Horseshoe Bay Beach

There are plenty of ways to experience this spacious beach on Magnetic Island, including swimming, fishing, watersports, horseback riding and beachfront picnics.

Discover the wide array of fun-filled activities you can do on Horseshoe Bay Beach. With its refreshing Coral Sea waters, sweep of golden sands and vivid offshore reef, Horseshoe Bay Beach is one of Magnetic Island’s best seaside destinations. Jump into the azure-colored waters, explore the beach with a kayak or join a horse-riding tour and swim with your new four-legged friend. The beachfront has exciting options for dining, shopping and sightseeing.

Stroll down onto the sand and spend a moment checking out the beautiful sea views. The beach is sheltered by the tree-dotted headlands of White Rock and White Lady Rock, which extend from either end of the crescent-shaped bay. Sit in the shade of coastal trees and enjoy the Coral Sea vista. Look out across the shore and see boats and yachts moored in the deeper waters. Be tempted by the refreshing waves that lap at the shore and go for a swim. The lifeguard-patrolled sections on the eastern side of the beach are ideal for taking youngsters for a swim in the shallows. Keen anglers can make the most of the extensive shoreline access and cast a line at high tide on the middle and western sections of the beach.

If it’s adventure you want, you’ll find no shortage at Horseshoe Bay Beach. Explore 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) of coastline with a rented Jet Ski, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Another popular way to explore the beach is on a horseback-riding tour. Ride from the coastal bushland to the sandy beach and splash in the water with your horse.

Make your way back to the waterfront promenade to check out the selection of cafés, restaurants and bars. Grab a coffee or a meal with ocean views or pick up snacks to enjoy on the beachfront picnic tables. Near the picnic area there is a playground for kids to explore.

Horseshoe Bay Beach is located on the northern coast of Magnetic Island and is 12.3 miles (19.9 kilometers) north of Townsville. Access the beach from Townsville via the ferry that arrives at Nelly Bay and make the 10-minute drive north to Horseshoe Bay.

38 Gifford St, Horseshoe Bay QLD 4819, Australia | View Google Map

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near Horseshoe Bay Beach

Magnetic Island National Park

Take in panoramic views, spot koalas in eucalyptus trees, clamber over granite boulders and stroll along a golden-sand beach in this idyllic nature reserve.

Magnetic Island

This island is home to Queensland’s largest colony of cuddly residents. No, we’re not talking about the friendly locals, but about the koalas living in the wild.

Army Museum North Queensland

Discover the fascinating stories of the Australian Army in North Queensland when you explore the history displays at the Jezzine Barracks at Kissing Point.

Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal

This easy-to-navigate and very scenic transport hub is the gateway to the beaches, bush walks and wildlife of one of Queensland’s most idyllic islands.

Queens Gardens

Walk beneath ancient hoop pines, navigate a maze, see the Australian cockatoos or have a picnic in the lush setting of these tropical gardens.

Hotels near Horseshoe Bay Beach

The Ville Resort - Casino

Sir Leslie Thiess Drive

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the airport, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal, ReefHQ Aquarium, and Museum of Tropical Queensland. Maritime Museum of Townsville and Queens Gardens are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Oaks Townsville Metropole Hotel

81 Palmer Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in South Townsville, this luxury aparthotel is within a 15-minute walk of Maritime Museum of Townsville and Perc Tucker Regional Gallery. Museum of Tropical Queensland and Cultural Centre Townsville are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville

334 Flinders Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Townsville, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, Maritime Museum of Townsville, and Museum of Tropical Queensland. Catholic Diocese of Townsville and Cultural Centre Townsville are also within 10 minutes. Townsville Station is 24 minutes by foot.

Oaks Townsville Gateway Suites

2 Dibbs Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in South Townsville, this luxury apartment building is within a 5-minute walk of Maritime Museum of Townsville and Perc Tucker Regional Gallery. Museum of Tropical Queensland and Cultural Centre Townsville are also within 15 minutes. Townsville Station is 28 minutes by foot.

Rydges Southbank Townsville

23 Palmer Street

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in South Townsville, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of ReefHQ Aquarium and Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Castle Hill and Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal are also within 1 mi (2 km). Townsville Station is 29 minutes by foot.

The Palmer Collective

12 14 Palmer Street

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in South Townsville, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Maritime Museum of Townsville and Perc Tucker Regional Gallery. Museum of Tropical Queensland and Cultural Centre Townsville are also within 15 minutes. Townsville Station is 29 minutes by foot.

