Launs Beach

Launs Beach is a hidden coastal gem on the eastern shore of Cleveland Bay, a historically significant area named by Captain Cook in 1770. This intimate 50-meter pocket of sand marks the eastern end of a kilometer-long beach ridge, where the dense mangrove fringe finally gives way to open shore. The beach sits approximately 20 kilometers across the bay from Townsville, offering a dramatic contrast to the city's developed coastline.

What makes Launs Beach particularly striking is its backdrop – the rocky slopes of Mount Cleveland rise impressively to 560 meters behind the shore, creating a spectacular natural amphitheater. The beach marks a significant transition point where the coastline turns northward, and the landscape shifts from mangrove-dominated shores to a series of small, undeveloped sandy beaches interspersed with rocky outcrops.

Despite its natural beauty, Launs Beach remains relatively untouched, characterized by its extensive tidal flats that stretch up to 1.5 kilometers offshore. These protected waters create a very low-energy beach environment, sheltered from the open ocean's force. While access may be challenging due to its remote location on Cape Cleveland, this very isolation has helped preserve its pristine character.