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FAQs

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Planning your
Dunk Island visit

With so many things to come and see on Dunk Island, it's easy to get excited. But don't forget to read our FAQ's to plan your trip!

If you can't find an answer to your question, please contact us.

Contact Us

Planning your Dunk Island visit

The Dunk Island Restaurant is open from Wednesday to Sunday offering sit-down meals and drinks.

Take away food options are also available.

CLICK HERE to read more about dining options at Dunk Island.

No. All alcohol purchased from the restaurant must be consumed within the licence boundary with the exception of Eco Tent guests as the licence extends to accommodation.

Yes. All guests are welcome to self-cater at Dunk Island, however cannot bring their own food and drink into the restaurant.

Yes. Many visitors enjoy Dunk Island as a day trip, exploring walking tracks, beaches, and reefs before returning to the mainland. 

CLICK HERE to learn more about things to see and do on Dunk Island

During open hours the restaurant and Info Hut offers some convenient items for sale, however all visitors to Dunk Island should ensure they bring everything they’ll need for the duration of their visit.

No. Domestic animals are not permitted on Dunk Island, including beaches and tidal areas, to protect native wildlife and delicate island ecosystems. Read our factsheet No Dogs at Dunk to learn more about why.

Yes. Dunk Island is family-friendly, with beaches, trails, and relaxed activities suitable for all ages.

It’s important to note that children should be supervised at all times by a responsible adult. Dunk Island trails are not sealed and may not be navigable for standard prams and strollers. While there are no playgrounds on Dunk Island, some activities are provided for entertainment. Infants and toddlers should never be left in Eco Tents unattended.

Mobile reception is good on Dunk Island, however there is no public WiFi available so we encourage all guests to embrace the opportunity to disconnect from tech to reconnect with nature while here.

Some areas of the island are accessible, including the restaurant and amenities block, but due to natural terrain not all walking tracks and beaches are suitable for mobility devices.

The Dunk Island Ferry may be accessible for  people with mobility devices, however prior notice will need to be offered to make arrangements for safe boarding and disembarking.

To discuss your needs please contact Dunk Island enquiries on 0480 090 210.

The best time to visit Dunk is the cooler months of June to October. Please read our article about Dunk Island seasons for more information.

Guests are reminded that Dunk Island is in the ‘Wet Tropics’ where weather can dramatically change from day-to-day. We embrace the rain here at Dunk and have provisions in place to provide cover at the restaurant.

Eco Tents are waterproof and as such bookings still apply in wet weather. 

In extreme weather conditions Dunk Island may need to close and the ferry will be cancelled.  Please note a full refund will be offered on such occasions.

Swimming in Far North Queensland oceans without lycra protective clothing (stinger suits) is not recommended during the warmer months November to May which is considered ‘Stinger Season’. Please read our article Dunk Island Seasons, or learn more about stingers on the QLD Surf Lifesaving website.

Dunk Island Restaurant

Welcome to island time where anyone can anchor up on the beach and enjoy casual dining and refreshments at the restaurant where no reservations are required for groups under 8 people. Our venue is designed to be able to scale up and down as needed, ensuring that every guest can be served.

If you are planning to bring a group of 8 people or larger, we recommend that you let us know by pressing the ‘Contact Us’ button to the left of this page.

Lunch reservations are offered for 11am only and tables will be released if guests have not arrived by 11:30am.

Dinner reservations are accepted from 5:30 to 7pm.

Dunk Island Accommodation & Campsites

Current options include beachfront Campsites (bring your own camping gear) with the introduction of Eco Tents (pre-set glamping style) early 2026. 

Campsites are open year-round 7-days with access to sites from 12:30pm of check-in date.

Eco Tents are available from Wednesday to Sunday with the exception of June and September QLD school holidays when they’re available 7-days.

Please see our page Stay at Dunk for more information.

Bring your own tent and camping gear, bedding, towels, sun protection, insect repellent, drink bottle and food supplies. There are limited services on the island – particularly Monday and Tuesday when the restaurant is closed.

Yes. Eco Tents are pre-set and ready for arrival including linen, towels and charging stations for electronic devices.

Eco Tents are designed for minimal disruption to the surrounding environment, as such they do not feature ensuites. Amenities are provided by the nearby campsite block. To avoid unnecessary wastage, toiletries are not supplied as an inclusion, but may be available for purchase if needed.

