Are you a lover of the great outdoors? Enjoy pitching your tent amongst the magnificent beauty of nature? Then this article is for you! Queensland, known as “the sunshine state” and located on the north eastern coast of mainland Australia, is home to an abundance of outstanding camping locations in a variety of different environments. Some of the most spectacular camping sites in the sunny state are those island locations dotted along the infamous Great Barrier Reef.
Home to some of the world’s most breathtaking sea life is the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest living structure, which is comprised of 2900 individual reefs. The Great Barrier Reef, a World Heritage Listed natural attraction, is so large (stretching an astonishing 2300km or 1430 miles!) it can be seen from space! The Great Barrier Reef begins just off the coast of Bundaberg (located along the Coral Coast in southern Queensland), and reaches all the way to the most northern point of mainland Australia – the Cape York Peninsula.
The Great Barrier Reef attracts upwards of two million visitors a year, from all over Australia and every corner of the globe. This spectacular site is a must-see for lovers of nature (especially for ocean and animal lovers), with more than 1625 types of beautiful fish and 600+ magnificent varieties of coral calling the Reef home.
There are a number of islands dotted off the coast of Queensland on which you can set up camp and explore nature. However, perhaps none more beautiful than those located along the magical Great Barrier Reef. Let’s take a look now at four of these incredible island paradises.
Fitzroy Island, near Cairns
Fitzroy Island, a magnificent and idyllic tropical island paradise, is located a mere 45 minutes via Fast Cat from the Cairns Marina. Covered by 97% rainforest National Park and with the ability to snorkel straight off the shore of the island out onto the Great Barrier Reef (think beautiful tropical fish, sea turtles and coral), Fitzroy Island is undoubtedly one the most awe-inspiring camping locations in Australia.
In fact, Fitzroy Island boasts a wide array of accommodation types, with something to suit all budgets. Whether you are keen on camping for its amazing affordability, or you are a mad nature lover (or perhaps a combination of the two!), Fitzroy Island hosts roughly 20 tent sites, which are spectacularly located right by the beach at Welcome Bay. Located near to the tent sites lays a pergola-covered eating space, beachfront BBQs, as well as a modern amenities block.
If you decide to give camping at Fitzroy Island a shot, you shall need to bring all of your own equipment. It is important to note that each tent should have maximum dimensions of 3 by 3 metres. Each tent site is able to accommodate a maximum of 2 adults and 2 children.
Fitzroy Island is an absolute adventure mecca, with not only exquisite snorkelling and diving opportunities on offer, but a wide array of additional activities too. These include: jumping on the island’s giant ocean trampoline, exploring the reef via sea kayak or stand-up paddle board, exploring the island via one of its many rainforest walking/hiking trails, taking a tour of the island’s waters via glass bottom boat, and learning all about and seeing up close some of the region’s amazing sea turtles by means of a Turtle Rehabilitation Centre tour.
Lady Musgrave Island, near Gladstone
Picturesque Lady Musgrave Island is located about 60 kilometres east off the coast of Gladstone (situated 550km north of the state’s capital, Brisbane). Lady Musgrave Island attracts visitors for its stunning snorkelling and diving opportunities, due to its bordering and protected deep-water reef lagoon, which is abundant with an array of colourful coral, tropical fish, as well as other marine life, including sea turtles (green and loggerhead).
Staying more than just the day to enjoy Lady Musgrave Island and its surrounding waters means pre-booking a camping permit, available from Queensland National Parks and Wildlife. In order to preserve the natural beauty of the island, a maximum of 40 people are allowed at any one time, meaning you can avoid big crowds.
Facilities on Lady Musgrave Island are limited (think an emergency radio and composting toilets). As a result, bringing along all your necessary equipment, food and drinking water is essential. If you happen to be travelling to Lady Musgrave Island during peak times (such as Australian school holidays), plan and book your camping permit ahead of time, to avoid disappointment.
Image Credit: 1770reef.com.au
Magnetic Island, near Townsville
Beautiful Magnetic Island is situated just 8km from the tropical northern city of Townsville, and home to approximately 2500 people. In fact, Magnetic Island boasts its own postcode, and is the only island situated along the entire Great Barrier Reef to do so. With more than 20 different beaches and bays to explore, in addition to numerous walking trails, Magnetic Island attracts local and international visitors alike. The island’s roads are sealed and carry local buses, taxis and some cars.
Camping on Magnetic Island is restricted to (nice and shady) grass camping sites available at Bungalow Bay Koala Village. The island is famous for being able to spot many a furry Aussie animal, hanging out in its natural habitat. You might be lucky enough to see koalas, possums and wallabies amongst the natural Australian bush vegetation. Bungalow Bay Koala Village offers both powered and unpowered sites for their camping guests, with a maximum stay of 7 nights.
Image Credit: savethekoala.com
Great Keppel Island, near Yeppoon
The superb Great Keppel Island is situated just 15km off the coast of Yeppoon, a central Queensland coastal town located 40km north east of Rockhampton. Great Keppel’s Shelving Beach and Monkey Point are two of the island’s best beaches (17 in total) for fabulous snorkelling. Approximately 90 bird species call the area home, and it is not uncommon to spot turtles and dolphins frolicking in the island’s waters.
If you wish to camp on Great Keppel Island, you must do so at Great Keppel Island Holiday Village (GKIHV), and can choose from two options: Camping Sites or Decked Tents. If you book a Camping Site, you shall need to bring your own tent (maximum size: 2-person tent). Deck Tents offer a little more luxury, as they are large in size, offer a bed(s)/accompanying linen, lighting as well as fans. A camping stay at GKIHV means access to a toilet/shower block, snorkelling gear and a full camp kitchen.
