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Home >  Australia  >  Queensland  >  Townsville  >  

Picnic Bay

Picnic Bay

Australia, Queensland, Townsville 

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Picnic Bay

Australia, Queensland, Townsville 

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Sandee Picnic Bay

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Picnic Bay is a serene and picturesque beach located on the southern tip of Magnetic Island, part of the city of Townsville in Queensland, Australia. The beach is known for its sweeping golden sands and tranquil waters, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and unwinding. It features an iconic jetty that extends into the bay, providing a lovely stroll for visitors and a popular place for local fishermen. The atmosphere at Picnic Bay is calm and community-oriented, dominated by friendly locals rather than heavy tourism, giving it an authentic and laid-back vibe.

Surrounded by natural beauty, the beach is fringed by a coral reef that invites snorkeling and exploration of vibrant marine life, including occasional visits from turtles. Picnic Bay also offers easy access to scenic hikes and nature trails within the island's national park, which is home to native Australian wildlife such as koalas and rock wallabies. This blend of beach charm, wildlife, and outdoor activities makes Picnic Bay a unique destination for visitors seeking both adventure and tranquility.

Near Picnic Bay, several standout restaurants offer diverse dining experiences with vibrant atmospheres and quality cuisine. Restaurant Elsie in Picnic Bay itself is a trendy and cozy spot known for its great beer selection, cocktails, and healthy small plates, welcoming families with a kids' menu and free parking options. For a lively beachfront ambiance with modern Australian dishes, Longboard on The Strand in Townsville City offers a sunny deck, live music, and wheelchair accessibility, making it a popular choice for lunch or dinner.

Another local gem is the Picnic Bay Hotel, blending excellent food with cold drinks and cocktails in a relaxed setting right by the beach. For a sophisticated dining experience with water views, The Watermark Townsville provides an elegant atmosphere with an extensive menu featuring great wine and dessert options. Additionally, Mamma Roma serves Italian cuisine in a cozy, romantic setting with live music and a great coffee selection, suitable for family dining and groups.

Accommodation options near Picnic Bay cater to a range of preferences, from upscale resorts to budget-friendly lodgings. The Ville Resort-Casino is a lively resort offering marina views, multiple bars and dining options, a casino, and an outdoor pool, perfect for guests seeking entertainment and luxury. For a more boutique experience, Peppers Blue on Blue Resort Magnetic Island provides chic marina-front rooms, two pools, and complimentary breakfast.

Cstay Guest House on Magnetic Island offers laid-back budget accommodation with a saltwater pool and BBQ area, ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed stay close to the beach. The Picnic Bay Hotel doubles as a hotel and bar and grill, delivering comfortable rooms with the added bonus of onsite dining and beverages. Lastly, Aquarius on The Beach is a casual motel featuring all-studio rooms with sea views, an outdoor pool, and picnic facilities, providing a scenic and convenient base near the beach.

Picnic Bay beach is well-equipped with essential amenities that enhance visitor comfort and convenience. Restrooms and showers are available to keep guests refreshed after enjoying the sea, while picnic areas offer shaded spots with tables for families and groups to gather and dine outdoors. The presence of rental equipment options caters to those interested in water-based activities, ensuring visitors can easily access gear such as snorkeling and kayaking supplies.

Additional facilities nearby include barbecue areas perfect for social gatherings and free Wi-Fi zones that allow guests to stay connected amidst the natural surroundings. The beach’s infrastructure supports a safe and enjoyable visit with clearly marked paths, clean maintenance, and support services such as lifeguards during swimming season, making it both family- and visitor-friendly.

Picnic Bay is a haven for an array of recreational activities appealing to different interests and skill levels. Swimming is a favored pastime here, with a stinger net in place during the season from November to May ensuring safe waters. The coral reef adjacent to the beach offers excellent snorkeling opportunities, inviting visitors to explore the vibrant underwater ecosystem and spot marine species like turtles and colorful fish.

Beyond water activities, the beach's jetty provides a great platform for fishing or simply enjoying panoramic ocean views. Nearby trails encourage hiking enthusiasts to explore scenic routes through Magnetic Island National Park, where the rich flora and fauna add to the adventure. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sunbathing are also popular, making Picnic Bay a versatile destination for both active visitors and those seeking relaxation.

Picnic Bay beach and its surrounding amenities provide good accessibility features to accommodate visitors with disabilities. Many nearby restaurants and hotels offer wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking, restrooms, and seating, ensuring comfortable dining and lodging experiences. The pathways and public facilities near the beach are designed to be inclusive, allowing easy movement for those using mobility aids.

Although there is no specific mention of wheelchair rentals at Picnic Bay, the community-oriented and tourist-friendly environment ensures that visitors with disabilities can enjoy the beach and adjacent attractions with ease. Accessibility to the jetty and public areas is facilitated by ramps and appropriate infrastructure to support inclusive access.

Parking at Picnic Bay is convenient and plentiful, with a combination of free street parking and designated free parking lots available close to the beach and local amenities. Most nearby restaurants and hotels also offer free parking, which is usually abundant even during busier periods, making access hassle-free for visitors arriving by car.

