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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![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
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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
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.
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Image credit© Tourism and Events Queensland![]()
Be inspired: Snorkelling, seabirds and sightseeing—3 sensational reasons to visit the southern Great Barrier Reef!
The southern Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most iconic travel destinations… and little wonder why! Here you can snorkel amongst delicate corals and colourful fish, share your island ‘solitude’ with thousands of seabirds, and enjoy sightseeing on a scale second to none!
- Mast Head Island and Beach and Erskine Island and Beach - Seasonal Closure 15 October 2022 to 31 March 2023
- North West Island shark research in progress 5–10 December 2022
- Lady Musgrave Island, Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) Hazard 18 December 2020 to 22 August 2023
- North West Island declaration of Special Activity Area (Sharks) 22 October 2021 to 14 September 2023