Cockatoo Beach

🏝️ Cockatoo Beach Camping Area – North Molle Island, QLD

📍 Description & Location

Cockatoo Beach offers a relaxed, sandy campground on the southern tip of North Molle Island—just a 6 km boat ride from Shute Harbour. Surrounded by open eucalypt forest, it overlooks Daydream, Mid‑, and South Molle Islands. The setting is tranquil, with soft sand underfoot and crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking.

🕰️ History

Part of Molle Islands National Park (established in 1944), the area falls within the traditional lands of the Ngaro people. While once accessed via resort boats, it has been preserved as a simple, respectful bush campsite—maintaining its natural charm and cultural significance.

🛠️ Facilities and Amenities

• Non‑flush (composting) toilets

• Picnic tables and some sheltered spots

• Open sandy/grass camping area—no marked platforms

• Boat anchorage allowed, but conditions vary (off‑beach anchoring not advised)

• No potable water, showers, power, or dump point

• No open fires or generators—fuel stoves only

• Limited mobile coverage

🚙 Vehicle Access

• Boat access only (from Shute Harbour or Airlie Beach)

• Arrival best timed at mid to high tide

• Anchorage off beach can be rough due to wind and currents

• Bring gear via tender or kayak; mainland trolleys recommended

🛏️ Stay Information (as at July 2025)

• Camping style: Tent-only bush camping

• Fees: Permit required under Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service — fees apply

• Booking: Essential in advance via parks booking system

• Authority: QPWS (Molle Islands NP)

• Site Type: Informal, open-area campground

• Maximum Stay: Up to 24 people total in the group site

• Pets: Not permitted (National Park policy)

• Self-containment: Must bring water, food, sanitation kit, fuel stove — no services provided

• Access notes: Plan for tide/weather changes; after-hours pickup must be arranged

• Contact: Online QPWS booking or regional Parks office

⛺ Nearby Campgrounds

• Sandy Bay (South Molle) – beach campsite with basic facilities

• Paddle Bay (South Molle) – large group camping similar setup

• Other islands like Long, Tancred, Planton, and Denman also have group sites available

🗺️ Nearby Attractions

• Snorkelling & swimming – fringing reef and calm waters; good spotting for fish and occasional turtles

• Kayaking & canoeing – paddle between islands; gentle coastal waters

• Hiking – inland and coastal trails near landing area

• Scenic views – forest-edge clearings offer glimpses of neighbouring islands

🛒 Nearest Supplies

• Shute Harbour – kiosk, fuel, charter services

• Airlie Beach (~6 km) – full amenities: supermarkets, fuel, medical, outdoor gear

• Boat charter operators can deliver water or gear for camping groups

⭐ Reviews Summary

👍 Highlights

• Quiet, secluded campsite with beach and forest access

• Spacious group camping area for up to 24 people

• Great for snorkellers, kayakers, and tent campers

• Picnic tables and composting toilets add convenience

⚠️ Cautionary Notes

• No running water, showers, or power—requires full self-containment

• Unexpected wind and current exposure; anchorage not always safe

• No signal—bring satellite/VHF or inform emergency contacts

• Fuel stoves only—open fires and generators are banned

🚨 Breakdown & Emergency Info

• Emergency: Dial 000; marine rescue may be needed

• Mobile: Very limited—Telstra may reach edges; backup comms recommended

• UHF Channels: Road Channel = 40; Emergency Only = 5

• Boat/Anchorage Safety: Monitor local conditions; reef awareness essential

• Safety Tips: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, tides chart, first aid kit, marine radio

✍️ Final Note

Cockatoo Beach is perfect for small groups and outdoor lovers craving a peaceful island escape. With beachside camping under the stars, snorkeling right from shore, and forest walks just steps away, the experience is raw and rewarding—ideal for those who trek light, arrive tide-smart, and leave no trace behind.