The newly reopened Dunk Island campgrounds are already drawing attention, with upgraded facilities, fresh glamping tents, and revitalised beachfront campsites positioning the island as one of North Queensland’s most promising getaways for 2026.

Visitors can now enjoy improved amenities along with a licensed food and beverage outlet operated by the Dunk Island team, offering a relaxed spot for day visitors and campers to unwind by the water.

Just a short ferry ride from Clump Point Marina, Dunk Island sits within the sparkling Coral Sea, surrounded by rainforest walking trails, golden beaches, and sheltered snorkelling spots. Mission Beach Tours provides daily ferry transfers, connecting travellers from Mission Beach to this iconic tropical escape.

Whether guests choose to settle into a glamping tent, pitch a campsite beneath the stars, or simply spend the day exploring the island, Dunk Island continues to deliver a classic Queensland experience with a refreshed, modern feel.

Dunk Island Ferry is putting adventure at the heart of tropical island escapes with its popular Get Dunked half day tour, operated by local Mission Beach outfit Wildside Adventures.

Running as an exclusive small group of just ten, guests board the rigid inflatable Tornado for a thrilling hot lap around Dunk Island before exploring hidden gems including the famous Pirates Cave and the tranquil Granite Hole. Local guides share their insider knowledge of the island throughout the journey.

Guests can snorkel, relax beneath shady palms at Coconut Bay, and enjoy light snacks and drinks included in the tour. Complimentary hotel pick-ups from Mission Beach make the experience seamless.

Rated 4.7 out of 5, Get Dunked has earned a devoted following among visitors seeking something beyond the ordinary. Tours depart from Clump Point boat ramp.

Thanks to the extra rainfall, Barron River Rafting is now running morning departures from 4 to 18 April. The rapids are roaring, making it the ultimate school holiday adventure!

QuickCoast has temporarily paused its services between Mission Beach, Cairns, Dunk Island and the reef while future operations are reviewed.

QuickCoast aim to resume their Outer Great Barrier Reef and Dunk Island tours from Thursday, 2 April 2026.

Visitors can still enjoy a day on Dunk Island with Mission Beach Adventures offering a daily ferry service.

The Dunk Island Day Transfer departs Clump Point at 8:30am, giving guests the chance to explore the island’s beaches and walking tracks at their own pace before returning at 2:30pm.

This return transfer is ideal for day-trippers looking to experience the natural beauty of Dunk Island, with easy access from Mission Beach.

Dunk Island Ferry – Quick Details:

• Departs daily from Clump Point at 8:30am


• Returns from Dunk Island at 2:30pm


• Independent island time with walking trails, beaches & more


• Operated by Mission Beach Adventures

The Dunk Island Spit Restaurant is open Thursday to Sunday, 11am to 4pm (kitchen closes around 3pm). Please note, this is a cashless venue.

The menu changes daily, featuring fresh specials based on local produce. Expect a tasty mix of Mexican-inspired mains like tacos, burritos, and Mexican pizzas, plus lighter options such as salad bowls and fresh fish burgers. Sides include nachos, guacamole, and chilli garlic prawns, with a selection of ice creams and sorbets for dessert. Kids are covered too, with junior-friendly meals.

Drinks range from tropical cocktails and mocktails to wine, beer, smoothies, and barista-made coffee.

For group bookings, email info@dunkislandcamp.com.au.

Come for the views, stay for the flavours!

Looking for a breezy afternoon thrill in the tropics? Cairns Adventure Group is operating daily Half Day River Tubing tours on the Mulgrave River starting 8 May, running through the entire month!

This chilled-out adventure is perfect for anyone after a half-day of fun and scenery – no experience needed, just a sense of adventure. The tour includes about two hours of river drifting and small rapids, set against a lush rainforest backdrop. Departures run daily from 1:30pm to 6:00pm, with free transfers from Cairns and Northern Beaches.

It’s a great family-friendly option too – kids as young as five can join in, and safety is top-notch with certified guides and ongoing rescue training.

