Wild Cattle Island National Park Gladstone

Wild Cattle Beach at Wild Cattle Island National Park. Photo credit: Larry Brushe

Visiting Wild Cattle Island safely

    Wild Cattle Creek dries at low tide, allowing visitors to walk across to the park.

    Wild Cattle Creek dries at low tide, allowing visitors to walk across to the park.

    Photo credit: Larry Brushe

    Getting there and getting around

    Access is by private boat or by walking across Wild Cattle Creek at low tide.

    A boat ramp is located on Wild Cattle Creek via Boat Ramp Road at Tannum Sands. Alternatively, there are two boat ramps at the Boyne River mouth 1km north of Tannum Sands, one via Wyndham Road at Bray Park and another at Alexander Street at Boyne Island. Boats may access the park at any location, dependent on tides and weather.

    Wild Cattle Creek separates the park from the mainland on the parks western side. At low tide the creek dries and visitors can walk 600m across the creek to the park from Wild Cattle Creek boat ramp or the southern creek access path of Millenium Esplanade. Visitors will need to time their arrival and departure to coincide with low tides.

    A small township reserve named Bangalee is located at the southern end of the park. Vehicular access to Wild Cattle Island is restricted to owners/lessees of property at Bangalee and their bona-fide guests.

    There are no walking tracks or public facilities provided on Wild Cattle Island National Park.

    Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

    Wheelchair accessibility

    There are no wheelchair accessible facilities in Wild Cattle Island National Park.

    Staying safe

    General safety

    • Do not swim at the mouth of Wild Cattle Creek. Tidal currents are strong. People have drowned here.
    • Carry plenty of drinking water. On hot days, rest often and avoid the heat of the midday sun.
    • Wear suitable footwear and protect yourself from the sun. Wear sun-safe clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
    • Never walk alone and tell a responsible person where you are going and when you expect to return. Stay with your children at all times.
    • Sightings of estuarine crocodiles have occurred in Wild Cattle Creek and on Wild Cattle Beach. Please remember to be croc wise in croc country.
    • Be prepared for emergencies.

    In case of emergency

    • In an emergency, if network coverage is available, dial Triple Zero (000) or 112 from your mobile phone.
    • Alternatively, contact the Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Queensland (VMRAQ) on ph (07) 4972 3333 or 0408 864 317 or use marine radio on VHF channel 82 (call sign VMR446).

    For more information, please read the general guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

    Before you visit

    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) before your visit.

    Essentials to bring

    Preparation is the key to a safe and enjoyable visit.  Make sure you bring:

    • adequate drinking water—no water is available on park
    • first aid kit
    • sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and clothing for protection against the sun
    • insect repellent
    • rubbish bags
    • fuel stove for cooking
    • boating safety equipment—Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), radio or satellite communications.

    Permits and fees

    Camping permit

    Camping permits are required and fees apply. A camping tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site.

    Other permits

    Various activities conducted in Wild Cattle Island National Park may require permits. Such activities include commercial tours, organised group visits, school excursions, scientific research, and sale of photographs or vision of Wild Cattle Island National Park. View permits and fees for further information.

    Pets

    Domestic animals are not permitted on Wild Cattle Island National Park.

    Climate and weather

    Wild Cattle Island National Park and the Gladstone area have a subtropical climate. Temperatures can reach 35°C in summer and 10°C in winter. The average annual rainfall is 880mm.

    Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

    For more information see the tourism information links.

    Fuel and supplies

    Supplies are available at the nearby townships of Boyne Island and Tannum Sands. Fuel is available at Boyne Island. For more information see the tourism information links.

    • There are currently no park alerts for this park.