Half Moon Bay is a small, secluded sandy beach tucked between Earl Hill to the north and Half Moon Creek to the south in Yorkeys Knob, just 20 minutes north of Cairns. Sheltered by a headland jutting into the Coral Sea, this calm, protected bay offers easy shore-entry snorkeling in calm, shallow waters. The beach is fringed by tropical vegetation and the nearby Half Moon Bay Marina provides a scenic backdrop. Its gentle conditions make it an ideal spot for families and beginner snorkelers wanting a quiet alternative to the busier Cairns beaches.
Half Moon Bay (Yorkeys Knob)
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.2 mSwell Period 4.4 sWind Speed 5.8 knPrecipitation 8.8 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: Marine stingers (box jellyfish / Irukandji)
Stinger season brings box jellyfish and Irukandji into tropical QLD waters. Always swim in stinger-resistant enclosures where provided or wear a stinger suit.
Low risk: Reduced visibility after rain from creek runoff
Half Moon Creek drains into the southern end of the bay and can create murky conditions after rainfall, reducing visibility for snorkelers.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
1 photo from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Half Moon Bay is located at the end of Reed Road, Yorkeys Knob, about 20 minutes north of Cairns CBD. Follow the Captain Cook Highway to Yorkeys Knob Road, turn onto Wattle Street, then onto Reed Road to the beach.
Parking & facilities
Street parking available at the end of Reed Road, plus nearby parking at Half Moon Bay Marina and Wattle Street.
parkingtoilets
Free entry
Spot Map
Community
Gallery ┬╖ 1 photos
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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