[1] The locality of Cowley Beach is bounded to the north by the Moresby River, to the east by the Coral Sea, and to the south by Liverpool Creek.

[5][6] This facility is used for amphibious warfare training, and also includes a rocket range and a cantonment area.

[2] In December 1930, a public reserve along the beachfront of Cowley Beach was established.

[29] In January 1931 the beach was attracting increasing numbers of holiday makers.

[30][31] The Cowley Beach Military Training Area was established in 1962 as the Joint Tropical Research Unit, so-called because it operated in collaboration with the British Ministry of Defence.