Dunk Island camping, walking and snorkelling
Camping, walking and snorkelling are all possible on Dunk Island, Queensland. But to get there, you need to take a water taxi from Mission Beach.
Dunk Island, Queensland, should be one of Australia’s most talked-about tourist destinations. However, when Cyclone Yasi passed through in 2011, it more or less destroyed the island’s resort. Since then, attempts to revive the resort have failed. However, a change of ownership in June 2021 brings hope – the new owners seem determined to spend the money required to make Dunk Island a viable proposition again.
Dunk Island camping
For now, though, the only way you can stay on Dunk Island is camping. There are just a handful of camp sites either side of the Spit, where the Mission Beach Water Taxi boat transfers pull up.
Facilities for the Dunk Island camping experience are pretty good by the standards of camping in Queensland’s national parks. There’s drinking water, flushing toilets, hot showers, gas barbecues and picnic tables.
Dunk Island walking
Dunk Island is part of the Family Islands National Park. Away from the beaches, the island is all about thick rainforest, palm trees and eucalypt-lined gullies. The vegetation isn’t as thick as it once was, courtesy of Cyclone Yasi, but there are still some good walks to be tackled. The 7km return walk to the island’s summit, Mount Kootaloo, is the obvious challenge to take on. This is moderately difficult, and passes lookouts with great views out over the reefs on the way. Budget around three hours for the walk.
An easier target is Muggy Muggy Beach, which is a 3km return walk from the Spit. The Muggy Muggy Beach walk finishes at a cute sandy cove, passing coastal woodland and mangroves en route.
You can go for swim or snorkel at Muggy Muggy Beach, but don’t go expecting Great Barrier Reef-style aquatic wonderlands. You also be wary of box jellyfish and other marine stingers, while crocodiles have also been sighted around Dunk Island in the past.
Mission Beach Water Taxis
To get to Dunk Island, you need a boat transfer from Mission Beach. These cost $70 at time of writing.
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Cross Cobbold Gorge on the infamous glass bridge.