Curtis Island National Park and Conservation Park Gladstone

Photo credit: Sherri Tanner-McAllister © Queensland Government

About Curtis Island

    Park features

    Curtis Island is a unique part of the central Queensland coast. Coastal heath and littoral rainforest scatter the sand dunes and beach ridges, while extensive salt flats make up the large plain on the northern section of the island.

    The small settlement of Southend is the entry point for your stay on the southern end of this scenic island. Driving north from here you will reach Southend Conservation Park, Curtis Island Conservation Park and Curtis Island National Park. The parks offer tranquil ocean vistas and stretches of uninhabited beaches.

    The endangered Capricorn yellow chat has been recorded in remnant wetlands on Curtis Island Conservation Park to the island’s north. The threatened flatback turtle nests on the island's beaches.

    Looking after the park

    • Read and obey signs. Some areas of the park are closed and access is prohibited to visitors. Please read all signs and avoid entering restricted or protected areas.
    • Keep wildlife wild. Do not feed or interfere with native animals. All plants, animals and natural features are protected. Disturb nothing.
    • Take rubbish with you. Bins are not provided. Please help and collect rubbish left by others. A council rubbish transfer station is located north of Southend.
    • Avoid clearing plants and leaf litter when setting up camp. All vegetation—including grasses, vines, fallen timber and leaves—are part of the natural ecosystem. Remember, all plants are protected on national parks and collecting is not permitted.
    • Cook without campfires. Fires are prohibited in the park, please use a gas or liquid fuelled stove for cooking. Open fires are also prohibited on tidal land (beaches).
    • Avoid contaminating the camping area. Bring a shovel or portable toilet.

    Be pest-free!

    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) , Be pest-free! video—YouTube before your visit.

    Before you visit, please check that your boat, clothing, footwear and gear are free of soil, seeds, parts of plants, eggs, ants and insects (and their eggs), spiders, lizards, toads, rats and mice.

    Be sure to:

    • Unpack your camping gear and equipment and check it carefully as pests love to hide in stored camping gear.
    • Clean soil from footwear and gear as invisible killers such as viruses, bacteria and fungi are carried in soil.
    • Check for seeds in pockets, cuffs and hook and loop fastening strips, such as Velcro.

    While you are on the islands, remove soil, weeds, seeds and pests from your boat, gear and clothes before moving to a new site. Wrap seeds and plant material, and place them in your rubbish.

    Everyone in Queensland has a General Biosecurity Obligation to minimise the biosecurity risk posed by their activities. This includes the risk of introducing and spreading weeds and pests to island national parks.

    See the guidelines on caring for parks for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.

    Park management

    Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) manage Curtis Island National Park and ConservationPark for the enjoyment of visitors and the conservation of our natural and cultural heritage. Work is currently being undertaken to manage feral animals—pigs, foxes and cats—to conserve biodiversity on the island. Signs will be in place when pest control activities are being undertaken. Please comply with sign directions for your own safety.

    Tourism information links

    Gladstone Information Centre
    www.gladstoneregion.info
    Marina Ferry Terminal
    Bryan Jordan Drive
    Gladstone QLD 4680
    Phone: (07) 4972 9000
    Email: gladstonevic@gapdl.com.au

    Curtis Ferry Services
    www.curtisferryservices.com.au
    215 Alf O'Rourke Drive
    Gladstone QLD 4680
    Phone: (07) 4972 6990
    Email: info@curtisferryservices.com.au

    For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see Queensland Holidays.