Etty Bay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Etty Bay |
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Australia's largest flightless bird, the cassowary, on the beach at Etty Bay
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 Etty Bay
Location in Queensland
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| Coordinates | 17°33′28.05″S 146°5′25.31″E / 17.5577917°S 146.0903639°E |
| Ocean/sea sources | Pacific Ocean |
| Basin countries | Australia |
Etty Bay is a beautiful bay located in the far north of Queensland, Australia. It's part of the Pacific Ocean and has a lovely beach about 700 meters (2,300 feet) long.
This scenic spot is about 15 kilometers (9 miles) by road from the town of Innisfail. It's also just a 20-minute drive from Paronella Park and 7 kilometers (4 miles) from the main Bruce Highway. The last part of the drive is very pretty, climbing 100 meters (330 feet) over the Moresby Range before you arrive at the bay. Etty Bay has a Surf Lifesaving Club and a small caravan park right on the beach.
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What Can You Do at Etty Bay?
Etty Bay is a very popular place for fun activities in the water and on the sand. You can enjoy surfing, swimming, sailing, boating, and fishing here. Many people think Etty Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in North Queensland.
The caravan park is right next to the beach and offers meals. There are also plenty of things for day visitors, like shaded picnic spots with electric BBQs. The beach is surrounded by lush rainforest, which is home to many different animals and plants. It's a great place for a bushwalk!
The beach itself has fine, white sand. At high tide, it's less than 50 meters (160 feet) wide. But at low tide, over 100 meters (330 feet) of sand is uncovered. The waves are usually small, around 0.5 meters (1.6 feet) high. There are rocks at both ends of the beach.
Amazing Wildlife at Etty Bay
Etty Bay is famous for its incredible wildlife, especially the cassowary. This is an endangered bird that you might even see walking right on the beach!
Cassowaries: Giants of the Rainforest
The southern cassowary is Australia's largest bird that cannot fly. These amazing birds, sometimes with their chicks, often visit the beach, the wet rainforest, and even the caravan park. While they are fascinating to watch, it's important to remember that cassowaries can be dangerous. Always keep a safe distance and never try to feed them.
Other Animals You Might See
Besides cassowaries, you might also spot other interesting animals. Saltwater crocodiles are sometimes seen in the waters near the bay. It's very important to be aware of your surroundings when near the water. Large Monitor lizards are also sometimes seen exploring the area.
Swimming Safely at Etty Bay
The Surf Lifesaving Club at Etty Bay was started in 1935. They help keep swimmers safe.
Stinger Season and Net
During the "stinger season," which runs from November to May, a special stinger net is put in the water. This net helps protect swimmers from dangerous jellyfish. It's always best to swim inside this net during these months.
Water Conditions and Hazards
Etty Bay is usually a safe beach with calm, shallow waves. However, sometimes strong winds can create bigger waves and even a strong current called a rip. If you see a rip, it's best to stay out of the water or only swim in the stinger net area.
It's important to be aware of potential dangers in the water. These include crocodiles, Box Jellyfish, and the tiny but deadly Irukandji jellyfish. Always pay attention to warning signs and listen to the advice of the lifeguards.
Fishing at Etty Bay
If you enjoy fishing, Etty Bay offers some great opportunities. Because the beach slopes gently, it's usually best to fish when the tide is high. You can also fish from the rocks at either end of the bay.
What Fish Can You Catch?
Many different types of fish can be caught here. Some common catches include barramundi, coral trout, mackerel, swallow-tail dart, flathead, bream, mangrove jack, whiting, and even small sharks and rays.
Best Fishing Methods
Using soft plastic lures and popper lures can help you catch bigger fish. However, traditional bait like squid and prawns also work very well.
