Geoffrey Bay, on Magnetic Island's southeastern coast, is home to the SS Moltke — a 50-metre-long iron shipwreck that sank in 1911 and now lies in about 8 metres of water. A marked snorkel trail begins roughly 400 metres offshore, guiding swimmers across sandy patches and coral bommies to the wreck itself. The site is a magnet for diverse marine life, and the wreck's rusted hull provides an atmospheric backdrop for snorkelers and freedivers. Part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, this bay offers calm, protected waters ideal for exploring Queensland's underwater heritage.
Geoffrey Bay (including SS Moltke Shipwreck)
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Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 3.2 sWind Speed 13 knPrecipitation 1.1 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Marine stingers (box jellyfish)
Marine stingers (box jellyfish) are present in tropical Queensland waters, especially during the warmer months. A stinger suit is recommended.
Moderate risk: Boat traffic
Boat traffic in Geoffrey Bay, including ferries and recreational vessels, requires awareness when snorkeling near the surface.
Low risk: Long swim distance from shore
The 400m swim from shore to the wreck site can be tiring for inexperienced swimmers or in adverse conditions.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Geoffrey Bay is on the southeastern side of Magnetic Island, accessible via the 20-minute ferry from Townsville to Nelly Bay. From the ferry terminal, follow the road south to Arcadia, then Geoffrey Bay. The snorkel trail starts approximately 390-400m off the beach, easily swum from shore.
Parking & facilities
Limited street parking available near Geoffrey Bay Esplanade in Arcadia. Alternatively, park at Nelly Bay ferry terminal and walk or take a local bus/taxi to Geoffrey Bay.
No fees for snorkeling. Ferry fare from Townsville to Magnetic Island applies.
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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