If you’ve ever dreamed of going on a Robinson Crusoe holiday, then these deserted (and we mean deserted) island getaways are for you. Not many people know that if you have camping gear, food and water, you can actually have a tropical island pretty much to yourself.
If you don’t have your own camping gear, you can always hire a complete camping set up for as little as $40 for one night and $20 for each night after. You can hire gas cookers and snorkelling equipment, too.
There are many tropical island getaways for the more adventurous and independent traveller. However, you will need camping permits and to pay certain fees – but they’re seriously inexpensive. We’re talking around $90 per week for two people, plus transfers.
Here are my three top picks for a deserted island camping holiday.
Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands
Yes, the most iconic beach in Australia, which is usually uninhabited, has seven campsites nestled in a lowland vine forest and eucalyptus woodland just behind the beach. You’ll have to organise your own ferry or launch, as well as your own tent, food, rubbish bags, water and insect repellent, but that’s all you need to camp at one of the most beautiful spots in the world.
Only 36 people can camp there at any one time. There are toilets and picnic tables. You can’t take a generator or light a campfire, so make sure you take a flashlight and your own gas or fuel cooker. There’s no mobile phone coverage either, so if you need to stay in touch with the mainland, best bring a satellite phone.
Crayfish Beach, Hook Island
The beauty of Crayfish Beach is only outdone by the ripper fringe reef just off its sandy shore. The campsite is an open area that accommodates no more than 12 people at a time and is located just off the beach in a dry rainforest setting. It’s sheltered by a large rocky headland on one side and mountains to the other. You can explore the beach, rocks and surrounding bushland, but there are no marked paths for bushwalking.
Again, you’ll need to bring everything you need, as composting toilets and picnic tables are the only facilities available. And, due to its increasing popularity, you’ll need to book this one well in advance.
Steen’s Beach, Hook Island
Another hidden gem on Hook Island is Steen’s Beach. Set in a rainforest overlooking a stunning sandy beach, Steen’s Beach offers excellent snorkelling reefs and crystal clear waters in which to swim. As it’s a sandy beach (many Whitsunday beaches are coral and ‘ouchy’ on the feet) you can kick back on a towel and soak up those Queensland rays. Oh, and this beach allows only one booking at a time, so you’ll truly get that Blue Lagoon vibe.
To find out more about deserted Whitsunday Island campsites, please visit the Queensland Government website or Queensland National Parks.
Would you like to camp on a deserted island? What’s the most remote place you’ve ever camped?
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Five affordable island getaways
Tropical Queensland on any budget
Living the dream on Daydream Island
