Horseshoe Bay is the largest bay on Magnetic Island and contains the longest and most popular beach. Located on the north-eastern end of the island, the bay is protected from the Trades and usually offers low waves and excellent swimming conditions. It is the place most visitors to the island head for. The main road from Picnic Bay ends at the bay and the small settlement accommodates tourists as well as providing limited shopping facilities. A number of water-based tourist activities are available on the beach and out on the bay waters. Horseshoe Bay Beach (MT21) is 3.2 km long, curves around and faces roughly north. White Rock and White Lady Rock headlands protrude out 2 km at either end and provide substantial protection for the bay. The main settlement and tourist activities are located toward the eastern end of the bay, while there is road access to the entire bay shoreline. Two small creeks drain across the beach - one in the centre and one at the eastern end. The beach is 20 m wide at high tide, increasing to 50 m at low tide. There are usually sailing boats operating from, and moored off, the beach as well as a boat ramp across the beach at the settlement.
SLSA provides this information as a guide only. Surf conditions are variable and therefore this information should not be relied upon as a substitute for observation of local conditions and an understanding of your abilities in the surf. SLSA reminds you to always swim between the red and yellow flags and never swim at unpatrolled beaches. SLSA takes all care and responsibility for any translation but it cannot guarantee that all translations will be accurate.