About Brampton Islands
- Getting there and getting around
- Park features
- Camping and accommodation
- Things to do
- Things to know before you go
- Staying safe
- Looking after the park
- Park management
- Tourism information links
- Further information
Getting there and getting around
Brampton Islands National Park is 32 km north of Mackay. You can access both Brampton and Carlisle islands by private boat. At low tide it is also possible to walk from Brampton Island's Sandy Point to the campground at Carlisle Island. Check tide times and always leave enough time for the return trip to Brampton Island.
You may also access Brampton Island via commercial operators departing from Mackay Marina. See tourism information links for further information.
Park features
Rocky headlands dotted with hoop pines, open grasslands, woodlands, sheltered bays and long sandy beaches make these islands some of the most scenic off the Queensland coast. The islands and surrounding waters are part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and are protected.
Brampton Peak is the island's highest point and rises to 214 m above sea level. Skiddaw Peak is Carlisle Island's highest point. Walking tracks traverse Brampton Island's many ecosystems, from open eucalypt forest on ridges and sheltered slopes to the dense vine forest in gullies and valleys. An amazing display of marine life and coral surround the islands. Dense eucalypt forest clothes Carlisle Island, and rainforest thrives in its sheltered gullies.
The park is part of the sea country of the Ngaro people, which stretches north to the Whitsunday islands.
Camping and accommodation
Camping
Bush camping is available on Carlisle Island only. Camping permits are required and fees apply.
Neils camping area is on the south-west edge of Carlisle Island and faces Brampton Island. Up to 12 people are permitted to camp here at any one time. A sheltered picnic table and toilet are the only facilities.
- Find out more about camping areas.
- Book your camp site online.
- If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.
Other accommodation
A range of accommodation is also available in and around Mackay. For more information see the tourism information links below.
Things to do
Walking
Explore Brampton Island with a relaxed stroll to a nearby beach, an invigorating hike up Brampton Peak or take a picnic lunch and enjoy a more secluded bay.
Island Circuit—8.4 km loop (Allow 4 hours) Grade: Moderate
Wander around the island, across headlands studded with hoop pine, past secluded bays and through open forest and ferny glades.
Brampton Peak—6.6 km return from resort site (Allow 3 hours) Grade: Moderate to challenging
The walk from the resort site to Brampton Peak is steep in places, but the reward is splendid views of the mainland and Carlisle Island's steep forested slopes. Enjoy the surroundings and catch your breath at one of the bench seats along the way.
Oak Bay and Dinghy Bay East—7.2 km return from resort site (Allow 3 hours) Grade: Moderate
From the circuit walk, this side track leads to casuarina-fringed Oak Bay. Check the tide times, as you can walk along the rocky beach between here and Turtle Bay at low tide. A short detour leads to the southern end of Dinghy Bay.
Dinghy Bay West—7.2 km return from resort site (Allow 3 hours) Grade: Moderate
From the circuit walk pass through hoop pine and thick coastal scrub to Dinghy Bay's sandy sheltered beach. A picnic table here provides a place to relax. A toilet is also provided.
Western Bay—5.2 km return from resort site (Allow 2 hours) Grade: Moderate
A great place for a swim or a lunchtime stop, this picnic area has a shelter shed with a barbecue and a toilet. Appreciate a picturesque view of the mainland from here.
Carlisle Island crossing—1 km return from Brampton Island (Allow 40 mins) Grade: Easy
Carlisle Island is a quiet escape. On a calm day at low tide you can wade across the channel from Brampton Island to explore Carlisle Island's beaches. Be prepared to get a little wet and ensure you leave enough time to return on the low tide. Relax at the camping area and see Brampton Peak from a different perspective.
Guided tours and talks
Commercial tours to Brampton and Carlisle islands are available. See tourism information links for further information.
Picnic and day-use areas
The secluded picnic areas at Brampton's Western Bay and Dinghy Bay West, and at Carlisle's campground, all have picnic tables and a toilet. Western Bay also has a shelter shed.
Boating and fishing
Brampton Islands National Park is part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and is surrounded by amazing marine life. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park protects this natural wonder and zones provide a balanced approach to protecting the reef while allowing some recreation and commercial use. Some activities, such as fishing or collecting, are not permitted in some zones and you should always consult a zoning map before fishing or collecting.