For those staying at accommodations around Picnic Bay, many provide onsite parking facilities. The proximity of parking options allows easy and quick access to the beach, jetty, and eateries, ensuring visitors can maximize their time enjoying the area without worrying about distant or limited parking spaces.

Picnic Bay holds a special place in the history of Magnetic Island with its longstanding local community presence and a jetty that was once a ferry terminal before the service moved to nearby Nelly Bay. The bay itself is named for its idyllic setting, perfect for picnics under shady trees overlooking the water, a tradition cherished by both locals and visitors alike.

Marine life around Picnic Bay is notable, with the coral reef providing habitat to diverse sea creatures and occasional turtle sightings, making it a vibrant underwater environment. The nearby shipwreck of the SS City of Adelaide, grounding in 1916, serves as a fascinating historical landmark, transforming over time into a thriving habitat for plants and birds, combining history with natural wonder.

Picnic Bay's iconic jetty is a central attraction, beloved by locals and visitors for fishing, leisurely walks, and taking in stunning sea views. The surrounding Magnetic Island National Park offers numerous nature trails and lookout points, such as Hawkings Point Lookout, which grants panoramic vistas of the ocean and mainland Townsville, enriching the visitor experience with breathtaking scenery.

Nearby, the SS City of Adelaide shipwreck at Cockle Bay fascinates history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, especially at low tide when the wreck is partly visible amidst the thriving coastal ecosystem. The Magnetic Island Country Club nearby also provides golf enthusiasts with an inviting course, rounding out the diverse attractions accessible from Picnic Bay.

Basic Details

INParking

INRestroom Available

INBeige

IN3 Esplanade, Picnic Bay QLD 4819, Australia

Know Before You Go

Amenities

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesATM

  • Barbecue

  • Boat Ramp

  • Dogs

  • Entry Fee

  • Fire Pits

  • Hidden

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesLifeguard

  • Marine Life

  • Pier

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesPlayground

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesRestrooms

  • Shops

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesShowers

  • WiFi

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesPicnic Table

  • Activities

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesBike Paths

  • Camping

  • Clubs Party Scene

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesFishing

  • Hiking

  • Nude

  • Paddle boarding

  • Scuba Diving

  • Snorkeling

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesSurfing

  • Tours

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesVolleyball

  • Cave

  • Rentals

  • ATV

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesBikes

  • Boat

  • Fishing Boats

  • Jet Skiing

  • Kayaking Canoeing

  • Chair Rentals

  • Sailing

  • Speed Boats

  • Umbrella Rental

  • Waterskiing

  • Windsurfing

  • Yachts

  • Food

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesBars

  • Food Snacks

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesLocal Beach Vendor

  • Lounge

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesRestaurants

  • Access

  • Bike Racks

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesCar Access

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesDisabled Access

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesFoot Access

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesParking - Free

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesParking - Paid

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesParking - RV Parking

  • Parking - Street

  • Public Bus Stop

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesStairs to Beach

  • Boat Access

  • Features

  • Blue Flag

  • Jellyfish

  • Pebbles

  • Riptide

  • Rocky

  • Sharks

  • LGBTQ+

  • Picnic Bay - Beach Map

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!

    Does Picnic Bay have parking? If so, is it free or paid?

    Yes, this Beach provides paid parking at the entrance, although spaces are limited. Visitors can also find street parking nearby for easy access to the beach.

    Does Picnic Bay have lifeguards?

    Yes, this Beach ensures safety with professional lifeguards on duty throughout the day, offering peace of mind for beachgoers.

    Is Picnic Bay a family-friendly beach?

    Yes, this Beach is the perfect family destination, offering clean restrooms, vigilant lifeguards, and a variety of nearby food options, ensuring an enjoyable day for all.

    Is Picnic Bay good for swimming?

    Yes, this Beach boasts excellent swimming conditions, attracting swimmers of all skill levels with its gentle waves and clear waters.

    Does Picnic Bay have restrooms?

    Yes, Restrooms are conveniently available on or adjacent to the beach at this Beach.

    Is Picnic Bay a nude beach?

    Yes, this Beach is known for being a nude beach, providing a liberating experience for those seeking clothing-optional sunbathing and swimming.

    Is there food near Picnic Bay?

    Yes, this Beach has multiple food options near or on the beach, including restaurants and beach vendors.

    What are the activities at Picnic Bay?

    Yes, this Beach is renowned for its vibrant beach scene, offering various activities for everyone to enjoy Bike Paths, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Nude, Paddleboarding, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Surfing, Tours, Volleyball.

    Does Picnic Bay have accommodations for people with disabilities?

    Yes, this Beach offers accommodations for people with disabilities, allowing everyone to relish the coastal experience.

    Is Picnic Bay a dog-friendly beach?

    Yes, bring your dog with you to this Beach!

    Is Picnic Bay good for surfing?

    Yes, surfing is an activity that is frequently enjoyed at this Beach.

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