Discover Dunk Island with a range of easy day trips, ferry services and small‑group adventures departing from Mission Beach. Whether you’re looking for a simple return transfer, a relaxed day exploring walking trails and beaches, or a high‑speed lap around the island, there’s an option to suit every style of traveller.
From rainforest hikes and snorkelling spots to the laid‑back Spit Restaurant, Dunk Island offers a classic tropical escape just minutes from the mainland. Browse the tours below to find the experience that fits your day in paradise.
The Dunk Island Ferry operates twice daily from Mission Beach, Wednesday to Sunday, providing a fast and convenient 20‑minute crossing to Dunk Island. Services are timed for both day visitors and overnight guests, with a morning departure to start your island adventure and an afternoon service for relaxed arrivals and returns.
Ferry Timetable:
08:45 – Mission Beach to Dunk Island
10:30 – Dunk Island to Mission Beach
12:30 – Mission Beach to Dunk Island
15:30 – Dunk Island to Mission Beach
Ferry Shuttle – Leave the Car Behind
To make travel easier, a Ferry Shuttle Service connects key locations around Mission Beach directly to Clump Point Jetty. The shuttle aligns with ferry departure and arrival times, allowing guests to travel hands‑free and stress‑free. Leaving the car behind helps reduce congestion at the jetty and lets your holiday begin the moment you step aboard.
Shuttle Bus Schedule:
08:00 and 11:45 – South Mission Beach (Tasman Holiday Park, 122–132 Kennedy Esplanade)
08:10 and 11:55 – Wongaling Beach (Bali Hai Holiday Park, 1 Wongaling Beach Road)
08:20 and 12:05 – Mission Beach CBD (Bus stop opposite Australia Post, 32 Porter Promenade)
12:10 – Secure overnight parking for Eco Tent guests (Hideaway Holiday Village, 58–60 Porter Promenade)
A return shuttle service is provided back to your original pickup point.
The shuttle is operated by Mission Link and is included as part of the ferry fare.
Secure Parking for Overnight Guests
Overnight visitors can access secure parking at Mission Beach Hideaway Holiday Village (58–60 Porter Promenade) for a small fee payable on arrival ($10 per night).
For ferry bookings and information, visit:
https://dunkisland.com
The Dunk Island Group is revitalising one of Queensland’s most iconic tropical destinations, bringing new life to the island with upgraded facilities, refreshed accommodation options, and improved visitor experiences.
Travellers can now enjoy:
All accommodation and campground bookings are made directly with the Dunk Island Group.
For overnight stays, glamping, or camping bookings, visit:
www.dunkisland.com
The Dunk Island Restaurant is the island’s new beachfront dining spot, located beside the jetty with sweeping views of the Coral Sea. It offers relaxed, tropical-inspired meals suitable for day visitors, campers, and overnight guests.
Guests can enjoy:
Breakfast, lunch and dinner with a fresh, casual island menu
Barista-made coffee, smoothies, cocktails and all-day bites
A relaxed, barefoot dining atmosphere just steps from the beach
A nearby BBQ picnic area with free electric BBQs for those who prefer to self-cook
Opening Hours:
Wednesday to Saturday: 8:00am – 8:00pm
Sunday: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Closed Monday and Tuesday
Breakfast and lunch are walk-in friendly.
Dinner reservations are recommended for overnight guests.
For menus, updates or dinner bookings, visit:
https://dunkisland.com/dunk-island-restaurant/
Explore Rainforest, Beaches and Island Lookouts
Dunk Island offers a variety of walking tracks suitable for different fitness levels, each showcasing the island’s rainforest, beaches, wildlife and coastal scenery. All walks begin from the north‑east end of the beach near the spit.
Muggy Muggy Beach
Approx. 3 km return (40 minutes) | Grade: Easy
This pleasant coastal walk winds through rainforest, woodland and mangroves before arriving at the sheltered cove of Muggy Muggy Beach. It is an ideal spot for a swim or snorkel before returning along the same track. Access may be affected by tides at certain times.
Mt Kootaloo
Approx. 7 km return (2 hours) | Grade: Moderate
A more strenuous walk that climbs steadily to the 271 metre summit of Mt Kootaloo. Cyclone‑damaged rainforest on the lower slopes provides glimpses over the island and reefs, while the upper slopes open into eucalypt forest. Near the summit, a short side track leads to a lookout with spectacular views over the Family Islands and mainland. Remains of the World War II No. 27 Radar Station can also be seen near the top. Access may be affected by tides at certain times.
Dunk Island Circuit
Approx. 9.2 km (3.5–4 hours) | Grade: Moderate
This longer circuit walk takes you through Palm Valley and on to Coconut Beach before looping back. It is a rewarding but challenging route that showcases Dunk Island’s lush rainforest, diverse birdlife and rich ecosystems. The islands are home to many species of birds, insects, reptiles and mammals, including the brilliant blue Ulysses butterfly. Fringing reefs and extensive seagrass beds support a variety of marine life such as sea turtles and dugong.