Please note that Eco Tents are unpowered (with the exception of the charging station), and do not have air conditioning. In the warmer months November to May, Eco Tents may not be suitable for people with heat sensitivities.

No. Fires are strictly prohibited at Dunk – camping guests are recommended to bring a gas stove or make use of the free electric BBQs to prepare hot drinks and meals.

Dunk Island Ferry & Transfers

Dunk Island is accessed only by boat, with the official ferry service departing Mission Beach Clump Point Jetty twice daily in line with the restaurant operating hours – Wednesday to Sunday (and 7 days during QLD school holidays in June and September). While online bookings will close 12 hours in advance, last minute bookings are welcome by calling the Dunk Island Guest Services team on 0460 855 111.

Several reef tour and water taxi providers also offer transfers to Dunk Island- we recommend visitors contact Cassowary Coast Tourism to enquire which service is suitable.

Yes. Boaties often anchor in Brammo Bay, the main anchorage on Dunk Island, and there are two visitor mooring buoys operated by Marine Parks. Always enter carefully, as the fringing reef extends into the bay, and check marine park guidelines before your visit.

The Dunk Island aerodrome is currently not in commission, and the runway is closed pending maintenance and safety assessments.

Fixed wing aeroplanes are currently not permitted use of the runway until further notice.

Some exceptions may be made for helicopter landing – especially in emergency situations. Please click the ‘Contact Us’ button to the left of this page to request landing permission under special circumstances. For urgent requests please phone 0480 090 210.

Dunk Island Activities

No, but snorkelling gear will soon be available for purchase from the Info Hut or restaurant.

Dunk Island has some kayaks and paddle boards available for hire. It’s recommended that water sport activities are conducted on Pallon Beach adjacent to the Eco Tents for the safest conditions.

Enjoy hiking rainforest trails, wildlife spotting, snorkelling, swimming, kayaking, and beach relaxation. The island’s walking tracks take you through diverse habitats and to scenic lookouts. 

Read our article Explore Dunk Island for more information.

Dunk Island has partnered with several local tour operators to provide a range of experiences for guests including:

  • 2 hour inner reef snorkelling
  • Full day outer reef snorkelling
  • Family Islands picnic adventure
  • Fishing & Kayaking tours
  • Fast boat thrill ride

Availability and prices are on enquiry – please speak to our Dunk Island staff or phone 0480 090 210.

Dunk Island - Frequently Asked

Yes. Events are available at the restaurant for groups of up to 80 people during daytime hours only. Evening events may be considered under special circumstances. Please read our Dunk Island Groups & Events article for further information.

Yes. Dunk Island’s rainforest springs supply exceptional drinking water which is treated per regulation and channelled to taps at the campground and amenities area.

Yes. The restaurant can offer bags of ice but may be limited in availability during busy days. It’s recommended that all visitors bring their own ice where possible. 

Ice is provided for Eco Tent guests.

No. The resort redevelopment is still in planning. Visitors to Dunk Island are asked to observe strict regulations regarding trespassing in the resort grounds which is a construction site. An announcement about the resort’s re-development and expected opening have not yet been made.

Dunk Island is located in Far North Queensland which is known as ‘croc country’. While it’s highly unlikely you’ll ever encounter a croc on Dunk Island, we ask all guests to remain croc wise. This means never venturing off designated pathways, especially around mangroves, creeks and swampy areas. Report any sightings to staff immediately.

Dunk Island Ferry has partnered with local bus service, Mission Link, to provide a free shuttle bus service to Clump Point Boat Ramp where the ferry departs. The service also offers a return bus.

Should the shuttle bus service not be suitable to your needs, we recommend booking a local Taxi service – Mission Beach Taxis or Hop On Tours.

CLICK HERE to see the schedule and read more.

Dunk Island is approximately 4 kilometres (about 2.5 miles) offshore from Mission Beach in Tropical North Queensland’s Cassowary Coast region.

It’s a 20 minute boat ride from Clump Point Boat Ramp in Mission Beach.

Dunk Island has a Duty Manager who is available via phone 24/7.

The Duty Manager phone is 0460 855 111.

No. Although Dunk Island is located along the Cassowary Coast – famously named after this giant pre-historic bird which is prolific in the region – the birds are not found on Dunk Island.