Cockle Bay Reef

Saltwater
Reef

Cockle Bay Reef

Saltwater
Reef

Sq. miles: 3.4
Boat Ramps: 0
Access Points: 0
Species: 4

Cockle Bay Reef is a prominent fringing reef system located off the western coast of Magnetic Island, near Townsville City in Queensland, Australia. Situated on the south-west edge of the island, it forms part of the greater Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This reef is characterized by a mix of coral structures and is notably home to the historic SS City of Adelaide shipwreck, which lies within its bounds. The area is recognized for its rich marine biodiversity, making it a significant destination for both recreational angling and underwater exploration.

Queensland licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Cockle Bay Reef and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Dusky Flathead

Platycephalus fuscus

Giant Trevally

Caranx ignobilis

Golden Trevally

Gnathanodon speciosus

Spangled Emperor

Lethrinus nebulosus

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Cockle Bay Reef. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

SS City of Adelaide

Wreck

SS City of Adelaide

Wreck

Know where you can legally fish on Cockle Bay Reef

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Queensland licenses and regulations

Queensland Boating Regulations

Official Queensland Government boating and marine hub (Maritime Safety Queensland), covering recreational marine and PWC licences, boat registration, safety equipment, speed limits, and the general safety obligation.

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Queensland Fishing License

Queensland has no general recreational fishing licence - most saltwater and freshwater fishing needs no licence. The exception is line fishing in stocked dams/weirs: anyone 18 or over needs a Stocked Impoundment Permit, which this official Fisheries Queensland page explains.

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Queensland Fishing Regulations

Official Queensland Government recreational fishing rules hub, covering size and possession limits (tidal and fresh waters), closed seasons and waters, regulated and no-take species, and permitted gear.

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Queensland Stream Access Laws

Queensland has no single dedicated stream-access page; this is the closest official page for anglers, listing which state-owned dams and weirs allow public recreational access for fishing, camping and boating, with per-site restrictions.

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Take Cockle Bay Reef with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Cockle Bay Reef to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Cockle Bay Reef to find where and when fish are biting for you.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Tides, wind & water conditions (10 day forecast)

On open water, wind and tide matter as much as the weather. See the best times to fish Cockle Bay Reef and check the marine forecast before you launch.

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