Dunk Island Adventure
Having been living in Mission Beach for a couple of months, my motivation to go visit and explore Dunk Island was growing bigger and bigger, until finally we got to organize a day trip to the Island with friends, and it turned out to be the most beautiful sunny day, with flat, calm and blue water.
Doing some research on this island I found out a lot of interesting things. The Indigenous name for Dunk Island is Coonanglebah, which means “The island of peace and plenty”. As you view it from the mainland you can understand why they named it so. This Island has a lush rainforest with a lot of wildlife, especially different species of birds including rare seabirds. The fringing island reefs are teaming with life where you can see sea turtles, crabs, fish, colourful coral and more! On the island, there are also many activities like hiking and walking tracks to explore and also different secluded beaches. The top option activities to do in my opinion are the hike to Mt Kataloo top (around 2 hours return) and the walking track around the whole island (3.5 - 4 hours).
So, we started our adventure by first booking in Mission Beach Water Taxi. These guys offer different options. You can choose to stay the full day in Dunk Island, departing from Wongaling Beach at 9 am and returning at 3:30 pm. Otherwise, you can choose either of the two half-day options: from 9 am to Midday or from 11 am to 3:30 pm. From Wongaling to Dunk Island takes only 10 minutes. We decided to go for the full day.
As I said before, I still can’t believe the wonderful day we choose to go to this Island. On our way there in the water taxi we could see the island getting closer and closer, with its beautiful green rainforest colours and the amazing blue tones of the ocean and its reefs around it. In only 10 minutes we were on the island, feeling its white and soft sand on our feet. It was absolutely beautiful. We walked for a bit and choose a spot to lay down and enjoy this tropical movie-like view and feeling. While some of us rested and relaxed under some palm trees, others went for a splash in the water, which by the way, had the most perfect temperature. After some time enjoying the beach we decided to hike Mt Kotaloo and see the spectacular view from the top everyone has told us about.
On our way towards the track, we passed by the camping areas. Seeing the tents installed literally 10 steps away from the water made me decide in that very moment that I would go back to the island, and have a camping adventure next time. And as a sign to reaffirm this decision, a sea turtle popped up in the water. So cute!
Mt Kataloo is a hike of approx 7 km return and it is graded as moderate. In a constant normal to fast pace it took us around 45 minutes to get to the top. Although the way up can be a bit challenging in the steep part, you can always take your time, enjoy the rainforest surrounding you and listen to the many birds around. The track is perfectly marked, and we actually did it with our humble thongs! Personally, I think that everyone should do it because what is for sure, is that you will not regret the absolutely stunning view from the top. With a view of all the family islands, the mainland and the amazing ocean and the reef with its different blue and green tones, you won’t regret doing this hike. Also, near the lookout, you will spot the remains of a radar station that was used during World War II, and get to read some of the histories on the displays.
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After the hike, we were ready to refresh and eat some food. So we went to the beach to have a splash since hiking on a sunny humid day can get sweaty! After enjoying some more of the tropical beach, we went to the day-use area, where the campsites are. Here you can find toilets, showers, picnic tables, a filtered water tap and even some BBQ facilities. So, we enjoyed the rest of our stay eating our well-deserved lunch.
As I have decided already to come back and camp, I asked some people about the camping sites. In the island, there are 8 campsites, with 4 family sites that cater up to 8 people on the beachfront with picnic tables. And, can you believe that it costs only $6.15 per night per person?
So yes, I am already planning my camping adventure in this magical island.
For more information on Dunk Island here are some helpful links: