The hike into Raft Cove used to be treacherous, which I did not mind. It kept this gem hidden from the masses. The trail is only 2kms in length but used to be completely unmaintained and required the crossing of a large swamp and thick brush on a sketchy trail. I once encountered a couple attempting to head in to Raft Cove on a day trip that turned around at the first log crossing for fear of falling in the deep mucky water. I am sure they were not the only ones to do this.
These days the trail has been revamped with board walk and is a highway. What used to take an hour to hike now only takes around 30mins. There is also access to the beach by canoe or kayak via the Macjack River, which you can drop your boat into by heading out towards Winter Harbour. This I have yet to do myself.
The Macjack River can be crossed at low tide, which comes up to about waste level. On the south side of the river there is a small stream for drinking water (the only drinking water on the beach) and also an old cabin. The cabin is hidden in the woods and is unmaintained. It has a wood stove and a couple bunks for those crazy enough to not want to camp on the gorgeous beach.