Lizard Island National Park Dingaal Country Tropical North Queensland

Photo credit: © Tourism and Events Queensland

Watsons Bay camping area

Watsons Bay camping area is just behind the beach in scenic Watsons Bay. Some shade is offered by beachfront vegetation.

Accessible by

Walk-in
Boat

Camping area facilities

Anchoring allowed
Electric/fuel barbecue (free of charge)
Mooring points
Picnic tables
Toilets (non-flush)
Tent camping
Long walk to tent
Walking
Cultural and historic sites

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

Always check

Park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.
Bureau of Meteorology weather forecasts.
Current bushfire warnings and incidents and also fire bans and restrictions.
Your camping permit is booked.
Any park-specific camping information for Lizard Island.
Visiting Lizard Island safely for important safety information.

Image of the camp site which has limited shade.

Camp sites have limited shade.

Photo credit: Queensland Government

Camping area features: just behind the beach in scenic Watsons Bay. Some shade is offered by beachfront vegetation. The camping area is adjacent to the day-use area and close to the network of walking tracks around the island.

Location: in Watsons Bay on the north-west side of Lizard Island.

Access: on foot from the airstrip (1.2km; campers must carry all their gear) or by boat in Watsons Bay.

Number of sites: five sites (separate but not numbered).

Camp sites are suitable for: tents.

Camp site surface: sand.

Facilities: composting toilet, picnic tables and gas barbecue (hot plate only, no burners). Poles are also provided for erecting shelters for shade. Water is available from a hand pump 250m from the camping area or from a tap at the Marlin Bar. Treat all water before drinking.

Open fires: not allowed.

Generators: not permitted.

Essentials to bring: rubbish bags, insect repellent, insect-proof tents, tarpaulins for extra shade and pots and pans to use on the barbecue. Water containers and water-treating equipment are also required. Read more about before you visit.

Mobile phone coverage: not available.