Cockermouth Island
Image: Will Burgess
Cockermouth Island is part of the Cumberland Island Group that is protected within the Great Barrier Marine Park. Located off the coast of Mackay along Queensland’s north-eastern coastline, Cockermouth Island is surrounded by pristine fringing reefs that are largely uninterrupted by human activity. With no tour companies currently visiting the island, it’s no surprise why Cockermouth Island is one of the Whitsundays' best-kept secrets!
Reached by boat only, Cockermouth Island is home to large tidal lagoons on the island’s western side, that expose ancient Pleistocene reefs on low tide. The lagoon creates the perfect scene for any nature-lover to put on a snorkel, kayak peacefully, and sit back and watch turtles and sting rays go about their day-to-day activities! Much like Whitehaven Beach, the local marine life will often swim away when humans approach.
With no mobile reception and a campsite that holds a maximum of 12 people, Cockermouth Island grants visitors the rare opportunity to switch off from the outside world and enjoy the beauty of nature. Crowds surely are a guaranteed no-show!
Cockermouth Island Features
Featuring biodiverse coral reefs that are renowned as some of the Great Barrier Reef’s best, Cockermouth Island is home to a large number of Green Sea Turtles and baby reef sharks.
- Snorkelling amongst Green Sea Turtles relaxing in the lagoon after low tide
- Ample shallow water fishing and spearfishing opportunities
- Canoeing and kayaking over shallow fringing reefs ecosystems
- Long stretches of white sandy shorelines surrounded by shaded areas
- No mobile reception or tourist crowds
Image: escapewithchris
Camping at Cockermouth Island
Cockermouth Island is best accessed by departing from the mainland of Mackay by boat. Located on the southwestern bay of Cockermouth Island is the open camping area that holds a maximum of 12 people at a time.
Cockermouth Island coordinates: -20.783333 latitude and 149.4 longitude.
The camping site surfaces are sand and grass, and visitors must bring their own drinking water, food supplies, equipment, rubbish bags, and insect repellent. There are no facilities on Cockermouth Island, and generators are not permitted. Additionally, open fires are prohibited. To learn more about camping at Cockermouth Island, visit the South Cumberland Islands National Park website.
Please note that visitors are required to pre-purchase a permit before arriving on the island.
Cockermouth Island has remained one of the Whitsundays’ well-kept secrets over the decade, mainly known amongst local Mackay residents and fishing enthusiasts. The island plays a primary role in maintaining the Great Barrier Reef’s sacred biodiversity, with low tourism numbers aiding the island's natural preservation. Learn more about how you can help protect the Great Barrier Reef here.
