Half Tide is the southern end of the Hay Point locality, between the two coal terminals, and the tug harbour is where the port's tugs and pilot boats are kept. North Queensland Bulk Ports donated the land and paid for the public ramp and car park on the harbour's inner side, and in July 2018 a 40 metre by 2.4 metre heavy-duty floating walkway was added on the ramp's southern side, funded with $589,000 from the state's Marine Infrastructure Investment Program. The ramp is for recreational vessels up to 7.5 metres.
Because it is inside a security-controlled port, the ramp is open only during the port's stated hours, may be closed at short notice for port operations, and is under camera. In 2026 the port opened additional temporary public areas nearby for foot-based fishing and unmarked overflow trailer parking. Do not tie up to port infrastructure, and keep clear of the tugs.
From the harbour it is a short run to the shoals and islands off Hay Point and south to Sarina Beach, all with the big Mackay tides and strong currents around the terminals. Marine Rescue Queensland Sarina and Mackay monitor VHF 16. Stinger season is October to May.