Camping in Barnard Islands

Bush camping is available on Stephens and Kent islands. Both camping areas have very limited facilities and campers must be self-sufficient. Bring drinking water, a fuel stove, food, shelter and rubbish bags. See essentials to bring for further information.

Cyclone Yasi has damaged vegetation on the Barnard Island Group National Park. Campers on Stephens and Kent islands are advised to bring a tarpaulin as there will be a lack of shade in the camping areas until the canopy recovers. Poles are provided at each site for erecting tarpaulins. Campers must only use the sites delineated by tarpaulin posts and seats.

Camping permits are required for both camping areas and fees apply for camping on Stephens Island. Kent Island is a Commonwealth island and no camping fees apply. A tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site.

Numbers are limited and small scale commercial camping is only permitted on weekdays outside Queensland school holidays.

Our precious Great Barrier Reef World Heritage islands are among the most pest-free islands in the world. They need your help to stay this way. Please Be pest-free! (PDF, 573.6KB) before your visit.

Park-specific conditions

To protect nesting seabirds, access to Stephens Island (PDF, 124.7KB) is restricted to the sand spit and camping area on the western side of the island from 1 September to 31 March.

The maximum length of stay at any camp site (on both islands) is seven nights in non-peak periods and four nights during peak periods (Queensland school holidays).

Read more about staying safe and looking after the park.