Bay of Martyrs

Bay of Martyrs is a southwest-facing coastal bay in Bay of Islands Coastal Park, near Peterborough. Its roughly 2.5-kilometre sweep of red limestone bluffs, reefs and offshore stacks makes it a worthwhile short stop when you want coast scenery away from the busier Twelve Apostles. The lookout is the quick version; the beach gives you a closer look at the rock.

The lookout spur is about 15 metres from the parking area. It has a slight incline on crushed rock and is described as wheelchair-suitable; one designated accessible parking space is listed, and you can see the formations from the car. Allow around 20 minutes to take in the view.

The crescent of sand has its own landmark: a natural opening in the rock formation that cuts across the beach. From below, you can frame someone in the opening for a more distinctive photo than another broad ocean view. The beach is unpatrolled, and offshore reefs and stacks make this a poor place to swim.

Hooded Plovers nest on the beach, so dogs are not allowed on Bay of Martyrs beach. Dogs can use the walking trail and other beaches between the car park and Peterborough. Southern Right Whales are often seen offshore near Peterborough from May to October; scan the water if you visit in that season, but treat a sighting as a bonus.

Local oral history links “Martyrs” to violence against Baradh gundidj people on this coast, but the precise events, location and origin of the place name are not established. The older “Cape of Martyrs” label was used for a point west near Bay of Islands, so it is best not to treat this bay as a confirmed massacre site.