Sunken Reef Bay

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Approach to Sunken Reef Bay and Hillock Point to the far right.

Sunken Reef Bay is a sheltered cove located between Mulligan Bay and Hillock point. It has a shallow sandy beach approximately 350 metres long surrounded by rocky headlands. 

Easy beach landing at Sunken Reef Bay.


 Its sheltered location, easy beach access, and panoramic views make it an ideal rest break before proceeding around the rocky coastline to Hillock Point and beyond.

Interesting beach combing along the high tide mark   (photo by Hans Preuss)

Currents and trade winds carry an odd assortment of objects across the sea to this beach and makes for some interesting finds when exploring the flotsam and jetsam deposited along the tide line.  A lot of rubbish also gets deposited, so help out the Rangers by placing any rubbish in a pile above the tidal zone or if you’ve got space in your boat, fill a bag and take it out with you.

Fressh water Creek at the southern side of the bay   (photo by Hans Preuss)


 There is a fresh water creek on the southern side of the bay approximately 50 metres back from the beach. This creek will dry out during prolonged periods without rain.  If you intend to use this as a drinking supply it would need to be boiled before doing so.

Looking south towards The Sugar Loading Jetty at Lucinda.

Looking towards Pelorus and Orpheus Islands.






Preparing to Launch from Sunken reef Bay.   (photo by Hans Preuss)


The bottles will roll  and eject small rodents, protecting your food items.


 If you intend camping here you will need to protect your food from white tail rats which will gnaw through tents or thin plastic to get to food.  The more popular sites have purpose built metal boxes for food storage, but the above setup also works well. 


Facts and Further Info

  • It is approximately 10 km from Lucinda to Sunken Reef Bay.
  • Has a path leading up a hill to the Thorsborne Trail.
  • Sunken Reef Bay is a Great Barrier Reef Marine Park "Yellow Zone" (fishing allowed).
  •  Fresh water is available from a creek, but must be boiled before drinking.
  • A National Parks Camping permit is required if you wish to camp. 
  • No toilets or other facilities available.
  • No phone reception

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