Sandy Bay

🏝️ Sandy Bay – South Molle Island, QLD

📍 Description & Location

Sandy Bay is a peaceful, sandy beachfront campsite on the west side of South Molle Island, about 5 km ENE of Shute Harbour. It features a long coral-rubbed beach lapped by turquoise waters, edged with eucalypt woodland and grassy patches perfect for tents. The bay offers wide open space and a sense of wilderness—ideal for campers who enjoy beachcombing, snorkelling and serene sunsets.

🕰️ History

Part of Molle Islands National Park, Sandy Bay is situated on land traditionally belonging to the Ngaro people. South Molle once hosted a bustling resort established mid‑20th century before being devastated by Cyclone Debbie in 2017. Today, the island continues its legacy of nature-based recreation through low-impact camping and hiking—preserving cultural and ecological values.

🛠️ Facilities and Amenities

• Non‑flush (drop) toilets and a small shelter near the beach

• Picnic tables (some sheltered)

• Beach and campsite suited to tent camping—no powered sites or showers

• No dump point or potable water—bring your own

• Open area accommodating up to ~36 people

• No open fires or generators allowed (gas stoves only)

• Limited mobile phone coverage

🚙 Vehicle Access

• Accessible only by boat from Airlie Beach or Shute Harbour—charter or private craft

• No vehicle access on-island; bring gear via boat or kayak

• Camping area reachable at mid to high tide only

• Carry gear manually from landing to site—trolleys available at mainland jetty

🛏️ Stay Information (as at July 2025)

• Camping style: Beach bush camping

• Fees: Camp permit fees apply (National Park permit; tag must be displayed)

• Booking: Essential, especially over school holidays—book via parks booking system

• Authority: Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service (Molle Islands NP)

• Site Type: Informal beach campsite

• Maximum Stay: Subject to permit conditions (permits enforce site rotation and group sizes)

• Pets: No pets (National Park policy)

• Self-containment: Must bring own water, food, sanitation, cooking gear

• Access notes: Boat arrival timings depend on tides; plan around mid-high tides; after-hours pickup needs coordination

• Contact: Use parks booking service online or QPWS for permits

⛺ Nearby Campgrounds

• Paddle Bay (South Molle) – Similar beach campsites with basic facilities, north of Sandy Bay

• Sites on other islands – Informal bush camping permitted in Molle group with permit

🗺️ Nearby Attractions

• Mount Jeffreys & Spion Kop – Moderate hikes ~2 hrs return with panoramic island views

• Fringing reef – Excellent snorkelling at low tide directly off the beach

• Beachcombing – Coral rubble and shells line the shoreline

• Sandbar to Mid Molle – Walkable at low tide for exploration opportunities

🛒 Nearest Supplies

• Shute Harbour – Small kiosk, petrol station, charter offices

• Airlie Beach – Full amenities: supermarkets (IGA/Coles), fuel, cafes, medical, gear shops

• Charter providers – Many offer camp gear and water drop-off options

⭐ Reviews Summary

👍 Highlights

• Stunning secluded beach with rich snorkelling opportunities

• Well-connected to trails for hikes or island loops

• Peaceful, small-group atmosphere

• Picnic tables and shelter add comfort

⚠️ Cautionary Notes

• No fresh water or showers—self-contained camping required

• Drop toilets only—bring hygiene supplies

• Limited mobile signal; emergency comms may be unreliable

• No fires or generators—bring gas stove

🚨 Breakdown & Emergency Info

• Emergency: Dial 000 (marine evacuation may be needed)

• Mobile: Very limited coverage—Telstra may reach from peaks only

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

• Boat/Craft Safety: Monitor tides, wear life-jackets; reef hazards exist

• Backup: Carry satellite comms or EPIRB if solo or in small group

✍️ Final Note

Sandy Bay offers a beautifully raw island camping experience— perfect for independent travellers who thrive on simplicity, snorkeling, and bushwalks. Bring all essentials, time your arrival with tides, and embrace the quiet magic of beachside camping under the stars. Ideal for those seeking reef-edge serenity and trail adventure in an iconic Whitsunday setting.