Brampton Islands National Park is 32km north of Mackay and consists of rocky headlands dotted with hoop pines, open grasslands,
woodlands, sheltered bays and long sandy beaches. The islands and surrounding waters are part of the Great Barrier Reef World
Heritage Area.
Access to both Brampton and Carlisle islands is by private boat or by the use of commercial operators departing from Mackay. At low tide it is also possible to walk from Brampton Island's
Sandy Point to the
campground at Carlisle Island. Always
check tide times and leave enough time for the return journey.
Brampton Peak is the island's highest point and rises to 214m above sea level. Walking tracks traverse the island's many ecosystems, from open eucalypt forest on ridges and sheltered slopes to the dense vine forest in gullies and valleys. An amazing display of marine life and coral surround the islands. Dense eucalypt forest clothes Carlisle Island, and rainforest thrives in its sheltered gullies.
For further information on the walks, go to the DERM website:
http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks/brampton-islands/about.html Bush camping is available on Carlisle Island only. Camping permits are required and fees apply. Neils
campground is on the south-west edge of Carlisle Island and faces the Brampton Island Resort. Up to 12 people are permitted to
camp here at any one time. A sheltered picnic table and
toilet are the only facilities. There is no public access to the Brampton Island resort and supplies are unavailable. The secluded picnic areas at Brampton's Western Bay and Dinghy Bay West, and at Carlisle's
campground, all have picnic tables and a
toilet. Western Bay also has a
shelter shed.