The cays’ stunning white beaches and coral reefs will leave a lasting impression. Their exceptional beauty and biological diversity make them internationally significant.
Location
60-100km north-east of Gladstone
Park facilities
- No campfires
- Information centre
- Toilets
- Tent camping
- Fishing
- Scuba diving
- Snorkelling
- Walking
- Nesting birds
- World Heritage
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![Camp on your own coral cay within the world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef.]()
Camp on your own coral cay within the world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef.
Photo credit: Collette Bagnato © Queensland Government
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![Immerse yourself in a remote island paradise.]()
Immerse yourself in a remote island paradise.
Photo credit: Collette Bagnato © Queensland Government
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![Immerse yourself in nature when you stay at Mast Head Island camping area.]()
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![Enjoy an easy walk in the shade of the pisonia trees.]()
Enjoy an easy walk in the shade of the pisonia trees.
Photo credit: Collette Bagnato © Queensland Government
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![Walk in the shade of the pisonia forest.]()
Walk in the shade of the pisonia forest.
Photo credit: John Augusteyn © Queensland Government
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![Enjoy world-renowned coral reef diving around the cays.]()
Enjoy world-renowned coral reef diving around the cays.
Photo credit: © Tourism and Events Queensland
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![Erskine Island is the most ecologically intact island of Capricornia Cays National Park.]()
Erskine Island is the most ecologically intact island of Capricornia Cays National Park.
Photo credit: John Augusteyn © Queensland Government
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![Wedge-tailed shearwaters raise their chicks on the islands between October and April.]()
Wedge-tailed shearwaters raise their chicks on the islands between October and April.
Photo credit: Graham Hemson © Queensland Government
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![Seabirds, like this black noddy, visit Capricornia Cays National Park during the breeding season.]()
Seabirds, like this black noddy, visit Capricornia Cays National Park during the breeding season.
Photo credit: John Augusteyn © Queensland Government
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![Hermit crabs scavenge around your camp site at night.]()
Hermit crabs scavenge around your camp site at night.
Photo credit: John Augusteyn © Queensland Government
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![Admire scenic ocean views from your camp site on Lady Musgrave, North West and Mast Head islands.]()
Admire scenic ocean views from your camp site on Lady Musgrave, North West and Mast Head islands.
Photo credit: Collette Bagnato © Queensland Government
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![Heron Island and the wreck of the HMAS <em>Protector</em>.]()
Heron Island and the wreck of the HMAS Protector.
Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Tourism and Events Queensland
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![Pull up on Wilson Island and spend the day snorkelling, diving, reef walking or just relaxing!]()
Pull up on Wilson Island and spend the day snorkelling, diving, reef walking or just relaxing!
Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Tourism and Events Queensland
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![Heron Island has resort accommodation.]()
Heron Island has resort accommodation.
Photo credit: © Tourism and Events Queensland
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![Luxuriate on pristine white island beaches.]()
Luxuriate on pristine white island beaches.
Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Tourism and Events Queensland
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![Snorkel the day away!]()
Snorkel the day away!
Photo credit: © Tourism and Events Queensland
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![Walking tracks on Lady Musgrave and North West islands explore the pisonia forests.]()
Walking tracks on Lady Musgrave and North West islands explore the pisonia forests.
Photo credit: Collette Bagnato © Queensland Government
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![Read about the national park on the signs on Lady Musgrave Island.]()
Read about the national park on the signs on Lady Musgrave Island.
Photo credit: Collette Bagnato © Queensland Government
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![Stunning sunsets over the reef are yours to enjoy when you camp overnight.]()
Stunning sunsets over the reef are yours to enjoy when you camp overnight.
Photo credit: Andrew McDougall © Queensland Government
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![You might see green turtle hatchlings between December and April.]()
You might see green turtle hatchlings between December and April.
Photo credit: Collette Bagnato © Queensland Government
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![The islands are important nesting sites for marine turtles.]()
The islands are important nesting sites for marine turtles.
Photo credit: Graham Hemson © Queensland Government
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![Pitch your tent in the shade of pisonia forests at Lady Musgrave and North West islands.]()
Pitch your tent in the shade of pisonia forests at Lady Musgrave and North West islands.
Photo credit: David Watson © Queensland Government
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![Marine life galore, so much reef to explore!]()
Marine life galore, so much reef to explore!
Photo credit: Collette Bagnato © Queensland Government
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![Dry out with a scenic stroll along the pristine beaches.]()
Dry out with a scenic stroll along the pristine beaches.
Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Tourism and Events Queensland
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![There is so much to discover on the Great Barrier Reef.]()
There is so much to discover on the Great Barrier Reef.
Photo credit: Collette Bagnato © Queensland Government
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![Reach the island paradises by private boat, commercial vessel or seaplane.]()
Reach the island paradises by private boat, commercial vessel or seaplane.
Photo credit: Collette Bagnato © Queensland Government
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![Reef walking at low tide is a great way to explore the corals and marine life.]()
Reef walking at low tide is a great way to explore the corals and marine life.
Photo credit: Dean Boswell © Queensland Government
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![Watching turtle hatchlings scurry down the beach is an unforgettable experience.]()
Watching turtle hatchlings scurry down the beach is an unforgettable experience.
Photo credit: Collette Bagnato © Queensland Government
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![You're bound to meet some of the reef locals, like this loggerhead turtle.]()
You're bound to meet some of the reef locals, like this loggerhead turtle.
Photo credit: © Tourism and Events Queensland
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![Finding North West Island at the end of a rainbow is even better than finding a pot of gold!]()
Moored near North West Island at the end of a rainbow!
Photo credit: Graham Hemson © Queensland Government
Highlights and announcements
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Image creditSharks are present in our coastal waters in Queensland at all times of the year. Be SharkSmart when visiting our remote islands.© Queensland Government![Aerial shot of shark swimming along coastline.]()
North West Island shark research project
The Capricornia Cays is abundant with wildlife — including sharks. We are currently conducting research into the prevalence, movements and behaviour of sharks around North West Island.
- Announcement: Closure of North West Island 3 June to 13 September 2024
- North West Island declaration of Special Activity Area (Sharks) 22 October 2021 to 11 September 2024
- Visitors to Great Barrier Reef reminded to be SharkSmart 14 October 2020 to 21 August 2024
- Lady Musgrave Island, Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) Hazard 18 December 2020 to 21 August 2024