Things to do

Camping and accommodation

Camping

Camping is not available in the park.

Other accommodation

A range of accommodation is available in and around Mackay. For more information see the tourism information links.

Walking

Explore Brampton Island with an invigorating hike up Brampton Peak.

Brampton Peak: Grade - Moderate to challenging
Time: Allow 3hrs
Distance: 6.6km return

Details: The walk from the resort site to Brampton Peak is steep in places, but the reward is splendid views of the mainland and Carlisle Island's steep forested slopes. Enjoy the surroundings and catch your breath at one of the bench seats along the way.

Picnic and day-use areas

There are secluded picnic areas at Brampton's Western Bay and Dinghy Bay West, all have picnic tables and a toilet.

Boating and fishing

Brampton Islands National Park is part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and is surrounded by amazing marine life. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park protects this natural wonder and zones provide a balanced approach to protecting the reef while allowing some recreation and commercial use. Some activities, such as fishing or collecting, are not permitted in some zones and you should always consult a zoning map before fishing or collecting.

When boating:

• Anchor with care, on sand when possible. If you cannot avoid coral, use reef picks and motor towards anchor when hauling in.
• Go slow for those below. Turtles feed in the surrounding marine park waters and the islands are important turtle rookeries.

If fishing or collecting:

• Know your marine park zones. Obtain and consult your Great Barrier Reef Marine Park zoning map. Maps are available from many outlets including QPWS Mackay and bait and tackle shops. Alternatively, visit the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority website for further information.
• Know your fishing regulations. Queensland fisheries legislation applies in zones where fishing is permitted. Fishing is not permitted in Marine National Park Zones (Green Zones).
• Collecting any coral, living or dead, is not permitted anywhere. Limited collecting of shells (five of any unprotected species) is permitted in General Use Zones (Blue Zones) and Marine Conservation Park Zones (Yellow Zones) only.

Viewing wildlife

From the verdant Brampton Peak lookout to the coral-covered sea floor, Brampton Islands National Park abounds in the beauty of nature. Blue tiger butterflies add bursts of colour to the island and rainbow skinks are abundant in the undergrowth, should you take the time to look. Turtles feed in the surrounding marine park waters and both islands are important turtle rookeries.

Other things to do

Swimming and snorkelling are popular in this area. Stop for lunch on one of the isolated beaches, take a dip and enjoy the spectacular marine life.

When snorkelling or swimming please remember:

• Be careful with your fins. Careless kicking can damage coral.
• Don't stir up sediment. Murky waters stress plants and animals.
• Beware of dangerous marine stingers. Stingers are prevalent between October and May but may be present all year round. It is advisable to wear protective clothing if swimming or snorkelling.