Sawmill Bay

⛺ Sawmill Bay Camping Area (Whitsunday Island, QLD)

📍 Description & Location

Sawmill Bay is a quiet beachside clearing located within Cid Harbour on Whitsunday Island. Nestled under forest canopy and adjacent to historic remnants of a 19th-century sawmill, the site serves as a peaceful boat-access base with direct trail access to Whitsunday Peak. It offers a sheltered anchorage with calm waters and rich island vegetation.

📜 History

The area takes its name from a timber mill that operated in the late 1800s, powered by nearby creek water. It played a role in early maritime logging activity and is now preserved as a day-use and hiking launch point. The region also features traditional sea-country significance for the Ngaro people.

🚿 Facilities and Amenities

• Pit toilet

• Picnic tables

• No drinking water or bins

• No campfires or generators allowed

• No showers or lighting provided

🚗 Vehicle Access

• Boat access only

• Mid to high tide recommended for landings

• No vehicle or track access

📝 Stay Information (as at July 2025)

• Fees apply

• Booking: Essential via Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service

• Managing Authority: Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service

• Site Type: Informal beachside camping area

• Maximum stay: Not stated

• Pet Policy: No pets allowed

• Not required to be self-contained

• Access notes: Informal layout in shaded picnic zone; prepare to carry all waste

• Contact: QPWS – check booking platform for availability

• Public-facing note: Informal camping allowed at day-use site; no designated campground layout

🍻 Nearby Pubs & Clubs

• None on Whitsunday Island

• Mainland options at Airlie Beach (~30 km by boat): includes pub, tavern, and yacht club

🏕️ Nearby Campgrounds

• Dugong Beach (Whitsunday Island): 15–20 minutes south by boat, formal site with facilities

• Chance Bay: Southern Whitsunday Island, linked by track to Whitehaven

🌿 Nearby Attractions

• Whitsunday Peak Track: 2.2 km each way, steep trail with 360° summit views

• Cid Harbour Anchorage: Safe, scenic overnight boat mooring area

🛒 Nearest Supplies

• Airlie Beach (mainland)

  • Groceries: Woolworths & IGA

  • Fuel: Multiple servos

  • Water: Boat terminals and marinas

  • Medical: GP clinics and pharmacy

⭐ Reviews Summary

Positives:

• Calm, scenic setting

• Good boat anchorage

• Access to top hiking trail

• Shade and picnic tables welcome

Cautions:

• No formal campground

• Bring all provisions

• No phone reception

• Midges in shaded areas (seasonal)

🆘 Breakdown & Emergency Info

• Emergency: 000

• Mobile Signal: Generally none

• UHF Channels:

  • Road Channel = 40

  • Emergency Only = 5

• Safety Tip: Carry EPIRB or satellite device; hike early to avoid midday heat

📝 Final Note

Sawmill Bay offers a rustic, informal camping experience on Whitsunday Island for those arriving by boat. It’s a gateway to one of the region’s best hikes and ideal for a quiet overnight stay in nature. Just be prepared to come fully equipped, as this is not a serviced site.