An unspoilt, hilly, 518-hectare island covered by thick forest and surrounded by reefs offering excellent snorkelling, Carlisle Island is connected to Brampton Island by a narrow sandbar. During low tide it may be possible to walk between the two. Camp-site availability, bookings and permits for Carlisle are found online at Queensland Parks or at the Mackay visitor centre.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Cape Hillsborough National Park
18.43 MILES
Comprising broad beaches, rocky headlands, sand dunes, mangroves, hoop pines and rainforest, the 10.2-sq-km national park lies some 50km northwest of…
27.95 MILES
The best known of the 13 coral-fringed specks in the Lindeman Islands National Park, this island is traditionally owned by the Ngaro, an Aboriginal…
11.79 MILES
Thirty-two kilometres northeast of Mackay, Keswick Island is the only island in the Cumberland group with constant human habitation. It's a real paradise,…
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A forested granite horseshoe lying 60km from the mainland, Scawfell is the largest island in the Cumberland group. On its northern coast, Refuge Bay, with…
11.69 MILES
Swathed in over 600 hectares of national park filled with eucalyptus and grass trees, Goldsmith offers delightful beaches on its northern shore, fantastic…
Mackay Regional Botanical Gardens
26.54 MILES
Set on 33 hectares, 3km south of central Mackay, these gardens were first envisioned in 1878 yet didn't open until 2003. Taking their names from pioneer…
24.96 MILES
For Mackay's tag artists, the city is their canvas. Download the Zappar app, step into this alleyway and aim your phone at the barcodes provided to make…
25.11 MILES
This contemporary art gallery showcases works from local and visiting artists, including pieces by the Indigenous Lockhart River Art Gang. Exhibits may…
Nearby Whitsunday Coast attractions
11.69 MILES
Swathed in over 600 hectares of national park filled with eucalyptus and grass trees, Goldsmith offers delightful beaches on its northern shore, fantastic…
11.79 MILES
Thirty-two kilometres northeast of Mackay, Keswick Island is the only island in the Cumberland group with constant human habitation. It's a real paradise,…
3. Cape Hillsborough National Park
18.43 MILES
Comprising broad beaches, rocky headlands, sand dunes, mangroves, hoop pines and rainforest, the 10.2-sq-km national park lies some 50km northwest of…
21.39 MILES
A forested granite horseshoe lying 60km from the mainland, Scawfell is the largest island in the Cumberland group. On its northern coast, Refuge Bay, with…
22.56 MILES
Mackay's marina is a little out of town, but well worth the trip to wine and dine with a waterfront view, or to simply picnic in the park and stroll along…
24.8 MILES
Backed by the Pioneer River and reassuringly stinger-free, this pleasant three-tiered artificial lagoon has kids' play areas, water slides, grassed picnic…
24.96 MILES
For Mackay's tag artists, the city is their canvas. Download the Zappar app, step into this alleyway and aim your phone at the barcodes provided to make…
25.11 MILES
This contemporary art gallery showcases works from local and visiting artists, including pieces by the Indigenous Lockhart River Art Gang. Exhibits may…