Visiting Three Islands Group safely
Pisonia forest, Rocky Islets sub-group.
Photo credit: Queensland Government
Getting there and getting around
- Three Islands Group National Park map
- Rocky Islet (a) restricted access area
- Great Barrier Reef zoning information and maps
Three Islands Group National Park consists of eight islands from three sub-groups—Three Islands, Two Islands and Rocky Islets.
Three Islands consists of islands (a), (b) and (c) and are about 15km north-east of Cape Bedford and 44km north-north-east of Cooktown. Two Islands is about 10km east-south-east of Cape Flattery (the closest settlement) and about 54km north-east of Cooktown and consists of islands (a) and (b). The most northern sub-group, Rocky Islets, has three islands (a), (b) and (c) and is about 17km north-east of Cape Flattery and 72km north-east of Cooktown.
Lying adjacent to the inner route of the Torres Strait–Cairns shipping channel, the islands are en route to Lizard Island if travelling from Cairns or Cooktown by boat.
Access by private boat to all the islands is from the boat ramp at Cooktown, or with a permitted commercial operator. See the tourism information links.
To protect nesting birds, access to Rocky Islet (a) is prohibited .
Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.
Wheelchair accessibility
No wheelchair-accessible facilities are provided on any of the islands within the national park.
Staying safe
- Carry drinking water when walking or out in your boat.
- Be aware of tidal movements and take care on slippery rocks.
- Know your own health limitations for safe snorkelling—do not put yourself and others at risk, and always snorkel with a buddy.
- Wear sunscreen and cover up when you are walking and out on the water.
- Dangerous stinging jellyfish (‘stingers’) may be present in the coastal waters at any time, but occur more frequently in the warmer months. A full-body lycra suit or equivalent may provide a good measure of protection against stinging jellyfish and sunburn. Visit marine stingers for the latest safety and first-aid information.
- Be aware that crocodiles can turn up anywhere in croc country, including tidal reaches of rivers, along beaches, on offshore islands and cays in the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait, and in freshwater lagoons, rivers and swamps. Crocodiles are dangerous and attacks can be fatal. Remember to be crocwise in croc country.
For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
Before you visit
Our precious Great Barrier Reef World Heritage islands are among the most pest-free islands in the world. They need your help to stay this way. Please Be pest-free! before your visit.
Essentials to bring
Preparation is the key to a safe and enjoyable visit to the Three Islands Group National Park. Make sure to bring:
- drinking water
- a fuel or gas stove for cooking
- protective clothing, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- suitable shoes for walking on rough surfaces
- a comprehensive first-aid kit
- insect repellent.
Opening hours
Three Islands Group National Park is open 24 hours a day, all year round. To protect nesting birds, access to Rocky Islet (a) is prohibited .
Permits and fees
Camping is permitted on Two Islands (a) between 1 April and 31 August only. A maximum of 10 people for up to 14 days is permitted. Camping is not permitted on the other islands within Three Islands Group National Park.
Camping permits are required and fees apply. A camping tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site.
- Book your camp site online.
- If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.
Pets
Domestic animals are not permitted on all islands within the Three Islands Group National Park or on tidal lands adjacent to the national park within the Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park. Tidal areas include beaches and rocks.
Climate and weather
Three Islands Group National Park has a tropical climate. In summer the temperatures and humidity are high. Rainfall is at its heaviest between January and March. From April to September the days are cooler and less humid. Visiting in the cooler winter months is recommended. For more information see the tourism information links.
Fuel and supplies
Fuel and supplies are available on the mainland at Cooktown about 44–72km south-west of the Three Islands Group National Park.
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.