Whitsunday Islands National Park Whitsundays

Set up camp and take in views of Cid Island from Joe's Beach camping area. Photo credit: © Brooke Miles Photography

The iconic Hill Inlet is not to be missed on a visit to Whitsunday Islands National Park. Photo credit: © Tourism and Events Queensland

Be inspired: Family camping in the wonderful Whitsundays is enough to make Robinson Crusoe jealous!

The very name, ‘Whitsundays’, conjures up images of pure white sand, deep blue waters and emerald-green islands with the obligatory waving palm trees. Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Tourism and Events Queensland

Be inspired: Paddle into paradise on the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail

Backpackers from around the world know the Whitsundays are a ‘must’, so why not grab a few mates and check out this paradise in your own back yard?

Be inspired: Paddle, pedal, soar or sail—explore The Whitsundays your way!

White sands, rich green landscapes and turquoise waters combine to make The Whitsundays your ultimate tropical getaway. Photo credit: Justin Heitman © Queensland Government

Joe's Beach, Whitsunday Island

Admire stunning views of Cid Island from this secluded beach camping area, with excellent snorkelling right on the doorstep.

Accessible by

  • Boat

Camping area facilities

  • Picnic tables
  • Toilets (non-flush)
  • Tent camping
  • Canoeing and kayaking
  • Boating
  • Fishing

Find your own secluded spot among the towering rainforest lining this sandy beach camping area.

Skip through water along Joe’s Beach and take in superb views of Cid Island. At low tide, grab your snorkel and explore the stunning variety of marine life and coral along the fringing reef, just metres from the shore.

Take off for the day on your canoe or kayak and cruise through the deep, blue waters to explore Cid Harbour, an anchorage used by the Australian and allied navies during World War II.

End the day reeling in some fresh fish for dinner—cast a line from your boat or straight off the beach.

Whitsunday Islands 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

Joe's Beach camping area is on Whitsunday Island in Whitsunday Islands National Park, located offshore from the Queensland central coast, 25km east of Airlie Beach.

  • Joe's Beach camping area is located on the western side of Whitsunday Island in Cid Harbour, about 41nm or (76km) Shute Harbour (travelling in an anti-clockwise direction).
  • Anchoring is permitted in Cid Harbour. Access to this site is possible from mid to high tide.
  • Read boat and fish with care for tips on boating and fishing safety and caring for parks.
  • 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.

Getting to the Whitsundays

  • Travel on the Bruce Highway to Proserpine, 125km north of Mackay.
  • From Proserpine, drive 25km east along Shute Harbour Road to Airlie Beach, and continue a further 10km to Shute Harbour. Book your tour or charter boat or launch your vessel from here.
  • All roads to the boat launch sites are suitable for conventional 2WDs.

The islands' national park is easily accessible by commercial tours and transfers, charter boat and private vessel from the coastal towns of Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour. Hamilton Island (20km south-east of Shute Harbour) is also accessible by aircraft.

Commercial tours

  • Commercial operators offer day trips, camping tours and boat, camper and kayak transfers departing from Abell Point Marina at Airlie Beach and from Shute Harbour.

Charter boat

  • Bare boats or private charters are available from Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour and Hamilton Island.

Private vessel

  • There are public boat ramps at Port of Airlie and Abell Point Marina in Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour, Cannonvale (4km east of Airlie Beach), Dingo Beach (50km north-west of Airlie Beach), Conway Beach (38km south of Airlie Beach) and Midge Point (60km south of Airlie Beach).
  • Always take the weather and tidal influences into account when boating in the Whitsundays.

Aircraft

  • Hamilton Island and Airlie Beach have airstrips and commercial operators offer sightseeing tours.

Before you visit

Joes Beach camping area.

Joes Beach camping area. Photo: Queensland Government.

Photo credit: Queensland Government

Opening hours

Joe's Beach 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: A secluded camp site and beach area with outstanding views of Cid and Molle islands. The fringing reef provides good snorkelling, and is exposed at low tide.

Location: Cid Harbour, Whitsunday Island; approximately 17km east-north-east of Shute Harbour.

Danger! Sharks: Do not swim in Cid Harbour. Serious injury or death may occur from shark attack.

Access: The camping area can be reached by boat (only). There is protected anchorage, and access is best at mid to high tide.

Number of sites: Open area without separately defined sites. Maximum of 12 people.

Camp sites are suitable for: walk-in camping.

Camp site surface: Sand and dirt.

Facilities: Composting toilet, picnic tables.

Open fires: Prohibited.

Generators: Not permitted.

Essentials to bring: Drinking water, rubbish bags, insect repellent. Read more about before you visit.

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

Mobile phone coverage: Not available.

Upcoming camping area availability

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Whitsunday Islands safely and camp with care.