St Bees Island is a volcanic jewel in the Cumberland Island Group, fringed by vibrant coral reefs that spill into the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Sheltered bays and calm lagoons offer excellent snorkelling directly off the beaches, where you can swim over healthy coral bommies teeming with tropical fish. The island's remote, privately-owned setting means uncrowded reefs, pristine conditions, and the chance to explore wild koala habitats between dips. A true off-the-beaten-path reef experience accessible from Mackay.
St Bees Island reefs
IntermediateGO
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 2.5 sWind Speed 5.6 knPrecipitation 0.3 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
The spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Marine stingers (box jellyfish)
Marine stingers (box jellyfish and Irukandji) are prevalent in tropical Queensland waters, particularly during the warmer months.
Moderate risk: Marine stingers (jellyfish)
Stinger (marine stingers) season in tropical Queensland waters. Wear stinger suits provided by tour operators.
Low risk: Outgoing tide current
The reef fringing St Bees is influenced by tidal flows that can create strong currents in the channels between islands. Snorkellers should be aware of changing tide conditions.
Low risk: Sharp coral bommies
The fringing reefs are shallow in places with sharp coral bommies close to the surface. Snorkellers should avoid touching the coral.
Low risk: Weather-dependent conditions
Snorkelling conditions depend on wind and tide. The skipper may alter the itinerary if sea conditions are unsafe.
Low risk: Tidal currents
The Whitsundays has strong tidal flows that can affect snorkelling areas around the island.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
St Bees Island is located approximately 30 km northeast of Mackay in the Cumberland Island Group. Access is by private boat, charter tour, or water taxi from Mackay Harbour. Several tour operators in Mackay run day trips to the island's reefs.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at Mackay Harbour boat ramp and marina precinct. Fees may apply for long-term parking at the marina car park adjacent to the launch ramp on Mulherin Drive along the Mackay Marina precinct.
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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