Hinchinbrook Island National Park Tropical North Queensland

Enjoy the view from your tent near the beach at North Macushla camping area. Photo credit: Emma Schmidt © Queensland Government

The rugged beauty of Hinchinbrook Island National Park must be seen to be believed! Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Tourism and Events Queensland

North Macushla camping area

This shady beach-side area boast stunning ocean views and is a great base to explore the island and surrounding waters.

Accessible by

  • Boat

Camping area facilities

  • Anchoring allowed
  • Toilets (non-flush)
  • Tent camping
  • Walking
  • Boating
  • Fishing

Always check

Pack your gear into the boat and head to this shady spot on the northern edge of Missionary Bay.

The ocean views from your tent are nothing short of spectacular. The golden beach joins the deep blue ocean that’s dotted with rocky outcrops and islands, and flanked by the mainland in the distance.

Head out on the water and spend the day fishing (zoning restrictions apply), exploring and sightseeing, or stretch your legs on the walking track over to South Macushla.

This island 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

North Macushla camping area is in Hinchinbrook Island National Park, 8km off the Queensland coast at Cardwell.

  • The camping area is on the north-east side of Hinchinbrook Island in Missionary Bay, south of Cape Richard, and can be reached by private vessel launched from Cardwell or Lucinda, or sea kayak.

Private vessel

  • Visitors accessing the island by private vessel should obtain a copy of the Hinchinbrook plan of management 2004 (PDF, 1.74MB) for information on transit lanes and boat speeds to aid dugong and turtle conservation.
  • Access to some areas of Hinchinbrook Island is weather and tide dependent and a good knowledge of the waters and potential hazards is essential.
  • Check local tide tables and weather conditions at the Bureau of Meteorology before you set out.
  • Read boat and fish with care for tips on boating and fishing safety and caring for parks.

Sea kayak

  • Commercial sea kayak tours of Hinchinbrook Island are available.
  • 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.

Before you visit

Opening hours

North Macushla camping area is open 24 hours a day. Check-in to your camp after 2pm and check-out by 11am on the day of departure.

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

Camping area features: under shady trees and with beach access.

Location: north-east side of Hinchinbrook Island in Missionary Bay, south of Cape Richards.

Access: the camping area can be reached by boat. It is not available to Thorsborne Trail walkers.

Number of sites: open area without separately defined sites.

Camp sites are suitable for: tent camping.

Camp site surface: sand, dirt and grass.

Facilities: toilet, picnic tables. An 80m walk to a shelter shed at South Macushla camping area.

Open fires: prohibited.

Generators: not permitted.

Essentials to bring: drinking water, rubbish bags, insect repellent and fuel stove. Read more about before you visit.

Bookings: book online or learn about our camping booking options. Advance bookings are recommended for school holiday periods.

Mobile phone coverage: poor.

Upcoming camping area availability

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Hinchinbrook Island safely and camp with care.