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Family Islands National Park

  • Nature, culture and history

    • Park alerts and park summary

    Getting there and getting around

    The Family Islands are situated off the coast of far north Queensland, between Tully Heads and Mission Beach. Dunk Island, 4.5km east of Mission Beach, is the largest and most northerly of the group. Access is by commercial flights from Cairns and Townsville; commercial ferries from Clump Point, North Mission Beach (travel time approximately 40 minutes) and water taxi from Wongaling and South Mission Beach (travel time approximately 10 minutes). Dunk Island is also accessible by private vessels. Most of the island is protected as national park threaded with a network of walking tracks. The Dunk Island Resort, farm and artists' residence, occupying the remainder of the island, are also accessible to day visitors.

    Wheeler, Coombe, Smith, Bowden, Hudson and Purtaboi Islands are also in Family Islands National Park. These islands are accessible by sea kayak, private boat or charter vessel from Mission Beach, Cardwell, Hull River or Tully River while commercial ferry operators provide cruises around these scenic islands.

    See the tourism information links below for details of transport operators to the islands.

    Access to some islands is prohibited during the seabird breeding season from 1 October to 31 March. See Boating and Fishing for details.

    Some other islands in the group are not national park. They include Thorpe and Bedarra Islands (privately-owned) and tiny Woln-Garin (Unallocated State Land).

    Wheelchair accessibility

    There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities in the Family Islands National Park. The Dunk Island Resort does offer wheelchair-accessible facilities.

    Park features

    The lush, green, gently-rising hills of the Family Islands contrast greatly with the jagged and lofty profile of Hinchinbrook Island which dominates the southern horizon. Dunk Island, like the other Family Islands, is cloaked in a mosaic of dense rainforest in protected gullies and wet slopes, and eucalypt forest with an understorey of palms and looping lianas on drier more exposed ridges.

    The Family Islands lie within the traditional sea country of the Bandjin and Djiru Aboriginal peoples, who for tens of thousands of years have collected, gathered and hunted the bountiful marine and island resources for food and materials. Today they retain a strong connection to these islands. Lt James Cook named Dunk Island in 1770 but it is best known from the writings of the "Beachcomber", E.J. Banfield, who lived on Dunk Island from 1897 until 1923, and wrote four books about the island's natural and cultural history.

    The islands support many species of birds, insects, reptiles and mammals. Over time, the brilliant blue Ulysses butterfly has become a symbol for Dunk Island. The fringing reefs surrounding each of the islands are home to a diversity of reef life. Extensive seagrass beds lie between the islands and are important feeding grounds for sea turtles and dugong.

    Camping and accommodation

    Camping

    Camping is permitted on Wheeler, Coombe and Dunk Islands. Camping permits must be booked and purchased in advance, especially during school holidays. Fees apply.

    On Wheeler and Coombe Islands, you must be self-sufficient during your stay. See essentials to bring for further information and observe guidelines for Caring for parks when visiting these islands.

    Wheeler Island

    Located approximately 12km east of Tully Heads, Wheeler Island offers bush camping near the beach on a remote island. Facilities include picnic tables and pit toilets. You will need to bring your own water, fuel stove and rubbish bags.

    Coombe Island

    Located approximately 13km east of Tully Heads, Coombe Island offers exclusive island bush camping with only one group permitted to camp at any one time. There are no facilities. You will need to bring your own water, fuel stove and rubbish bags.

    Dunk Island

    Located 4.5km east of Mission Beach, Dunk Island provides opportunities for camping with a range of facilities provided (toilets, showers, public phone and supplies) and other activities including bushwalking and water-based activities. These campsites cannot be booked online. Permits can be obtained either in person at the Watersports office or by phoning the Dunk Island Resort on (07) 4068 8199.

    Other accommodation

    There is a range of holiday accommodation in and around Mission Beach. For more information see the tourism information links below.

    Things to do

    Walking

    Dunk Island offers excellent bushwalking opportunities. Thirteen kilometres of walking tracks allow exploration of the island's famed natural history and rediscovery of its fascinating past. Take an easy stroll through the rainforest or embark on an island circuit of several hours, enjoying scenic views from the summit of Mount Kootaloo along the way. (The distances and times below are calculated for walks beginning at the jetty on Dunk Island Spit).