Good news for campers! Dunk Island will be welcoming back visitors for the Easter holidays in 2025. With its stunning beaches and tropical vibes, it's the perfect spot for a holiday escape.

Camping bookings are now open and can be made temporarily through the Mission Beach Visitor Information Centre. For any enquiries or to lock in a site, contact 07 4068 7099 or email info@cassowarycoasttourism.com.au.

A quick heads-up—some walking trails have been affected by recent weather, so it's best to check the latest updates on QLD Park Alerts before you go.

Pack your tent and get ready to relax under the palms!

Get ready for the ultimate beachside escape! Dunk Island’s famous spit is gearing up to welcome glamping enthusiasts in early 2025. Nestled in the heart of tropical Far North Queensland, this iconic spot is about to become a must-visit destination for those craving sun, sand, and relaxation.

The spit will feature luxurious new glamping tents, adding a touch of comfort to the stunning natural surroundings. These will complement the existing four traditional campsites along the jetty-side foreshore.

With walking trails, campgrounds, and watersports already on offer, Dunk Island is stepping it up with a brand-new café and bar nearing completion. Perfect for enjoying a tropical cocktail or a bite to eat with unbeatable views.

Whether you’re into lazy beach days or adventurous explorations, Dunk Island’s glamping experience is shaping up to be Far North Queensland’s premier getaway. Start planning your escape—paradise awaits!

Until mid-December, Foaming Fury is running weekend morning Barron Rafting tours from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Please note: No pickups from Northern Beaches or Port Douglas for morning sessions.

Weekday afternoon tours remain available—book your adventure now!

The long-awaited reopening of Dunk Island Spit campgrounds is set for early 2025 after significant upgrades. The Dunk Island Group is enhancing the site with new glamping tents, upgraded campsites, and renovated shower and toilet facilities.

A licensed food and beverage outlet is also being added to serve visitors.



These improvements aim to create a more enjoyable experience for both campers and day visitors. Construction is well underway, and the campgrounds are expected to reopen next year.

Dunk Island Group is reactivating the Dunk Island Spit to create a unique tropical getaway for both international visitors and locals. The plan includes introducing glamping tents—Far North Queensland’s only island glamping experience—alongside traditional campsites on the Brammo Bay foreshore.

The upgrades already underway include renovated public amenities and a permanent, fully licensed food and beverage venue set to open in early 2025, subject to weather and site conditions. The new space will offer a variety of water activities and events blending tourism with local community involvement.

With construction still in progress, the campgrounds are due to re-open early 2025.

The Dunk Island 'Quickcoast' Ferry will be undergoing scheduled maintenance from August 6th to August 28th. 

Get Dunked is still operating over these dates as an alternative for those looking to visit beautiful Dunk Island. 

Get Dunked is available for morning or afternoon half day options. 

Morning Tour | 8.00am – 12.00pm

Afternoon Tour |1.00pm – 4.00pm

Finally! Barron River Rafting is back in action! 

You can book now for tours starting from July 4th. 

The Barron River hosts the only half day rafting tours in Cairns! Tours start from 2pm.

Stay tuned for more updates—there are rumors of a morning tour coming soon!

Great News! The rafts are returnng to the Barron River by late June or early July 2024.

Barron River Rafting experiences have been on hold since December 2023 while the hydro power station has scheduled maintenance on the turbines. This critical work is necessary to ensure the region's power supply but means that Barron Rafting operations are paused while the work is in progress.

The Next scheduled maintenance period will be from September 2nd to November 22nd, 2024.

Prepare for the experience of a lifetime! Skydive Australia has just launched an incredible Cairns deal for their thrilling 15,000ft tandem skydive adventure. Originally priced at $359, you can now take the plunge for only $299! This special offer is available for booking until June 30, 2024, with travel dates extending until September 30, 2024.

Imagine freefalling from Australia's highest tandem jump, with nothing but the stunning vistas of coral seas and lush forests below. After a brief training session, you'll join a 20-minute scenic flight, soaking in breathtaking views of the rainforest and coast. At 15,000 feet, experience the ultimate rush with a 60-second freefall before your parachute deploys, allowing you to glide gently back to earth for 5-7 minutes.

