About Broad Sound Islands

Park features

The Broad Sound and Shoalwater Bay marine areas are the largest shallow macro-tidal bays on Australia’s east coast. The islands further to the east are in clearer oceanic waters and are not far from the large patch reefs of the central Great Barrier Reef.

Broad Sound Islands National Park is the collective name given to 48 islands from Flock Pigeon Island near Clairview through to High Peak Island. High Peak Island is one of the furthest continental islands from any Queensland port.

Vegetation on the islands includes low, closed shrublands and woodlands, mixed vine forests, open heath and coastal headland grasslands. Salt flats, seagrass meadows and mangrove forests occur in intertidal areas. Fringing reefs are found around some of the eastern islands. The park supports a variety of land and sea birds, together with most of the nesting habitat for the Australian east coast flatback turtle population.

Looking after the park

Parks and forests protect Queensland's wonderful natural diversity and scenery. Help keep these places special by following these guidelines.

• Take no pets. Leave domestic animals at home. Pets disturb native wildlife and other campers.
• Avoid clearing plants and leaf litter when setting up camp. All vegetation—including grasses, vines, fallen timber and leaves—are part of the natural ecosystem. Remember, all plants are protected on national parks and collecting is not permitted.
• Use a fuel stove. Open fires are prohibited.
• Take rubbish with you. Bins are not provided. Please help by collecting rubbish left by others.
• Bury human waste. If there is no toilet available, always bury human waste at least 15 centimetres deep and 100 metres from any watercourse.
• Avoid introducing pests to the islands. Ensure your gear is clean and free of seeds, soil, ants, insects, rodents or cane toads.

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

Park management

The Broad Sound Islands National Park, gazetted in May 2000, forms part of the last remaining undeveloped areas on the Central Queensland coast. The islands are managed primarily to conserve the area’s natural and cultural values.

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is responsible for managing the Broad Sound Islands National Park. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is jointly managed by QPWS and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

The Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park zoning plan has been introduced to manage the waters and coastline not covered under Commonwealth legislation. Where fishing is permitted, Queensland fisheries legislation applies.

Tourism information links

Capricorn Coast Information Centre
www.capricorncoast.com.au
Ross Creek Roundabout
980 Scenic Highway
Yeppoon QLD 4703
ph (07) 4939 4888 or 1800 675 785
fax (07) 4939 1696
email capcoast@cqnet.com.au

Capricorn Tourism Information Centre
www.advancerockhampton.com.au
Tropic of Capricorn Spire
176 Gladstone Road
Rockhampton QLD 4700
ph (07) 4936 8000
email infocentre@rrc.qld.gov.au