Zoe Bay

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Zoe Bay located on the eastern side of Hinchinbrook Island is a highly sought after sea kayaking  destination.  The bay consists of a 2.5 km-long curved sandy beach backed with luxurious rainforest and dominated by the backdrop of the craggy peaks of  Mt Bowen.  There are estuaries at each end of the bay separating the beach from the rocky headlands.   The campsites and track to Zoe Falls are on the Southern end of the bay.


The beach itself is all sand and is very shallow for a long way out. When landing at Zoe Bay, high tide access is best or you will have a long carry to your campsite.  There are several large  shady campsites with a picnic table and a heavy duty animal proof food storage locker. The wildlife will help themselves to any unattended food items, ( a tent or dry bag sitting on the ground wont stop them).  

Zoe bay campsite  (photo by Hans Preuss)

The campsites are large shady areas of forest, close to the beach with the undergrowth cleared away.  They can easily accommodate up to six people.  Mosquitoes and sandflies can be savage, especially after dark and in summer.  If you plan to camp, you will need a national parks camping permit.

Looking towards Mount Bowen.

View from the southern end of the bay.



 At the southern end of Zoe Bay there is a 900 metre track through the rainforest which leads to the amazing Zoe Falls.  Here you will find cool crystal clear fresh water with an abundance of jungle perch.  There is also a track leading up to the top of the falls, with views overlooking the bay.

These fish are incredibly curious and will eat food out of your hand if presented to them.

Northern end of Zoe Bay
Looking towards Hillock Point from Zoe Bay
Zoe bay coming into view after rounding Hillock Point.  (photo by Hans Preuss)
Approach to Zoe Bay.


Facts and further info

  • Best launch site is from the beach at Lucinda, near the base of the sugar-loading jetty.
  • It is approximately 17 km from Lucinda to Zoe Bay.
  • Ocean waves rebounding off Hillock Point can cause an area of steep confused waves.
  • Zoe Bay is a Great Barrier Reef Marine Park "Yellow Zone" (fishing allowed).
  • Most of the shoreline north of Zoe Bay is zoned "Green" (fishing not allowed). 
  •  Fresh water is available from running creeks
  • There is a drop toilet near the track to Zoe Falls.
  • The best Campsite is the 3rd campsite north of the walking track sign.
  •  Zoe Bay is located in crocodile habitat , so take care where you swim. 
  • Marine stingers inhabit these waters during the warmer months.
  • No phone reception. 
P.S    The metal food lockers designed to keep animals out, were removed from the campsites and replaced with a hanging rack, suitable for hanging a dry bag or small esky of food.  I was initially skeptical about the new setup, but so far it has worked and our food stores were safe.

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