Cockle Bay (Queensland) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cockle Bay Magnetic Island, Queensland
The wreck of SS City of Adelaide in Cockle Bay at low tide
LGA(s)	City of Townsville

Cockle Bay is a small, quiet bay located on the southwestern side of Magnetic Island in Queensland, Australia. It's part of the Picnic Bay area and is known for its calm waters and interesting history.

Exploring Cockle Bay

Cockle Bay is found on the western side of Nobby Head. This is a piece of land that sticks out at the very southern tip of Magnetic Island. You'll find a few homes scattered around the bay.

Getting There

You can reach Cockle Bay by a dirt road that goes through areas with mangrove trees. This road connects to West Point Road, which then leads to Picnic Bay and West Point. If you prefer to travel by water, you can also get to the bay by boat. There's a special channel through the reefs offshore, which helps larger boats get in safely.

The Story of the Shipwreck

One of the most famous things about Cockle Bay is the old ship wreck found about 300 meters (330 yards) offshore. This is the remains of the SS City of Adelaide.

What Happened to the Ship?

The City of Adelaide was once a passenger steamer. Later, it was used to store coal. In 1915, the ship caught fire. It was being towed from Townsville to Picnic Bay. The plan was to sink it there to create a breakwater, which is a barrier that protects a harbor from waves. But the ship ended up sinking in Cockle Bay instead.

A New Home for Nature

On December 24, 1971, a big storm called Cyclone Althea hit the area. This storm caused part of the ship's iron hull to collapse. Even though it's a wreck, the City of Adelaide has become like a small, artificial island. It's now home to many different plants and birds, making it a unique spot in the bay.