Curtis Island Camping

Camping is a unique holiday experience – the solitude, the adventure; the feeling that comes with waking up after star-blanketed sleep, brimming with the knowledge that the day is yours to fill with exploration.

Some destinations, thanks to their natural beauty, varied landscapes, and seeming ability to stop time, make camping even better – and Curtis Island is one such place.

Sitting 10 kilometres west of Gladstone on the central Queensland coast, Curtis Island is 15 square kilometres of stunning and serene contrasts, and makes for the perfect spot to escape the daily grind in rugged isolation – guaranteed to recharge even the flattest of batteries.

Here’s how to get the most out of Curtis Island camping, as we wind our way up this scenic spot.

Curtis Island Ferry Trip

The first thing to note about this trip is that it begins on the Curtis Island Ferry – and camper vans and trailers are welcome aboard! Fees are based on vehicle length and number of guests and booking ahead is a must.

Once you’re on board, it’s just an hour-long trip across the water to alight at South End, a little village boasting a licensed bar and meals, plus everything you need for the adventure that awaits, including fuel, ice, and bait.

Camping at South End, Joey Lees and Turtle Beach

Beyond the village, you’ll need a 4-wheel drive to access the Southern campground, home to 20 unpowered sites, gas barbecues, shelter shed, and a block of composting toilets. Stays here must be limited to 14 nights, and, like all camps on the island, a permit must be obtained.

Continue north along the coast, your next campground stay is Turtle Street campground, followed closely by Joey Lees camping area. Both are private bush sites that back onto Curtis Island National Park and overlook the pristine headland.

At Turtle Street and Joey Lees, you can feel the tension melting away as you fry up your catch on a gas cooker (no fires allowed), canoe, kayak and snorkel Curtis Reef, then drink in incredible beach sunsets.

Visitors to Turtle Beach between late October and March may even be treated to a rare and fascinating phenomenon as mother flatback turtles come here to nest, and babies head for the ocean in the first three months of the year.

Visiting Curtis Island National Park

Camping isn’t allowed in the park itself, so tie up your walking shoes and get exploring.

Here, untouched beaches meet rainforest, and placid bays invite swimming and snorkelling, while satisfying wetland hikes allow you to meet hard-to-find birdlife, including the rare black-necked stork and endangered Capricorn yellow chat.

From Joey Lees, it’s a rough and ready (but fun) 4WD trip to the north-eastern tip.

Stop along the way to swim in sheltered bays, spot the local wildlife and simply enjoy one of the Sunshine State’s best kept secrets.

Camping at Yellow Patch

The most important thing to know about Yellow Patch is that it’s accessible by boat only, but if you’re lucky enough to have a vessel, you’ll be well rewarded with the most remote spot to stay on Curtis Island.

Nestled in the Cape Capricorn National Conservation Park and known for the impressive golden dune that dominates the landscape, this charming, secluded area offers safe anchorage in the calm estuary and an unrivalled bush camping experience.

Running the length of the small bay, the beach is fringed with shady trees for protected tent camping. Whether you visit for fishing, snorkelling, canoeing, or swimming, the tranquil fish-filled waters of Yellow Patch have something for everyone.

Other highlights include a visit to the historic Cape Capricorn lighthouse, walking the many island tracks, or ending the day gazing down from the dune over Keppel Bay – one thing every visitor to this part of the world will tell you is that there are dramatic skies.

With minimal facilities, limited mobile reception, and long uninhabited stretches of beach, bush and forest, Curtis Island inspires a sense of being castaway in paradise.

As much of the Island is a conservation zone, visitors are asked to plan well and tread lightly. Fires are prohibited and no bins means you must take rubbish away with you. The only access to campgrounds is via 4WD or boat. Your canine pals are welcome, but you must keep them on a leash.

Curtis ferry services run up to twice daily, and you must book ahead. Then, simply leave your stress on the shore, and you’re bound to have a fulfilling and freeing escape on the uniquely beautiful Curtis Island.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: @daggybritches