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

Nearby attractions

1. Goldsmith Island

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…

2. Keswick Island

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…

4. Scawfell Island

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…

5. Mackay Marina

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…

6. Bluewater Lagoon

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…

7. Mackay Laneway Project

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…

8. Artspace Mackay

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…