Queensland Holidays - The Official Tourism Site for Queensland
Mourilyan
Queensland 4858 Australia
Barnard Island Group National Park
Mourilyan,
Cassowary Coast Area
Free Entry
Description
Known as high continental islands, the forested slopes of the Barnard Islands rise steeply from the sea. Heights of the islands vary from 19 to 95 metres. The Barnard Islands have a fascinating geological history dating back 420 million years.
The rocky slopes of the Barnard islands are densely cloaked in rainforest, with diversity increasing with the size of the island. Mangroves fringe parts of the islands and coastal plants border the shores. The South Barnard islands (Sister and Stephens islands) are an important breeding site for seabirds. Six species of terns have been recorded nesting there, mainly in the dense vegetation next to the shore. Twenty-three species of woodland birds have also been recorded on and around the Barnard islands.
... moreYou can camp on Stephens or Kent islands, fish and snorkel in the surrounding waters and walk along the beaches. Birdwatching is a must.
Access is restricted to Sisters and Stephens islands from 1 September to 31 March each year to protect nesting sea birds.
Be aware of stinging jellyfish and estuarine crocodiles. Everything on the islands is protected. Leave your pets at home and camp only in designated sites.
... lessProperty Details
Activities
-
Animal Watching -
Birdwatching -
Camping -
Fishing -
Snorkelling -
Swimming
Other Information
How To Get There
The Barnard Island Group comprises seven continental islands - Bresnahan, Hutchinson, Jessie, Kent and Lindquist (North Barnard islands) and Sisters and Stephens (South Barnard islands). The islands lie five to 10 kilometres offshore from Kurrimine Beach, which is approximately 130 kilometres south of Cairns and 240 kilometres north of Townsville. The islands can be reached by private boat or sea kayak from Mourilyan Harbour and Kurrimine Beach. To reach Mourilyan Harbour turn off the Bruce Highway at Mourilyan into Mourilyan Harbour Road (signposted to Etty Bay). To reach Kurrimine Beach turn off the Bruce Highway near Silkwood into Murdering Point Road. Lindquist Island is a Commonwealth defence reserve. Access to the island is not permitted.
To protect nesting seabirds, access to Stephens and Sisters islands is restricted from 1 September to 31 March each year. During this time, access to Sisters Island is totally prohibited and access to Stephens Island is limited to the sand spit and camping area on the western side of the island.
Tariff Text
Camping fees apply.
Weather
The Barnard Island Group National Park has a tropical climate. In summer, the daytime temperatures average 30 degrees Celsius with high humidity and rainfall. From April to September the days are cooler and less humid. Despite the steady south-easterly trade winds, this is usually the best time to visit.
Free Entry
* Please note: These rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available costs of listed products and services. To obtain a firm price from the provider, please use the contact the operator. All prices are quoted in Australian dollars.