Lady Musgrave Island

An underwater oasis is waiting to be discovered as you pop on your snorkel and mask to reveal one of the Great Barrier Reef’s biggest swimming pools at Lady Musgrave Island.

The protected lagoon is truly unique on this coral cay island, where you can play castaway on a back-to-basics camping adventure or hop aboard a luxury vessel and visit in style.

This is truly unspoilt, authentic island living at its best, and with a maximum of 40 people allowed to camp at any one time, you’ll enjoy an uncrowded Great Barrier Reef adventure.

how to experience lady musgrave island?

Day Trips from the Mainland

If you choose to day trip instead, explore Lady Musgrave Island and Lagoon with 1770 Reef Great Barrier Reef Eco Tours or Dive Spear and Sport 1770, both offering unforgettable reef experiences departing from the Town of 1770. Discover the underwater world through snorkelling and diving, enjoy a glass-bottom boat tour or take an island walk to explore the pristine reef habitat that marine and land animals call home.

Get up close with graceful manta rays, watch turtles glide through the ocean and discover the colourful array of reef fish beneath the surface.

If you’re lucky enough to visit between November and March, you might witness turtles carefully laying their eggs (November to January) or hatchlings making their first journey into the big blue (January to March).

Take an island walk and discover the abundant flora and fauna unique to this island.

Whether you spend a day exploring or several nights camping beneath the stars, Lady Musgrave Island offers an unforgettable escape to nature’s very own aquarium, aviary and rookery, all in one.

reef island camping

For those who wish to stay a little longer, try camping on top of Lady Musgrave Island’s 400 acres of living reef (permit required and National Park restrictions apply). Access to the island for campers is via Curtis Ferry Services exclusive barge hire, which departs from the Gladstone Marina. Campers should note that there are no shops or facilities ashore and they are required to take their own fresh water, food and all supplies. 

Click here for more information about camping permits and restrictions.