Site to Sights
The Cairn
Whitsundays QLD
Category:
Camping Ground
Whitsundays Mackay QLD
Area
QLD: GREATER WHITSUNDAYS
GPS:
-21.0693502, 149.0150071
Nearby Sights/Things To Do
🏞️ The Cairn – Whitsundays, QLD
📍 Description & Location
The Cairn is a cliff-top lookout and adjoining informal camping area located on the northern tip of Whitsunday Island. Perched above the Coral Sea, it offers panoramic ocean views, striking sunsets, and a remote sense of true wilderness. Set within Whitsunday Islands National Park, it’s a serene hideaway for tent campers who crave solitude and sweeping sea vistas.
🕰️ History
Part of Whitsunday Islands National Park (established 1944), The Cairn lies on traditional lands of the Ngaro people, who have navigated these islands for millennia. While it has never been a formal settlement, the site is woven into cultural stories and has seen small-scale use by bushwalkers and marine travellers. Interpretive signage now points to its long-standing connection with Indigenous navigation routes.
🛠️ Facilities and Amenities
Composting-style non-flush toilet at the lookout
A simple cleared area for up to ~8 tents—no formal platforms
No potable water, showers, power, dump point
No open fires or generators—gas stoves only
Limited to no mobile phone coverage
🚙 Vehicle Access
Boat access only; arrive via charter or private vessel, timed with mid-to-high tide
Anchoring permitted off-shore—choose rocky ledges or sandy hollows depending on conditions
No vehicle or road access; gear must be packed in from vessel
Trolleys recommended from mainland jetty
🛏️ Stay Information (as at July 2025)
Camping style: Tent-only bush camping
Fees: National Park permit fees apply (tag must be displayed)
Booking: Recommended online via QPWS system; check for permit restrictions
Authority: Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service (Whitsunday Islands NP)
Site Type: Informal cliff-top campsite near the lookout
Maximum Stay: Small groups (max ~8 campers); check permit
Pets: Not permitted (National Park policy)
Self-containment: Bring all water, food, sanitation, cooking gear
Access notes: Tide/weather affects anchor position; after-hours pickups to be arranged
Contact: QPWS bookings portal or regional Parks office
⛺ Nearby Campgrounds
Chance Bay – Beach camping with platforms, moderate hiker/boater access
Whitehaven Beach Campground – Formal campground with beach edge and more facilities
Cockatoo Beach & Paddle Bay – Group sites on nearby islands
🗺️ Nearby Attractions
The Cairn Walk – Easy trail along coastal cliffs with dramatic views
Snorkelling & marine life viewing – Rich reef systems near anchorage
Wildlife observation – Coastal birds, sea turtles, and occasional whales
Scenic boating and sunsets – From the lookout or anchored at sunset
🛒 Nearest Supplies
Shute Harbour – Fuel, boat charters, small kiosk
Airlie Beach (~25 km) – Supermarkets, fuel, marine services, medical centre
Charter operators – Deliver camping gear and water drop-offs on request
⭐ Reviews Summary
👍 Highlights
Dramatic cliff-edge outlook across the Coral Sea
Quiet and private—far from crowded beaches
An easy walk to the lookout makes it ideal for short stays
Strong marine wildlife presence—turtles, fish, seabirds
⚠️ Cautionary Notes
No water or powered facilities—must be fully self-contained
Cliff drop-offs require care—especially in wind
Anchorage depends on tide/weather—plan flexibly
Limited mobile coverage—satellite or VHF recommended
🚨 Breakdown & Emergency Info
Emergency: Dial 000; marine rescue services may be required
Mobile signal: Very limited; Telstra occasionally reachable on exposed promontories
UHF Channels: Road Channel = 40; Emergency Only = 5
Boating safety: Avoid reefs, monitor conditions, bring navigation charts
Safety tips: Wear sturdy shoes near cliff edges, bring sun and reef protection, insect repellent
✍️ Final Note
The Cairn is a must for campers seeking cinematic ocean views and calm cliff-top nights. It’s perfect for small groups keen on a short, dramatic getaway with a sense of remoteness. Bring all essentials, plan around tides, and enjoy the peace and panoramic beauty that defines the Whitsunday wilderness.