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Camping on the Whitsunday Islands

Updated Mon 27 Nov 2023

Two girls sitting on a beach in swim wear eating fruit

When people think about the Whitsundays, they usually think about taking an overnight boat tour of the Whitsunday Islands, but many people don't know about the option of camping and exploring the Whitsundays on foot.

Camping on the Whitsunday Islands provides a completely unique experience where you are your own tour guide. You get the advantage of exploring the islands' beauty on your own time and camping gives you the freedom to stay on the islands for more than 2 nights if you want a truly immersive experience. Just because you choose to camp, doesn't mean you need to miss out on the adventurous activities that the Whitsundays are known for. You can rent or bring your own kayaking and snorkelling gear, to ensure you make the most of your time amongst the beautifully diverse marine life that inhabits the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

snorkelling Whitsundays


So how do you do camp in the Whitsundays?

You will need to visit the DERM Parks website, which provides an updated list of available parks on beaches where camping is permitted, and the number of people that will be there on a specific date. It is important to note that only a few beaches allow camping with certain notices and restrictions which must be followed.

A birds eye shot of an island with a yacht


The campsites available among the Whitsunday Islands National Parks area:

  • Cairn Beach, Whitsunday Island
  • Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island
  • Chance Bay, Whitsunday Island
  • Naris Beach, Whitsunday Island
  • Dugong Beach, Whitsunday Island
  • Joes Beach, Whitsunday Island
  • Curlet Beach, Hook Island
  • Crayfish Beach Hook Island
  • Maureen's Cove, Hook Island
  • Steens Beach, Hook Island
  • Northern Spit, Henning Island

A sign on a beach that reads 'Whitehaven Beach'

How to get to a National Park?

The simplest way to get to the islands is on a water taxi called Scamper which will transfer all of your equipment, and pick you up at the scheduled time. The island transfer company also has optional extras for you to purchase, including camper kits, kayaks and snorkelling gear, so you can get the most out of your trip! This is a great option for people who want to camp, and want it to be an easy and stress-free adventure!


The back of a girl with a hat and backpack on at a beach lookout


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