Rose Bay is a sheltered, palm-fringed crescent of sand on the Bowen coast, offering direct access to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Framed by two granite headlands, the bay's calm, crystal-clear waters host fringing coral gardens just metres from shore. Snorkelers can drift over hard and soft corals teeming with tropical fish, while low tide reveals fascinating rock pools. The bay's northerly aspect provides stunning views across the Coral Sea to the Whitsunday islands, making it one of Bowen's most picturesque and accessible snorkelling spots.
Rose Bay (Bowen)
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Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 2.9 sWind Speed 8.8 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Low risk: Low tide exposure
Snorkelling conditions are best at high tide; at low tide the water recedes significantly over the fringing reef, making swimming difficult and exposing sharp coral and rocks.
Low risk: Stinger season (box jellyfish)
Stinging jellyfish (including box jellyfish and Irukandji) can be present in tropical Queensland waters, particularly during the warmer months.
Low risk: Slippery rocks at headlands
The rocky granite outcrops at each end of the bay can be slippery and may have sharp marine growth. Care needed when entering or exiting the water near these areas.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Rose Bay is located about 5 km from the Bowen town centre off Pandanus Street. Turn off the Bruce Highway onto George Street, then follow Don Street to Pandanus Street.
Parking & facilities
Car parking available at Rose Bay, including undercover limited parking at the Rose Bay Resort. Street parking also available near the beach access points.
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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