Smith Islands National Park

⛺ Roylen Bay Camping Area (Goldsmith Island)

📍 Description & Location

Roylen Bay is the sole designated camping area within Smith Islands National Park, located on Goldsmith Island off Queensland’s central coast. It offers remote beachfront camping fringed by woodland and reef, part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Access is by private or chartered vessel only, and campers must be fully self-sufficient.

🚿 Facilities and Amenities

• Basic composting/pit toilets

• Picnic table

• Mooring area for vessels

• No water or waste services provided

• No campfires or generators permitted

🚗 Vehicle Access

• Boat access only from Seaforth or Airlie Beach

• No walking or vehicle tracks

📝 Stay Information (as at July 2025)

• Fees apply – camping permits and bookings required

• Booking: Essential through Queensland National Parks

• Authority: Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service

• Site Type: Remote island beach campground (tent-only)

• Maximum stay: Not stated

• Pet Policy: No pets allowed

• Self-containment: Must be fully self-contained

• Access notes: Bring all supplies; no services on island

• Contact: Via QLD National Parks booking service

🏕️ Nearby Campgrounds

• None on island group—nearest mainland sites at Seaforth or Cape Hillsborough

🌿 Nearby Attractions

• Reef snorkelling, beach walking, kayaking

• Dugong, turtle and humpback whale sightings (seasonal)

• Remote coastal rainforest habitats

🏪 Nearest Supplies

• Seaforth and Mackay (via mainland) – fuel, food, marine gear

⭐ Reviews Summary

Positives:

• Idyllic remote island experience

• Quiet, uncrowded and reef-adjacent

• Ideal for experienced wilderness campers

Cautions:

• No amenities or rescue services on site

• Marine weather and tides impact access

• Full self-sufficiency essential

🆘 Breakdown & Emergency Info

• Emergency: 000

• Mobile Signal: Unreliable or absent

• UHF Channels:

  • Road Channel = 40

  • Emergency Only = 5

• Tip: Satellite comms or marine radio strongly recommended

📝 Final Note

Smith Islands National Park is a true off-grid marine sanctuary. With only one minimal, boat-access site, it offers a serene wilderness retreat for prepared travellers. Ideal for paddlers and snorkellers wanting pristine seclusion—definitely not for casual campers.