Things to do
Camping and accommodation
Camping
Most of the Whitsunday islands are national parks and great places for camping. Choose from a range of camping opportunities, depending on your needs.
Facilities vary, but if present are limited to toilets and/or picnic tables. Campers must be self-sufficient. Visitor numbers are limited to ensure a quality experience. You will need to book your site in advance and fees apply. Display your camping permit tag prominently on your tent—there are fines for camping without it.
Camp at Bona or East Side bays (Gloucester Island), Armit Island or Saddleback Island. Bona Bay (Gloucester Island), the largest campground, has good anchorage, toilets, picnic tables and a shelter shed. East Side Bay (Gloucester) is set between two rocky headlands. Of all the islands in this group, Saddleback is the closest to the mainland.
- Find out more about camping in Gloucester Islands National Park.
- Learn more about camping in the Whitsundays.
Picnic and day-use areas
Some of the islands in the Whitsundays offer picnic areas, most near a beach. Facilities vary, but may include picnic tables and toilets. For a complete list check the Whitsunday visitor facilities and activities summary . Open fires and ash-producing stoves are not permitted on national park islands or intertidal lands adjacent to national park islands. Use gas or fuel stoves for cooking.
Boating and fishing
This area has been described as a boating paradise with deep blue waters, tropical weather and secluded islands to explore.
Visit the Whitsunday national park islands web page for vital information on boating and fishing.
Birdwatching
Go birdwatching to see many species. Birds are plentiful, particularly from October to April when thousands of waders migrate here to nest. Some restrictions to activity apply during this period. See Take care of nesting birds for further information.
- Learn more about the nature, culture and history of the Whitsundays.
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.