These walking tracks offer a chance to experience the natural beauty and wildlife that make Dunk Island one of Queensland’s most treasured destinations.
Muggy Muggy Beach:
From the spit, walk to the north-east end of the beach to the start of the walking tracks.
This pleasant walk winds through rainforest, coastal woodland, and mangroves before arriving at Muggy Muggy Beach.
At this picturesque sandy cove, sheltered behind a rainforest clad headland, enjoy a swim and snorkel before returning along the same track.
Access to this walking track may be affected by tidal influences at certain times.
Mt Kootaloo:
From the spit, walk to the north-east end of the beach to the start of the walking tracks.
This more strenuous walk winds up a steep track to the 271 m summit.
Cyclone-damaged rainforest on the lower slopes allows glimpses over the island and reefs as the track ascends.
On the upper slopes, the forest opens out and eucalypts emerge through the canopy.
Near the summit, a short branching track leads to a lookout, which offers spectacular views over the Family Islands and nearby mainland.
Near the lookout, the remains of No. 27 Radar Station, built during World War II, are slowly being reclaimed by the rainforest.
The track continues around the summit, rejoining the main track and returning to the beach.
Access to this walking track may be affected by tidal influences at certain times.
Dunk Island Circuit:
From the spit, walk to the north-east end of the beach to the start of the walking tracks. Mt Kootaloo, you’ll pass through the magical Palm Valley and then onto Coconut Beach.
Not for the faint hearted, this challenging walk will introduce you to Dunk Island’s lush green rainforest where you are likely to encounter the many different species of birdlife.
The islands support many species of birds, insects, reptiles and mammals.
The brilliant blue Ulysses butterfly has become a symbol for Dunk Island.
The fringing reefs surrounding each of the islands are home to a diversity of reef life.
Extensive seagrass beds lie between the islands providing important feeding grounds for sea turtles and dugong.
Wildside offers a relaxed, self-guided day trip to Dunk Island, departing Mission Beach at 9:30 AM and returning at 2:00 PM. This experience provides around five hours of free time on the island to explore walking trails, beaches, snorkelling spots and scenic lookouts at your own pace. It is a simple, nature-focused transfer ideal for visitors wanting an easy island adventure.
The boat departs from the Clump Point boat ramp (not the jetty) and takes around 20–25 minutes to reach Dunk Island. Facilities on the island are basic but include toilets, picnic tables and a small café open on weekends. Guests should bring their own gear, food, water and supplies.
Features:
Meeting Point and Times:
Check-in and departure from Clump Point boat ramp, Mission Beach
Departs daily at 9:30 AM
Returns from Dunk Island at 2:00 PM
Total duration is approximately five hours on the island plus ferry transfers
What to Bring:
Pack as you would for a day at the beach. Recommended items include swimmers, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a water bottle, a towel and dry clothes. A rash shirt is useful for snorkelling and sun protection. There are no gear rental services on the island, so bring everything you need for the day.
The Spit Restaurant:
The Dunk Island Spit Restaurant is open Thursday to Sunday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM (kitchen closes around 3:00 PM). This cashless venue offers a changing menu featuring Mexican-inspired dishes, fresh specials, kids meals, sides, desserts and a full range of drinks including cocktails, smoothies and barista-made coffee.
Additional Information:
Basic facilities only
Part of Family Islands National Park
Walking trails can be steep or uneven
No equipment hire available on the island
Instant booking and mobile-friendly tickets
Pre-booking is essential; walk-ins are not accepted
Hotel transfers may be available with prior arrangement
The Get Dunked Half Day Tour is an exciting small‑group adventure from Mission Beach to Dunk Island. Travelling on a high‑speed rib boat, guests enjoy a full lap of the island, snorkelling time, beach relaxation at Coconut Bay and a scenic return ride. This tour is ideal for visitors wanting a fun, fast‑paced way to experience Dunk Island from both the water and the shore.
Features:
Itinerary:
The tour departs from the Clump Point boat ramp at 10:00am. Guests board the rib boat for a fast crossing to Dunk Island with views of the coastline and surrounding islands.
The Dunk Island Hot Lap circles the entire island, passing Pirates Cave, Granite Hole, beaches, reefs and dramatic boulder formations. This section is weather dependent and offers a unique perspective of the island from the water.
At Coconut Bay, guests disembark for free time. Activities include snorkelling the fringing reef, relaxing on the sandy beach, sitting under the palms or visiting the café overlooking the spit.
The tour departs Coconut Bay for a direct return to Clump Point, arriving back at Mission Beach around 2:00pm.
Meeting Point and Times:
Check‑in at Clump Point boat ramp, Mission Beach (not the jetty)
Check‑in before 10:00am
Departs at 10:00am
Returns at approximately 2:00pm
Free hotel pick‑ups available from Mission Beach accommodation
What to Bring:
Additional Information:
Maximum of 10 guests per tour
Guests must sign a waiver before participating
Not suitable for guests with serious back or mobility issues
Pre‑booking is essential
This half‑day experience combines adventure, sightseeing and island time, making it one of the most enjoyable ways to explore Dunk Island.
