Gloucester Islands National Park Whitsundays

Photo credit: Adam Creed © Queensland Government

Things to do

Queensland National Parks Booking System Update

The new Queensland National Parks Booking Service is live for bookings.

Customer account login
If you are making your first booking since 1 July 2024, a new customer account will be created automatically as part of your next booking. Please note your previous login credentials will no longer be valid.

Customers who have made a booking after 1 July 2024, please use your email address to reset your password to access your account.

More information about the new booking system

    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.

    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 (PDF, 360.8KB) . 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.