the northern end near the tidal creek mouth, making it the go-to swimming and wading beach in the area. Located at the northern gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Finch Bay provides a quiet, natural setting with walking tracks connecting to the nearby Cooktown Botanic Gardens. The bay's gentle slope and clean conditions make it an inviting spot for a relaxing dip, though the southern end near the tidal creek should be treated with caution.
Finch Bay
BeginnerMAYBE
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
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Finch Bay has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Estuarine crocodiles danger
Crocodiles may be present in tidal creeks and estuarine waters of Far North Queensland. Always observe warning signs.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Estuarine crocodiles
Crocodiles may be present in tidal creeks and estuarine waters of Far North Queensland. Always observe warning signs.
Moderate risk: Stinger season (jellyfish)
Stinging jellyfish, including box jellyfish and Irukandji, may be present in the water during the warmer months.
Low risk: Tidal creek currents
A tidal creek at the southern end of the bay creates currents and changing water depths. Stick to the northern end for safer swimming.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Finch Bay is located on the eastern side of Cooktown, Far North Queensland. From the Cooktown CBD, head east along Hope Street which becomes Finch Bay Road. Follow the road for about 2 km to the beach car park at the end.
Parking & facilities
Car park available at the end of Finch Bay Road near the beachfront with space for several vehicles.
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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