Nelly Bay Snorkel Trail

Nelly Bay Snorkel Trail is a self-guided snorkel trail off the eastern end of Nelly Bay Beach on Magnetic Island, Queensland, within the City of Townsville and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Marked by surface and underwater interpretive signs, the trail showcases fringing coral reef, bommies and diverse marine life close to shore. It is notable for easy shore access, educational signage and its location a short walk from the Nelly Bay ferry terminal and Gabul Way.

Visitors can expect a self-guided, shore-access snorkel trail starting at the eastern end of Nelly Bay Beach near Gabul Way. The trail follows a series of surface buoys and underwater plinths with interpretive signs explaining coral, fish and reef ecology. The setting is a sheltered bay with fringing reef, sandy beach, clear shallow water and views of Magnetic Island hills. Visitors explore at their own pace by swimming and snorkeling along the marked route close to shore.