    Muggy Muggy Beach — 3km return (70 minutes) Grade: Easy

    This pleasant walk begins at the resort and winds through rainforest and coastal woodland behind the beach, passing a small mangrove community before arriving at Muggy Muggy Beach. At this picturesque sandy cove, sheltered behind a rainforested headland, you can enjoy a swim and snorkel before returning along the same track.

    Banfields' grave — 2km return (45 minutes) Grade: Easy

    This short walk from the resort meanders up through rainforest to the gravesite of Edmund and Bertha Banfield, the island's first European inhabitants. Known locally as the "beachcomber", E.J. Banfield and his wife lived on the island from 1897 to 1923. Banfield published four books about the island's natural and cultural history.

    Mount Kootaloo — 7km return (3 hours) Grade: Moderate

    This more strenuous walk begins at the resort, and winds up a steep track through rainforest which features thick, looping lianas and buttress roots. On the upper slopes, the forest opens out and eucalypts emerge through the canopy. A loop track branches off the main track and leads to the summit of Mount Kootaloo (271m), the highest point on the island. You can see remains of No. 27 Radar Station, built during World War II, and, from the lookout, spectacular views over the Family Islands and the nearby mainland. The loop track descends and rejoins the main track; from here you can return to the resort or continue on the island circuit walk.

    Island circuit — 10.8km return (4 hours) Grade: Moderate

    This challenging walk allows you to experience many of the island's different habitats — rainforest, woodland, creeks, rocky shores, mangroves and reef flats — providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The island circuit follows the Mount Kootaloo walk, ascending through damp rainforest to the junction with the Mount Kootaloo loop track. The circuit track then begins a gradual descent through dense rainforest with a ferny understorey that becomes more open on the other side of the ridge, affording glimpses of the ocean. On the lower slopes, the track descends through a beautiful dimly-lit rainforest glade, featuring slender solitaire palms, attractive strangler figs and well-buttressed trees. It eventually reaches the pleasantly shaded Coconut Beach and returns to the spit along the Coconut Beach track, passing the island's airfield along the way. Please take care to keep to the outside of the fenced area around the airstrip. This walk can also be done in the opposite direction.

    Coconut Beach — 7.6km return (2½ hours) Grade: Moderate

    This walk begins at the airfield. The first part of the walk is long and hot, passing the airfield and Coonanglebah Farm. The track then enters the cool of the rainforest and winds along the western side of the island. It crosses several creeks, where saw-shelled tortoises may be seen, climbs around rocky outcrops and boulders festooned with bird's nest ferns and passes behind mangrove-fringed tidal flats. The track meanders behind Coconut Beach, a series of small coves offering pleasant swimming at high tide. Here you can step out from the dim light of the rainforest into the glare of the sandy beach. Magnificently gnarled calophyllum trees lean over the sand, providing shade, and large granite boulders dot the beach. You can return along the same track or continue on the island circuit walk in reverse (see above). Please take care to keep to the outside of the fenced area around the airstrip.

    Guided tours and talks

    Commercial operators offer guided tours around the Family Islands. The resort on Dunk Island also offers guided tours for guests. See tourism information links for further information.

    Picnic and day use areas

    Dunk Island Spit near the jetty has facilities for day visitors including picnic tables, toilets and a kiosk. A picnic table and pit toilet is also provided on Wheeler Island.

    Boating and fishing

    Boating and fishing around the Family Islands National Park are popular activities, but please follow the guidelines below.

    Seabird nesting closure

    During the seabird breeding season from 1 October to 31 March (inclusive), access to Mound (Purtaboi) Island is prohibited. In addition, boats are required to travel at less than six knots within 100 metres of the Mound (Purtaboi) Island bird site or 200 metres of Battleship Rock (SE corner of Richards (Bedarra) Island) and Woln Garin Island.

    Motorised water sports

    Motorised water sports, including jet skiing, water-skiing and parasailing are restricted to certain locations. For more details, see the GBRMPA information sheet on motorised water sports and related maps.

