Famous the world over, the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef is often high on the list for travellers from Queensland, interstate Australia and international visitors from all around the globe. Boasting an astonishing 1625 different types of fish alongside 600 types of beautiful coral (that make up the 2900 individual reefs), the Great Barrier Reef is an absolute must-see for lovers of the ocean and anyone who gets a kick out of being surrounded by incredible natural beauty.
Stretching from Bundaberg in southern Queensland all the way to the Cape York Peninsula in Tropical Far North Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef is more than 2300km long and attracts over 2 million visitors from all over the planet.
If you are a keen lover of nature and enjoy camping in the great outdoors, there are a number of locations along the coast of Queensland near to the Great Barrier Reef (including a variety of beautiful tropical islands) whereby you can set up camp and soak up the incredible atmosphere.
In this article, we introduce you to four of the most magnificent tropical island locations scattered along the Great Barrier Reef, from Lady Musgrave Island in the south to Fitzroy Island in the north which each allow camping.
Fitzroy Island, near Cairns
Located just a short 45-minute fast cat ride away from the Cairns Marina lays the exquisitely beautiful Fitzroy Island. An idyllic tropical paradise comprised by 97% rainforest National Park and with snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef available straight off the beach, Fitzroy Island is one of the most remarkable locations in Australia for setting up a tent and soaking up the laidback island vibes.
With an array of accommodation types on offer, Fitzroy Island is suitable for travellers of all budgets. Whether you love camping for its value for money or you are mad on nature (or both!), Fitzroy Island has approximately 20 tent sites located right by the beach. Available nearby to your tent space is a stylish and modern amenities block, as well as a covered pergola eating area and beachfront BBQs.
Campers on Fitzroy Island are required to supply their own equipment, keeping in mind each tent is limited in size to 3m x 3m and each site a maximum of 2 adults plus 2 children. Fitzroy Island is an adventure seeker’s haven, with amazing snorkelling and diving opportunities available alongside an array of fun activities including sea kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, bouncing on the giant ocean trampoline, taking a glass bottom boat tour, walking and/or hiking one or more of the island’s magical walking trails and paying a visit to the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.
Imagine waking up, grabbing your mask and snorkel and exploring the Great Barrier Reef straight off the island’s shore (with the chance to see majestic sea turtles, an array of tropical fish and beautiful coral)… It doesn’t get much better than that!
Lady Musgrave Island, near Gladstone
Located roughly 60km east of Gladstone much further down the Queensland coast from Cairns is beautiful Lady Musgrave Island. Popular among both snorkellers and divers, Lady Musgrave is bordered by a protected deep water reef lagoon abundant with tropical fish, colourful coral and other marine life such as green and loggerhead turtles.
If you wish to stay more than just the day and soak up the tropical island paradise of Lady Musgrave Island, you can do so by pre-booking yourself a camping permit with Queensland National Parks and Wildlife (the island permits at one time a maximum of 40 people). With basic facilities only, including composting toilets as well as an emergency radio, it is essential you bring along with you fresh drinking water and all food you shall require. If you are travelling to the island over peak periods (i.e. school holidays), be sure to book your permit in advance.
Magnetic Island, near Townsville
A brief 25-minute ferry ride from the coast of Townsville will see you arriving at magnificent Magnetic Island, located just 8km off the mainland coast. Home to 2,500 residents and unique in that it is the only island located on the Great Barrier Reef with its very own postcode, Magnetic Island is a popular choice amongst both tourists as well as locals with over 20 different bays and beaches (check with the locals as to the best snorkelling spots!) and a number of walking trails to explore. The island has sealed roads suitable for the local bus services, taxis and personal/hire cars (depending on size as well as insurance).
If you wish to camp on Magnetic Island, you can do so by staying at Bungalow Bay Koala Village (offering the only camping available on all of Magnetic Island). The grassed camping sites offer lots of shade thanks to large neighbouring trees, and if you are lucky, you may get the chance to spot some famous Aussie animals in their natural habitat, including possums, wallabies and koalas! Offering a maximum 7 nights stay, Bungalow Bay Koala Village have both unpowered ($16 per person, per night) and powered ($20 per person, per night) sites on offer.
Great Keppel Island, near Yeppoon
Another popular choice for tourists alongside the locals is beautiful Great Keppel Island, located 15km from Yeppoon. With a total of 17 lovely beaches and relatively calm waters, Monkey Point and Shelving Beach are often recommended for some of the island’s best snorkelling. Great Keppel Island is home to roughly 90 different species of birds and turtle and dolphin sightings occur on a regular basis.
Camping on Great Keppel Island is restricted to Great Keppel Island Holiday Village (GKIHV). With two types of camping available, you can choose from Camping Sites or Decked Tents. GKIHV have a total of six camping sites on offer, restricted to 2 person tents (to be supplied by guests). You shall have access to a full camp kitchen, toilet/shower block as well as snorkelling gear for the duration of your stay. Decked Tents are great if you are looking for something a little more when it comes to your tent. Decked Tents are erected upon a wooden deck among the trees, are large in size and fully screened and include a small outdoor deck, bed/beds, linen, lighting and fans to keep you cool and comfortable.
