Things to do

Camping and accommodation

Camping

The picturesque camping areas of Curtis Island can be reached by 4WD or boat. Bush camping is available in three designated areas of the national park. All campers must be self-sufficient as there are no facilities provided.

Camping permits are required and fees apply. A tag with your booking number must be displayed at your campsite.

• Find out more about camping in Curtis Island National Park.
• Book your campsite online.
• If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.

Other accommodation

In the township of Southend, about 1km from the ferry landing, Gladstone Regional Council operates a camping area with shelter shed, gas barbecues and toilets. Camping fees apply. Lodge accommodation is also available in Southend.

Walking and mountain biking

Multi-use trails traverse the island showcasing a wide variety of ecosystems from rocky coastal heathlands and dune communities through to casuarina forest and tall spotted gum communities.

These trails are shared use—be mindful of others on the trial by limiting bike speed and being aware of other users. All visitors need to be self-sufficient and carry a first-aid kit, mechanical spares, enough drinking water and food.

Please read walking safely and riding safely before you use the multi-use trails on Curtis Island. All trails are classified according to level of difficulty.

Key to trail standards

The classification system is based in Australian Standards. Please note that while each trail is classified according to its most difficult sections, other sections may be of an easier level.

The trails are split into 2 main loops—Oceanview and Ship Hill—and pass through Curtis Island National Park and Curtis Island Conservation Park.

See the Curtis Island multi-use trails map (PDF, 387.7KB) for more information.

Oceanview loop

Grade 4 Easy

Total distance: 25.8km

The Oceanview loop is made up of 4 trails suitable for beginner riders and experienced walkers.

Trail 1 showcases Curtis Island’s stunning coastal headlands. If you’re looking for a short walk, then park at Connor Bluff and walk north returning along the same trail.

Trail 2 follows a fire trail before Trail 3 resumes on dedicated trails. At the junction of trails 3 and 4 walkers and riders can choose to walk or ride the Ship Hill loop (29.7km) via Trail 5. Trail 4 returns to the Oceanview trailhead through open Ironbark forest.

Ship Hill loop

Grade 4 Intermediate

Total distance: 29.7km

The Ship Hill loop consists of 5 connected trails, suitable for intermediate riders and experienced walkers.

This loop is connected to the Oceanview loop via trail 5 (3.5km). Trail surface conditions vary considerably—there are hard-packed, loose gravel and sand surfaces. Trails 7 and 8 climb and descend Ship Hill and may contain short, sharp gradients and steep side slopes. A number of service roads surround the loop and can be used as part of your journey if required. Be aware of vehicles on the roads and share accordingly.

Curtis Island multi-use trails at a glance

Oceanview trails

Trail	Distance	Description
1	7.6km one-way	Trail 1 takes you north along the road (1.3km) before starting on the trail to Connor Bluff day-use area (3.3km). along the coast. Continue north and enjoy the rugged headlands and protected gullies.
2	5km one-way	Follow the markers along this sandy Trail 2 and cross Graham Creek before starting on trail again.
3	8.2km one-way	Trail 3 passes through some beautiful spotted gum and casuarina forest on the trail then follow the trail to the start of Trail 4.
4	5km one-way	Trail 4, a gently contouring trail, makes its way through open ironbark and spotted gum forest to the Oceanview trailhead.

Ship Hill trails

Trail	Distance	Description
5	3.5km one-way	Trail 5 links the Oceanview and Ship Hill loop trails.
6	9.4km one-way	Trail 6 showcases a wide diversity of country. 3.3km from the Ship Hill trail head, trails 8 and 9 intersect this trail providing options for a variety of loops.
7	4.9km one-way	Trail 7 is where you start to climb. Beginning near sea level wind your way up Ship Hill taking in views of Graham Creek estuaries and the eastern coastline. Detour to the Ship Hill lookout towards the end of the trail and take in Curtis Island’s diverse views. Parts of this trail are shared-use with vehicles—be alert for cars and give way where required.
8	3.4km one-way	Once you’ve taken in the views it’s time to descend back to the junction of trails 6 and Trail 8.
9	8.5km one-way	Trail 9 is a remote trail that completes the Ship Hill loop. At the completion of Trail 9 you can return to the Ship Hill trailhead via trail 6 or go to the Oceanview trailhead via trails 5 and 4.

Take care

• Plan ahead let a responsible person know your itinerary and emergency plan if things go wrong.
• Never enter the trails if you can see smoke in the forest—fire can spread rapidly. Phone reception can be unreliable along these trails.
• Stay on trails and obey all safety, warning and closure signs.
• Do not walk or ride alone.
• Keep children close and safe.

Driving

Four-wheel-drive tracks wind their way north to Connors Bluff and the camping areas of Turtle Street and Joey Lees. At the former Oceanview property gate a track to the west takes you to Grahams Creek and Ship hill. All vehicles must be registered and driven by licenced drivers. Restrictions apply for conditionally registered vehicles. Queensland Transport road rules apply while driving on the island.

Please read driving safely before driving on Curtis Island.

Boating and fishing

Amazing marine life surrounds the island. Access to Curtis Island by private boat is allowed. The natural sand blow at Yellow Patch provides a sheltered anchorage for boats.

Please take care when boating.

• Anchor with care and on sand when possible. If you cannot avoid coral, use reef picks and motor towards your anchor when hauling in.
• Take care of wildlife. Turtles feed in the surrounding marine park waters and the islands are important turtle rookeries.

There is a range of fishing opportunities on the island, including estuarine, reef and rock fishing. Make sure you understand zoning and fishing regulations before you go.

• Know your marine park zones and always consult a zoning map before fishing or collecting. For detailed zoning maps and information read about the Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park or visit the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority website.
• Know your fishing regulations. Size and maximum bag limits apply to popular fish species. Queensland fisheries legislation applies in zones where fishing is permitted. See the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for further information.
• Collecting any coral, living or dead, is not permitted anywhere. Limited collecting of shells (5 of any unprotected species) is permitted in the blue and yellow zones only.

Viewing wildlife

During your stay, you will enjoy seeing a variety of animals and plants on the island including the rare black-necked stork. Keep an eye out for the endangered Capricorn yellow chat. Recent surveys indicate that the total adult population is approximately 300 in the three localities it is known to occur, Curtis Island being one.

Curtis Island is also home to nesting flatback turtles. Visit between October and January to see this threatened species nesting high on the dunes. It is important that you do not disturb nesting turtles by following our turtle viewing guidelines.

Other things to do

Swimming and snorkelling are popular on Curtis Island. Take care on the eastern side of the island, it is exposed and subject to rough weather and strong currents. Alternatively, take a break on the bright yellow sands and enjoy wildlife sightings from the beach.

Please snorkel and swim with care.

• Be careful with your fins—careless kicking can damage coral.
• Try not to stir up sediment—murky waters stress plants and animals.
• Beware of marine stingers between October and May. It is advisable to wear protective clothing if swimming or snorkelling during the marine stinger season.