Curtis Island

This is rugged exploration at its best – Four Wheel Drive tracks to remote and secret fishing spots, back to basics bush camping, beaches, sparkling ocean, wilderness and wetlands. 

Curtis Island is accessible by private boat or by a regular ferry service; although once on the island and camping you will need a Four Wheel Drive to get around.

Camping is permitted halfway up the east coast at the sand blow at Yellow Patch, not far from the Cape Capricorn lighthouse. More accessible for campers (just one kilometre from the barge landing point) is the grassy campground on the outskirts of the community of Southend.

Southend has some accommodation and eating options available for day trips or longer stays. 

Birders will be in spotting heaven with jabirus, rainbow lorikeet parrots, cockatoos, herons, brolgas, sea eagles, wood ducks, black swans, and the rare yellow chat all inhabiting the island. 

The aptly named Turtle Beach is home to the third largest flatback turtle rookery in Queensland so if you are visiting between October to March you may see nesting and hatching on the shore. 

This island has seen many changes in its years, from a working cattle station, current liquefied natural gas hub and with plans to develop a luxury resort on the island in the future, it could just be the Gladstone region’s best kept secret.

Don’t have a 4WD? Be sure to check out our Guide to Curtis Island with a 2WD.

Before embarking on your adventure to Curtis Island, be sure to check park alerts on the Queensland National Parks website.

Access

Curtis Ferry Services provide regular passenger and vehicle services to the Gladstone Harbour Islands of Curtis and Facing. Curtis Island is also accessible by private vessel. 

camping on curtis island

south end camping ground

Situated on the southern end of Curtis Island, just 12km from mainland Gladstone, the South End Camping Ground offers 20 unpowered sites with ocean views.

Permits are required to camp at the South End Camping Ground. Click here to make your campsite bookings online or visit one of the Gladstone Region Visitor Information Centres.

Dogs are allowed within the grounds, however they must be kept on a leash at all times.

Essentials to bring: all food and drinking water, sturdy rubbish bags, insect repellent, sun protection, first aid and reliable torch.

joey lees camping area

Joey Lees is located in the Curtis Island National Park and provides shady, secluded bush camping overlooking a scenic beach.

Access is by 4WD and boat only and the grass campsites are suitable for tent, 4WD camper trailer, 4WD camper van.

There are no facilities in the camping area and fires are prohibited – Gas or liquid fuelled stoves for cooking purposes are permitted. Generators are also prohibited.

Essentials to bring: all food and drinking water, sturdy rubbish bags, insect repellent, sun protection, first aid and reliable torch. Read more about before you visit.

Bookings: book online or learn about our camping booking options.

Mobile phone coverage: unreliable. Marine radios and satellite phones are recommended.

turtle street camping area

Turtle Street is located in the Curtis Island National Park and provides bush camping under coastal she-oaks with easy access to the beach.

Access is by 4WD and boat only and the sand campsites are suitable for tent, 4WD camper trailer, 4WD camper van.

There are no facilities in the camping area and fires are prohibited – Gas or liquid fuelled stoves for cooking purposes are permitted. Generators are also prohibited.

Essentials to bring: all food and drinking water, sturdy rubbish bags, insect repellent, sun protection, first aid and reliable torch. Read more about before you visit.

Bookings: book online or learn about our camping booking options.

Mobile phone coverage: unreliable. Marine radios and satellite phones are recommended.

Yellow patch camping area

Yellow Patch is located on the western side of the north-eastern tip of Curtis Island in the Curtis Island National Park and provides secluded bush camping near a bright yellow sand blow.

Access is by boat only and the sand campsites are suitable for tent only.

There are no facilities in the camping area and fires are prohibited – Gas or liquid fuelled stoves for cooking purposes are permitted. Generators are also prohibited.

Essentials to bring: all food and drinking water, sturdy rubbish bags, insect repellent, sun protection, first aid and reliable torch. Read more about before you visit.

Bookings: book online or learn about our camping booking options.

Mobile phone coverage: unreliable. Marine radios and satellite phones are recommended.