Corio Bay is a large, shallow coastal estuary in Central Queensland, forming a significant part of the Capricorn Coast. It connects via creeks and channels to the open waters of Keppel Bay and the Southern Great Barrier Reef. The bay's geography is characterized by extensive tidal flats, sand banks, and rock bars at the entrances of its feeder creeks, requiring local knowledge or careful navigation for paddlers moving between the bay and open water. The predominant estuarine sediment is sandy. There are currently two designated boat launching areas providing access to Corio Bay. One is located at Sandy Point into Fishing Creek, and the other is off the northern end of Corbett's Landing Road in Byfield, where boats may also be landed on beaches. These launches offer paddlers entry into a network of creeks and the broader bay. The area is part of a recognized wetland system and features sweeping beaches backed by world-heritage listed wetlands. Paddlers share these waters with other boat traffic, as locations like Stockyard, Corbett's Landing, and Sandfly Creek are popular fishing spots. The surrounding region includes the Byfield National Park, with rolling hillocks, mountains, and forested streams, contributing to a remote and natural aesthetic. The environmental sensitivity of the area, including marine turtle nesting habitats within the broader wetland system, suggests paddlers should exercise particular care to minimize their impact.