Things to do

These scenic islands are suited to visitors seeking nature-based experiences such as birdwatching and fishing.

Camping and accommodation

Camping

There is a bush camping area on East Hope Island. Camping permits are required and fees apply.

See essentials to bring for further information and observe minimum impact guidelines when visiting this island.

• Find out more about camping on East Hope Island.
• Book your East Hope Island campsite online.
• If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.

There are no camping areas or facilities on West Hope Island or Struck Island.

Camping is also permitted on Snapper Island.

Other accommodation

There is a range of holiday accommodation in and around Cape Tribulation and Cooktown. For more information see the tourism information links.

Walking

There are no walking tracks on the Hope Islands National Park (CYPAL). Visitors can walk the beaches around the perimeter of the islands. Access through the interior of the islands is not encouraged—the fragile vegetation is easily damaged.

Guided tours and talks

There are no guided tours to the Hope Islands National Park (CYPAL). Fishing charters to the reef and waters surrounding the islands may be available. See tourism information links for further information.

Picnic and day-use areas

The campground on East Hope Island doubles as a day-use area with picnic tables and a pit toilet provided.

Boating and fishing

• Great Barrier Reef Marine Park zoning maps

Boating and fishing around the Hope Islands National Park (CYPAL) are popular activities. Please follow the zoning regulations, catch and bag limits and other guidelines listed below.

Be aware that estuarine crocodiles can occur in the waters around island national parks. Remember, your safety is our concern but your responsibility—always be croc wise in croc country.

Boating

There are public moorings in the waters around Hope Islands National Park (CYPAL). Moorings reduce coral damage from anchors and provide safe and sustainable access to popular reefs and islands. They suit a variety of vessel sizes and are accessed on a first-come-first-served basis. Time limits may apply during the day, but all mooring are available overnight between 3pm and 9am. Learn more about moorings and responsible anchoring and see maps and mooring locations.

Motorised water sports, such as jet skiing, are prohibited around the Hope Islands.

Fishing

• Great Barrier Reef Marine Park zoning maps

Fishing is subject to marine park and fisheries restrictions. The reef and waters surrounding the Hope Islands are zoned Conservation Park (yellow). This permits limited line recreational fishing of one hand-held rod/line per person and one hook per line, and trolling no more than three lines per person and up to six hooks combined total per person. Bait collection is allowed and any oysters gathered must be consumed immediately on site.

Although spearfishing (snorkel only) is allowed in the waters surrounding the islands, spearguns are only allowed on the islands if they are stowed in a dismantled state.

Take only enough fish for a feed—remember bag and size limits apply. For details of bag and size limits for popular fish species see Queensland Fisheries.

For more detailed zoning maps and information for State waters see Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park and for Commonwealth waters see Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

Viewing wildlife

The numerous seabird and woodland bird species mean that the Hope Islands are excellent for birdwatching. The islands are an important breeding ground for pied imperial-pigeons, which spend the summer months nesting on the islands, and large raptors such as ospreys and white-bellied sea-eagles.

Seabirds nest on the ground, on rocky outcrops and in vegetation. Avoid nesting seabirds at all times. Chicks and eggs are vulnerable—they are easily destroyed by heat, cold and predators if left unprotected.

• See the description of the park's natural environment for more details about the Hope Islands' wildlife.