Horseshoe Bay is a picturesque beach located in Bowen, Queensland. Framed by granite headlands and offering a tranquil setting for visitors, it is ideal for both day trips and extended holidays.

The bay’s natural beauty and serene atmosphere make it a popular destination for swimming, snorkelling, relaxation and outdoor activities.

Horseshoe Bay Review

Horseshoe Bay is an evocative sounding beach that does not disappoint.

Situated in Bowen, within the northern region of the Whitsundays, it resides about 4 km from the CBD around the north eastern tip of Cape Edgecumbe.

Curving for just 150 metres in length, the north-east facing beach is bookended by a brace of rounded granite boulders and rocks that give it a dramatic and picturesque feel.

In fact this setting is so idyllic that many people consider it to be among the most beautiful beaches in Queensland.

 

 

Things To Do at Horseshoe Bay

Despite being so small, there are plenty of things you can do at Horseshoe Bay to entertain you for the day. Two of the most popular activities are snorkelling and diving, which you can do at the fringing reef that lies close to the granite outcrops. You can even hire equipment from the nearby Horseshoe Bay Resort if you don’t bring your own.

If you don’t fancy going underwater, you can enjoy a swim in the shallows of the Coral Sea – by and large the water is relatively safe for a dip. Alternatively you can cast a line for barramundi, flathead, bream or whiting which are regularly caught in the area.

Should you fancy stretching your legs, you can also access the Cape Edgecumbe Walking Trail from Horseshoe Bay, which can also take you to Murray Bays and Rose Bays.

Overall, it will take you about an hour to do this return trip, although if you are pushed for time, you could take a 10-minute hike to the stunning Rotary scenic lookout which provides you with fabulous photo opportunities of the area.

Depending on what time you are at the beach you should take the opportunity to see the sunrise or sunset. Horseshoe Bay is one of the few coastal areas on Australia’s East Coast where you can see both.

 

 

Horseshoe Bay Cafe

If you feel hungry during your time at this stunning Bowen beach, you should treat yourself to a bite to eat at the Horseshoe Bay Cafe.

This fully licensed beachfront cafe is located right on the bay and serves a delicious range of burgers, pasta and pizza dishes throughout the day, along with a terrific ‘works breakfast’ that will test even the biggest of eaters.

 

Horseshoe Bay Resort

If you are looking for somewhere to stay near the beach, the Horseshoe Bay Resort is an excellent option.

It is located adjacent to the Bay on the very tip of Cape Edgecumbe and offers a good selection of holiday accommodation choices that are suitable for everyone from singles to large families.

 

Tours and Excursions

Fancy seeing more of Bowen and the surrounding area? Here are some excellent tours you can book.