A chain of scenic continental islands, close to the Wet Tropics coast near Mission Beach are covered in lush rainforest and woodlands and surrounded by coral reefs, tidal flats and sandy beaches, Dunk island was home to the original beachcomber, E.J. Banfield.

There are over 20 islands off the coast of Mission Beach with the famous Dunk Island only a short boat ride from the mainland. Most islands are National Parks where you can even camp on the islands. There are some islands that are private islands including Bedarra Island.

Family Group of Islands

The Family Group of islands include Dunk, Bedarra, Timana, Wheeler, Coombe, Smith, Bowden and Hudson Islands. Dunk Island is situated 4 kilometres off the mainland coast from Mission Beach and is within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage site. Mission Beach is the gateway to the Family Island Group and provides access to the islands by water taxi, charter boat or private boat.

Dunk Island (Coonanglebah)

Dunk Island is the biggest of all the islands in the Family Group of Island and is mostly all National Park apart from the Dunk Island Resort that remains closed after damage from tropical cyclone Yasi in 2011. Camping is available with a number of camping sites on the island.

There are a number of beaches and walking tracks including a climb to the summit at Mount Kootaloo that will reward you with stunning views of the smaller islands in the Family Group of island.

Bedarra Island (Richards Island)

Bedarra Island is a private island only a short boat ride from Mission Beach and has a resort and beach holiday home that visitors can stay at on the island.

Wheeler Island

Wheeler Island is a National Park and allows for camping on the island.

Coombe Island

Coombe Island is a National Park and allows for camping on the island.

Purtaboi Island

Purtaboi Island is a small island north of Dunk Island and is a restricted access area from 1 October to 31 March to protect the breeding grounds of nesting terns. Breeding success of these species is seriously affected by human disturbance. Access to the island during this period is by permit only. A person must not enter or remain in this area without a permit or written approval.

Hinchinbrook Island

To the south of Mission Beach and the Family Group of islands is Hinchinbrook Island, the largest National 1Park island in the world laying Eight kilometres off the Queensland coast at Cardwell. Camping is available on the island.