No experience? No problem! Skydive Cairns provides all necessary training and equipment, including transfers from various Cairns accommodations like the Holiday Inn and Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort. Plus, you can relive the thrill with photos and videos captured by high-resolution wrist-mounted cameras.

Book before July and travel before October 2024. 

The thrilling Barron River half-day white water rafting tours are back from June 20, 2024! Located just 20 minutes from Cairns, this exhilarating experience is perfect for adventurers aged 12 and above.

Tour Highlights:

Enjoy approximately two hours navigating Grade 3 rapids.

Explore the scenic Barron Gorge National Park.

Rafts can accommodate up to 7 passengers along with a skilled River Guide.

Transfers are available from Cairns.

For those who prefer to drive, meet the team at Lake Placid Car Park by 2:30 PM.

 

Camping Season: July - September 2024

Campsites on The Spit at Dunk Island will open for bookings soon, with the camping season set for July through September 2024. Keep an eye out for the booking launch as the date approaches.



Campsite Features:

• Eight available sites, accommodating up to 8 people per site.


• Each site comes with picnic tables and ample space for your tents.

Day Use: All Year Round

Even outside the camping season, day visitors are welcome to explore Dunk Island's natural beauty. Make use of the national park walking trails and enjoy facilities at The Spit BBQ & Amenities area.

We're thrilled to announce that the Dunk Island Adventures ferry service will resume operations starting April 2, 2024! Get ready to embark on a breathtaking journey to one of Australia's most stunning tropical island destinations.

Ferry Schedule:

Operating Days: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday

Departure from Mission Beach: 9:00 AM

Return from Dunk Island: 3:30 PM

Quick and Scenic Journey:

Our ferry ride is a swift 15-minute journey from Mission Beach Clump Point, cruising over the mesmerizing azure blue waters of the Coral Sea. It's not just a trip; it's an experience that starts the moment you board!

Discover Dunk Island:

Dunk Island is a paradise waiting for you. Whether you're an adventurer or a relaxation seeker, the island has something for everyone:

Bushwalking: Explore the lush trails and discover the island's natural beauty.

Snorkeling: Dive into the clear waters and be mesmerized by the vibrant marine life.

Swimming: Enjoy the warm, crystal-clear waters that surround this tropical haven.

Relaxing: Unwind under the shade of palm trees, letting the island's tranquility rejuvenate you.

Make the Most of Your Day:

With our convenient ferry times, you have a full day to immerse yourself in the island's beauty. Pack your day with activities or simply relax and soak in the serene atmosphere.

Due to the impacts of Cyclone Jasper and subsequent flooding, including damage to the Barron Gorge hydro station and road closures, Barron River Rafting will be paused until approximately May 2024. 

We're working on an alternate afternoon rafting trip, depending on water conditions. Stay tuned for updates on this alternative experience.

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. Safety is our priority, and we're committed to resuming our thrilling rafting adventures as soon as conditions allow.

Dunk Island, a renowned camping destination off Queensland's coast, is undergoing a significant transformation. The Dunk Island Group has announced plans to revitalize the Spit, which includes the bar, amenities, and campsites. This comes after the recent closure of overnight camping facilities and the pop-up beachside bar from October to early December 2023.

The anticipated re-opening of the Spit in mid-December is set to offer a more luxurious experience for visitors. The introduction of 'glamping' – a blend of glamorous and camping – promises a more comfortable and upscale camping experience. This move aligns with the global trend of travelers seeking more comfortable outdoor experiences without compromising the essence of being close to nature.

In addition to the glamping facilities, the re-opening will also see the launch of a new 50-person commercial ferry service, enhancing accessibility to the island and potentially boosting its tourism appeal.

However, the decision to close overnight camping has caught many by surprise. The council's official statement clarified that the lease granted to the Dunk Island Group ensures continued access to essential services like the camp kitchen, amenities block, power, water, and sewerage. This suggests that while the traditional camping experience might be changing, the essence of the island's offerings will remain intact.