Cox Peninsula: Beaches and History

Coastal experiences, fishing spots and history come together on Cox Peninsula. Jogging, shell collecting and picnicking are some of the activities available at Wagait Beach. Fishing is a main attraction at Mandorah; the coast and Wagait also feature World War II heritage.

Beach and Fishing

The two-kilometre stretch of beach at Wagait Beach is used for jogging. At the tropical beaches, you can look for shells and picnic. Depending on your interests, a beach visit can combine exercise with a break by the water.

The dry season and the full moon are particularly interesting times to fish from the Mandorah ferry jetty: mackerel and tuna come within casting distance. The jetty extends into deep harbour water and is known for catches ranging from barramundi to sharks. Local conditions may vary.

Coastal History

Along the shoreline from the jetty at Mandorah on Cox Peninsula are historic remains of World War II fortifications. At the beach access on Wagait Tower Road, a gun tower and gun emplacements have information signs. Further gun emplacement ruins are located along the beach track from Wagait to the jetty.

The remains of the Milady, an American bomber that crashed in 1945, can be reached from Charles Point Road via a signposted access route. Information signs at the crash site tell the story of the aircraft and its crew. Check local access conditions before visiting.

Art and Event Dates

The Wagait Arts Group Festival is held annually over a weekend in July or August at the Wagait Community Centre and on the Council grounds. It showcases artists from Cox Peninsula. The festival includes a themed art exhibition featuring local paintings, mosaics, textiles and sculptures.

If you are planning to travel for the festival, check the current dates and program in advance. This lets you plan your visit around the specific event dates rather than relying only on the usual July or August timeframe.

Getting There and Local Conditions

Cox Peninsula Road runs through mostly single-lane, winding terrain with subtropical bushland and coastal scrub to Wagait Beach. Road conditions can vary seasonally, so check the latest conditions before driving. The roads and the track to the World War II bomber site can be used without a permit.

This is separate from the restricted coastal areas, which are protected to safeguard sacred sites. On Cox Peninsula, camping is permitted only in designated camping areas. If you are planning to camp, take this restriction into account when choosing where to stay.

Nature and Local Dining

During the dry season, turtles come ashore at Wagait Beach at night to lay their eggs. Parks NT holds an annual release of hatchlings there. Check the current arrangements before planning to take part.

The Cox Country Club in the centre of Wagait serves meals and drinks. It occasionally hosts live music on weekends, featuring musicians from the Northern Territory. As operating arrangements should be checked before visiting, it is advisable to make a current enquiry if you are planning to dine there.

For the broader travel overview: Un-Incorporated Area.