    Fishing

    Fishing is subject to marine park and fisheries restrictions. The Family Islands lie within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Fishing is not allowed in the Marine National Park (green) Zone which extends from the south-western shore of Dunk Island. Limited fishing is allowed in the Conservation Park (yellow) Zone which surrounds most of the Family Islands.

    Viewing wildlife

    The Family Islands offer excellent opportunities for nature walks, birdwatching and reef exploring. Visitors to Dunk Island can explore a reef-fringed and rainforest-clad "tropical isle" made famous by E.J. Banfield's lyrical descriptions dating from the early 1900s. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound from the many walking tracks and beaches on the island. Snorkelling on the reef offers the chance to glimpse the myriad animals and plants that comprise the Great Barrier Reef.

    Swimming and snorkelling

    Swimming and snorkelling are possible from the many beaches around the Family Islands. Ask for advice for the best snorkelling locations on Dunk Island from the Watersports office on the spit.

    Other activities

    Commercial activities such as waterskiing, boating, sailing, windsurfing, parasailing and jet skiing are provided by the resort on Dunk Island through the Watersports office. For more information see the tourism information links below.

    Things to know before you go

    Essentials to bring

    Preparation is the key to a safe and enjoyable visit. Make sure that you bring:

    Opening hours

    The Family Islands are open all year round except for the seabird closure on Mound (Purtaboi) Island (see Boating and Fishing for details).

    Visitors should check weather conditions, as the islands may be inaccessible if strong wind warnings, gales or cyclonic activity prevent commercial tour companies from operating. Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

    Permits and fees

    All camping areas within the Family Islands National Park require a camping permit and fees apply. A tag with your booking number must be displayed at your campsite.

    Permits are required for all commercial activities or group functions within the park.

    Pets

    Domestic animals are not permitted in the Family Islands National Park.

    Climate and weather

    The Family Islands National Park has a tropical climate. In summer, the daytime temperatures average 30 degrees Celsius with high humidity and rainfall. From April to September, the days are cooler and less humid and, despite the steady south-easterly trade winds, are usually the best times to visit. For more information see the tourism information links below.

    Fuel and supplies

    Fuel and supplies are available at Mission Beach on the mainland. A kiosk/café on the spit at Dunk Island provides some supplies for campers and day visitors. For more information see the tourism information links below.

    Staying safe

    To enjoy a safe visit to the Family Islands, please:

    For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

    Looking after the park

    See the guidelines on caring for parks for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.

    Park management

    The Family Islands National Park is managed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) for the enjoyment of visitors and the conservation of nature. The national park is managed in accordance with the Family Islands National Park Management Plan.

    The Dunk Island Spit is part of the national park but a special lease exists over this area. The Spit Management Committee, comprising QPWS, Cardwell Shire Council (as the lessee) and Dunk Island Resort (as the sub-lessee), provides management direction for the spit. Two documents, the Dunk Island Spit Master Plan (October 1995) and Dunk Island Spit Sub-Lease OperationsManagement Agreement (December 1989) have been endorsed by the management committee to guide management of the sub-leased area for day use, by resort guests and the public, and for camping.

    The reef waters surrounding the Family Islands are within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. The surrounding waters are within the Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Hinchinbrook Plan of Management also has provisions for the waters surrounding some of the Family Islands.

    Tourism information links

    Mission Beach Visitor Information Centre

    For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see www.queenslandholidays.com.au.

    Further information

    EPA Customer Service Centre
    • 160 Ann Street, Brisbane
    • PO Box 15155, City East QLD 4002
    • ph (07) 3227 8185
    • fax (07) 3227 8749
    • email csc@epa.qld.gov.au
    Smart Service
    Rainforest and Reef Information Centre
    • 142 Victoria Street, CARDWELL QLD 4849
    • ph (07) 4066 8601
    • fax (07) 4066 8116
    • email hinchinbrook.camp@epa.qld.gov.au
    • A partnership between QPWS and the Cardwell Shire Council, managed by Great Green Way Tourism Incorporated

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    Last updated: 04 May 2007