When boating:
- Anchor with care, on sand when possible. If you cannot avoid coral, use reef picks and motor towards anchor when hauling in.
- Go slow for those below. Turtles feed in the surrounding marine park waters and the islands are important turtle rookeries.
If fishing or collecting:
- Know your marine park zones. Obtain and consult your Great Barrier Reef Marine Park zoning map. Maps are available from many outlets including QPWS Mackay and bait and tackle shops. Alternatively, visit the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority website for further information.
- Know your fishing regulations. Queensland fisheries legislation applies in zones where fishing is permitted. Fishing is not permitted in Marine National Park Zones (Green Zones).
- Collecting any coral, living or dead, is not permitted anywhere. Limited collecting of shells (five of any unprotected species) is permitted in General Use Zones (Blue Zones) and Marine Conservation Park Zones (Yellow Zones) only.
Viewing wildlife
From the verdant Brampton Peak lookout to the coral-covered sea floor, Brampton Islands National Park abounds in the beauty of nature. Blue tiger butterflies add bursts of colour to the island and rainbow skinks are abundant in the undergrowth, should you take the time to look. Turtles feed in the surrounding marine park waters and both islands are important turtle rookeries.
Other things to do
Swimming and snorkelling are popular in this area. Stop for lunch on one of the isolated beaches, take a dip and enjoy the spectacular marine life.
When snorkelling or swimming please remember:
- Be careful with your fins. Careless kicking can damage coral.
- Don't stir up sediment. Murky waters stress plants and animals.
- Beware of dangerous marine stingers. Stingers are prevalent between October and May but may be present all year round. It is advisable to wear protective clothing if swimming or snorkelling.
Things to know before you go
Essentials to bring
Preparation is the key to a safe and enjoyable visit. Make sure you bring:
- drinking water, rubbish bags and fuel stoves for cooking
- a comprehensive first-aid kit
- protective clothing, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun
- suitable shoes for walking on rough surfaces
- insect repellent.
Opening hours
Brampton Islands National Park is open 24 hours a day, all year round.
Permits and fees
If you intend to camp you will need a camping permit and fees apply. A tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site. Penalties apply for camping without a permit.
- Book your camp site online.
- If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.
Commercial photography permits may be required if you intend to sell any photographs taken within the national park. Group activity permits may also required for organised group activities that may interfere with general public use. Contact us for further information.
Pets
Domestic animals are prohibited in the park. Leave pets at home or on board your boat.
Climate and weather
Brampton Island National Park has a tropical climate with daytime temperatures between 28°C and 35°C in summer and 20°C to 27°C in winter. Beware of cyclones during warmer months.
Fuel and supplies
There are no supplies available in Brampton Islands National Park. The nearest supplies and fuel are in Mackay.
Staying safe
Although Brampton Islands National Park provides the opportunity to encounter diverse wildlife, it can also present some hidden dangers. Follow the tips below for a safe and enjoyable visit.
- Supervise children carefully on all walks.
- Carry plenty of drinking water.
- Wear sturdy footwear, protective clothing and a hat.
- Apply sunscreen and insect repellent.
For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
Looking after the park
National parks protect Queensland's wonderful natural diversity and scenery. Help keep these places special by following these guidelines.
- Protect wildlife. Remember, all natural features, plants and animals (dead or alive) are protected.
- Do not feed or interfere with native animals. Human food harms wildlife.
- Stay on designated walking tracks. Short cutting causes erosion and damages vegetation.
- Take rubbish with you. Bins are not provided. Please help by collecting rubbish left by others.
See the guidelines on caring for parks for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.
Park management
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is responsible for managing Brampton Islands National Park. QPWS and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) are jointly responsible for managing the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
A visitor management strategy has been prepared for the national park islands in the Whitsundays/Mackay region.
Tourism information links
Mackay Visitor Information Centre
www.mackayregion.com
The Mill, 320 Nebo Road, Mackay
ph 1300 130 001
fax (07) 4952 2034
email info@mackayregion.com
For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see www.queenslandholidays.com.au.
Further information
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
(for marine zoning and fishing information)
www.gbrmpa.gov.au
ph 1800 990 177
Last updated 15 November 2011