Welcome to Curtis Island — a remote national park island near Gladstone with long sandy beaches, bushwalking trails, 4WD beach camping, and abundant wildlife including sea turtles. Accessible by boat or ferry, it’s perfect for nature and adventure getaways.
Beach Information
- 🏖️ Best Time to Visit: April to October for dry, comfortable weather.
- 🐠 Marine Stingers: Present November–May; no stinger nets.
- 🚩 Lifeguard Patrol: Not patrolled.
- 🐕 Dog Friendly: No — dogs prohibited in national park areas.
- 🛠️ Facilities: Limited — camping areas, picnic spots, walking tracks.
- ♿ Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible; boat or ferry access only.
- 🏘️ Closest Town: Gladstone — Distance: 2 km by ferry
- ✈️ Closest Airport: Gladstone Airport — Distance: 7 km to ferry terminal.
- 🌦️ Typical Weather: Subtropical; warm, humid summers, mild winters.
🏝️Why Visit Curtis Island?
Curtis Island is a rugged coastal escape just off Gladstone, known for its remote beaches, bushland trails, and wildlife experiences. With long sandy stretches, quiet fishing spots, and designated camping areas, it’s a favourite for adventurers and those seeking solitude. As part of a national park, Curtis Island showcases Queensland’s wild beauty at its best, away from the bustle of the mainland.
🏖️Things to Do at Curtis Island
- Beach Camping: Enjoy 4WD-accessible and walk-in camping along unspoiled beachfronts.
- Bushwalking: Explore national park trails through coastal forest and sand dunes.
- Fishing: Cast a line from the beach or rocky headlands.
- Swimming: Remote beaches are swimmable, but unpatrolled — exercise caution.
- Wildlife Watching: Spot turtles, birdlife, and other native species.
- Boating & Kayaking: Access calm waters around the island or explore by boat.
🐨Wildlife
Curtis Island is well-known for its rich wildlife:
- 🐢 Sea Turtles: Nest on the island’s beaches (November to March).
- 🐦 Birdlife: Home to migratory and coastal birds, including ospreys and terns.
- 🐟 Marine Life: Dugongs, dolphins, and fish species in surrounding waters.
- 🐕 Dingoes: Occasionally seen — visitors should follow safety guidelines.
🛍️Facilities & Accessibility
Facilities are basic due to its national park status:
- 🚻 Simple picnic areas and toilets at some camping zones
- ⛺ Camping sites available with permits
- 🛻 4WD beach access for campers
- 🅿️ No urban facilities — bring all supplies with you
- ♿ Not wheelchair accessible — boat or ferry only
🌤️Best Time to Visit Curtis Island
- 🌞 April to October: Dry, comfortable weather for camping and walking.
- 🪼 November to May: Marine stingers present; no nets.
- 🛟 Lifeguard Patrols: Not patrolled — swimming at own risk.
- 🌤️ Year-round: Subtropical with hot, humid summers and mild winters.
🗺️ Getting There
⛴️ Ferry: Curtis Island is accessible via Curtis Ferry Services from Gladstone Marina, with regular passenger and vehicle ferries operating daily to South End — the island’s main settlement. The trip takes about 45 minutes.
🚙 Driving: 4WDs are recommended for exploring beyond South End, as roads are unsealed and sandy. Vehicle bookings on the ferry are essential.
🛥️ Boats: Private vessels can also access the island from Gladstone Harbour or The Narrows; anchoring is available in calm conditions near South End.
🅿️ Parking: Long-term and short-stay parking are available at the Gladstone Marina ferry terminal.
💡 Info correct at time of writing — check Curtis Ferry Services and Gladstone Regional Council for current ferry schedules and island access conditions.
💡 Local Tips
🌴 Curtis Island is a remote tropical escape just off Gladstone, known for its long beaches, sand dunes, and laid-back coastal lifestyle.
🌅 The main beach at South End offers calm swimming, safe anchorage, and stunning sunsets over Gladstone Harbour.
🐬 Look out for turtles, dugongs, and dolphins in the clear shallows — the island is part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
🚶♀️ Bushwalks lead through coastal scrub to scenic lookouts and lighthouse ruins on the northern headlands.
⚠️ There are limited facilities — bring supplies, water, and fuel if exploring beyond South End.
📍Nearby Attractions
- 🏙️ Gladstone (2 km by ferry): Mainland hub with shops, dining, and accommodation.
- 🏝️ Facing Island: Another island escape with fishing and camping.
- 🌳 Gladstone Marina Parklands: Scenic harbourfront park with playgrounds and BBQs.
📆 Events & Markets Nearby
Curtis Island is a remote, nature-filled escape with no markets on the island itself — but visitors can enjoy Gladstone’s lively events before or after their ferry trip.
- 🛍️ Gladstone Marina Markets (monthly): Handmade crafts, art, plants, homewares, jewellery, food stalls, and local produce.
- 🎶 Gladstone Harbour Festival (Easter): A major regional festival with fireworks, carnival rides, food vans, markets, and live entertainment.
- 🍲 Feast on East Markets (cruise ship days): Pop-up markets offering street food, gourmet produce, handmade gifts, and coastal crafts.
- 🎨 Tondoon Botanic Gardens Events (seasonal): Garden markets, plant expos, workshops, and cultural activities.
- 🎄 Gladstone Christmas Street Markets (December): Festive stalls with gifts, decorations, crafts, food, and holiday entertainment.
For a full list of what’s on in the region, visit the
👉 Gladstone Attractions | Best Things to Do Near Gladstone Beaches
🏕️Accommodation Near Curtis Island
- ⛺ Designated beach camping zones (permit required)
- 🏡 Holiday stays and hotels in Gladstone before ferry transfer
- 🛻 Self-contained camper options (with 4WD access)
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🍴 Places to Eat & Drink
Curtis Island is a remote and peaceful destination, so visitors should bring their own food and drinks when exploring the island. There are no cafés or restaurants on the island itself, but nearby Gladstone offers plenty of dining options before or after your visit. Enjoy a picnic by the beach or a meal overlooking the mainland harbour — then share your favourite food and drink experiences below!
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🧭Plan Your Trip to Curtis Island
Curtis Island is the ultimate adventure escape just off Gladstone. With long wild beaches, 4WD camping, bushwalking trails, and sea turtle nesting sites, it’s a destination for those who love nature and the outdoors. Accessible only by ferry or private boat, the island offers a truly remote Queensland experience where the rainforest meets the reef.
💬 Share Your Curtis Island Beach Photos & Reviews
📸 We’d love to see your favourite moments from the Gladstone Region and its nearby islands! Upload your photos, share your experiences, and leave a review to help other visitors discover this stunning part of Queensland’s Southern Great Barrier Reef.
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💙 Explore More Beaches Nearby
Discover more of the Gladstone Region’s coastal beauty:
Lilley’s Beach ➜ | Tannum Sands ➜ | Boyne Island ➜ | Agnes Water ➜
🌊 About This Beach Directory
🌴 Note: This directory doesn’t include every beach in Queensland — there are simply too many! We’ve selected the most significant and unique beaches based on a range of factors including natural beauty, accessibility, and local popularity.
If you think we’ve missed one that deserves to be featured, we’d love to hear from you!
📧 Email us at Admin@QldBeach.com with your photos and tell us why your favourite beach should be added.
☀️ Happy surfing and sunning from the Queensland Beach Guide team!