Mercure Townsville

166 Woolcock Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Townsville hotel is located near the airport, within 2 mi (3 km) of Townsville Museum and Historical Society, Anderson Park Botanical Gardens, and Castle Hill. Royal Australian Air Force Townsville Museum and National Trust Heritage Centre are also within 2 mi (3 km).

City Oasis Inn

143 Wills Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Townsville, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Castle Hill, Museum of Tropical Queensland, and Maritime Museum of Townsville. ReefHQ Aquarium and Queens Gardens are also within 1 mi (2 km). Townsville Station is 26 minutes by foot.

Peppers Blue on Blue

123 Sooning Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Situated on the waterfront, this luxury hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Magnetic Island National Park, Nelly Bay Beach, and Nelly Bay Habitat Reserve. Alma Bay and Alma Bay Beach are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Madison Plaza Townsville

409 Flinders St.Corner Of Stanley And Flinders St., Corner Of Stanley And Flinders St.

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Townsville, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Catholic Diocese of Townsville and Castle Hill. Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre and Queens Gardens are also within 1 mi (2 km). Townsville Station is 22 minutes by foot.

Direct Hotels – Holborn at Central

4 Kingsway Place

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Townsville, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Castle Hill, Museum of Tropical Queensland, and Cultural Centre Townsville. Townsville Station is 13 minutes by foot.

Park Regis Anchorage

51 Palmer Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Grand Mercure Apartments Magnetic Island

146 Sooning Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Nelly Bay, this luxury aparthotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Magnetic Island National Park, Nelly Bay Beach, and Nelly Bay Habitat Reserve. Alma Bay and Alma Bay Beach are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Mariners North Holiday Apartments

7 Mariners Drive

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Townsville, this beach apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of The Strand Beach, Strand Waterpark, and Museum of Tropical Queensland. Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal and Cultural Centre Townsville are also within 10 minutes.

Grand Hotel and Apartments Townsville

8-10 Palmer Street

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in South Townsville, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Maritime Museum of Townsville and Perc Tucker Regional Gallery. Museum of Tropical Queensland and Cultural Centre Townsville are also within 15 minutes. Townsville Station is 28 minutes by foot.

Itara Apartments

1-15 Sporting Drive

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Thuringowa Central, this luxury aparthotel is steps from Tony Ireland Stadium and Riverway Lagoon. Willows Shopping Centre is 0.7 mi (1.1 km) away.

Summit Motel

6 Victoria Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Townsville, this motel is within a 10-minute walk of Catholic Diocese of Townsville and Castle Hill. Perc Tucker Regional Gallery and The Strand Beach are also within 15 minutes. Townsville Station is 29 minutes by foot.

The Robert Towns

261 Stanley Street

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Townsville hotel is located by the sea, within 1 mi (2 km) of Castle Hill, Museum of Tropical Queensland, and The Strand Beach. ReefHQ Aquarium and Queens Gardens are also within 1 mi (2 km). Townsville Station is 26 minutes by foot.

Base Magnetic Island Hostel

1 Nelly Bay Road

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

This Nelly Bay hostel is on the beach, 5.7 mi (9.2 km) from Radical Bay, and within 12 mi (20 km) of Horseshoe Bay Beach and Museum of Tropical Queensland. Queens Gardens and Castle Hill are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Aligned Corporate Residences Townsville

30-34 Palmer Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in South Townsville, this aparthotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Castle Hill, and Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal. Strand Park and Willows Shopping Centre are also within 9 mi (15 km). Townsville Station is 30 minutes by foot.

Seagulls Resort on the Seafront

74 THE ESPLANADE TOWNSVILLE QLD 4810, 74

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Belgian Gardens, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Pallarenda, Jezzine Barracks, and Army Museum North Queensland. The Strand Beach and Strand Rockpool are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Arcadia Beach Guest House

27 Marine Parade

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Offering direct access to the beach, this Arcadia guesthouse is in a national park, 0.1 mi (0.2 km) from Magnetic Island National Park, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Horseshoe Bay Beach and Radical Bay. Catholic Diocese of Townsville and Museum of Tropical Queensland are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Island Leisure Resort

6 Kelly Street

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Nelly Bay, this beach aparthotel is 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Magnetic Island National Park and 2 mi (3.2 km) from Magnetic Island Golf Course. Radical Bay and Horseshoe Bay Beach are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Waters Edge The Strand

63 64 The Strand

Offering direct access to the beach, this North Ward hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Strand Waterpark and Castle Hill. Museum of Tropical Queensland and Jezzine Barracks are also within 1 mi (2 km).