Capricornia Cays National Park Gladstone

Enjoy an easy walk in the shade of the pisonia trees. Photo credit: Collette Bagnato © Queensland Government

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. Photo credit: © Queensland Government

The exceptional beauty of the islands within Capricornia Cays National Park will leave a lasting impression. Photo credit: Collette Bagnato © Queensland Government

Lady Musgrave Island track

Discover dense pisonia forest growing atop a tiny coral cay, in the southern Great Barrier Reef, and encounter diverse birdlife.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
1.1km one way A path where the start point is different to the finish point
Time suggested
Allow 20min walking time.
Grade
Easy (walk)

Accessible by

  • Boat

Journey facilities

  • Toilets (non-flush)
  • Walking

Explore shady pisonia forest on this walk through the heart of Lady Musgrave, a small low-lying coral cay, built entirely by coral polyps. Along this track, leading from the camping area to the northern beach, experience the contrast between pristine white beaches and the dense pisonia forest, typically only found on coral cays.

Marvel at the unique beauty of this rich forest and ponder how such large trees manage to survive in sand as you spot noddies and other birds in the canopy. Don't miss the 600m return side track to the southern beach and check out the 'lighthouse'!

Capricornia Cays National Park is part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, famed for its superlative natural beauty, outstanding examples of reef ecosystem development, evolutionary history and amazing diversity.

Getting there and getting around

The Lady Musgrave Island track is in Capricornia Cays National Park, 96km north-east of Bundaberg and 59km east-north-east of Seventeen Seventy, in the southern Great Barrier Reef.

  • The track connects the northern beach and the Lady Musgrave Island camping area; and you can walk it in either direction.
  • A 300m sidetrack, not far from the northern beach, takes you to the southern beach.

Getting to the island

  • You can reach the island by private boat or commercial vessel. The nearest departure points are Bundaberg and Seventeen Seventy.
  • There is a daily commercial service to the island.
  • The service is weather-dependent so you need to check with operators for timetables.

For tourism information for all regions in Queensland, see Queensland.com, and for friendly advice on how to get there, where to stay and what to do, find your closest accredited visitor information centre.

Wheelchair access

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Drinking water

Bring at least 5L per person per day, plus a bit extra in case of an emergency.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Lady Musgrave Island track is open 24 hours a day.

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Capricornia Cays safely and Walk with care.