Camping in Capricornia Cays

Capricornia Cays National Park offers varied camping experiences on three separate coral cays. Completely self-sufficient camping is available on Mast Head Island. Lady Musgrave Island and North West Island both have visitor facilities. Some commercial operators service the islands. Camping is not permitted on any other island.

If relying on commercial transportation to the islands ensure that you have organised your vessel passage prior to booking your camping holiday. See tourism information links for information on charter vessels servicing the islands.

Camping permits are required and fees apply. Obtain your permit before setting up camp. A tag with your booking number must be displayed at your campsite.

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Bookings

Capricorn Cays National Park is changing to a ‘booking season’ model starting in 2026. Camping permits will be released to the public on set days and times. Camping bookings can be made up to 9 months in advance. Advance bookings are essential for school holiday periods.

Guide to seasonal camping and day-use opening periods.

Island	Day use	Camping	Camping permit release
North West Lady Musgrave	Open all year	Open Easter-31 May 2026	AEST 9am on Tuesday 3 June 2025
		1 June – 31 August 2026	AEST 9am on Tuesday 2 September 2025
		1 September - 30 November 2026	AEST 9am on Tuesday 2 December 2025
		1 December 2026 - Australia Day 2027	AEST 9am on Tuesday 3 March 2026
Mast Head	Easter - 14 October	Open Easter-31 May 2026	AEST 9am on Tuesday 3 June 2025
		1 June – 31 August 2026	AEST 9am on Tuesday 2 September 2025
		1 September - 14 October 2026	AEST 9am on Tuesday 2 December 2025

* First day of Queensland Easter school holidays.

† Day after Australia Day long weekend or day after Australia Day public holiday (if holiday falls mid-week).

Guidelines for education groups booking camping

• You must obtain a Marine Parks Permit (MPP) prior to camping or ensure your current permit will be in date at the time of camping. Email permitsgbr@des.qld.gov.au to request an Application Form or for any enquiries regarding your current MPP.
• Camping bookings can only be made for North West Island and Lady Musgrave Island. Educational groups are not permitted to camp on Mast Head Island.
• You must book outside of the Queensland and New South Wales school holiday periods.
• Ensure you have a supervisor to student ratio of 1:8.
• Maximum educational group size at any one time will be 25 for Lady Musgrave Island and 60 for North West Island.
• Email QPWSgbrmciGBRMPR.Corro@des.qld.gov.au for approval prior to booking or if you have any questions regarding bookings.

Park-specific conditions

On arrival

Camp in designated areas only. Beach camping is not permitted. When selecting a site and setting up camp, consider others who may follow you. Do not spread your group too far apart. Keep together and let other campers use sites as well.

• For more information read the Frequently asked questions

• All fuel and dive compressors must be kept in storage areas provided.
• Dive compressors may only be used between 9am and 6pm.
• Dive compressors are prohibited on Mast Head Island.
• Dispose of fish scraps responsibly! Only clean fish on land well above the high tide mark. Keep your fish scraps out of the water and take them with you when you leave. Offenders dumping fish scraps in a way other than this advice may be subject to penalties.
• Seasonal camping and/or visitor closures are enforced on all three islands (see table).
• This reduces impact on turtle hatchlings, breeding seabirds and sensitive vegetation.

Read more about staying safe and looking after the park.