Half Moon Creek is a significant estuarine system located approximately 12 kilometers north to north-west of Cairns, forming a vital buffer zone between urban subdivisions, farmlands, and the beachfront. This 216-hectare declared Fish Habitat Area is characterized by extensive mangrove stands, saltmarsh, sand flats, and a small bar zone, creating a rich and productive environment for a variety of fish and invertebrate species. The area is managed as a Management B Fish Habitat Area, emphasizing its importance to local ecology and fisheries production. Access to the creek and adjacent ocean is facilitated by a dredged channel from the creek mouth to the sea, originally created for boating access and maintained as part of regional coastal infrastructure.