Steens Beach – Whitsunday Island – Queensland

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When looking for a small secluded camp, on a Great Barrier Reef island, look no further than Steens Beach.

Heading here in our friends boat we spotted whales gracefully gliding through the calm waters. Hoping to see them breach as you see on TV but to no avail. Still, seeing them on the humpback highway was like a dream.

(You can still camp here without a boat and tent, keep reading)

Steens Beach

Arriving on this sandy beach you don’t have far to go to set up camp. Just a few meters from the shore line and you’re there. Steens beach is part of the glorious Great Barrier Reef National Park.

The camp consists of one bench with seating and a composting toilet. A toilet in the most picturesque setting I have to say!

Camping is in a tent or swag, although I know someone who used just a sleeping bag.

As well as the beautiful sandy beach you are faced with an ocean landscape. You might find your surroundings a bit hard to take 😉 (cough cough)

Have a swim in the clear waters with one of the largest living organism on the planet. Yep, the Great Barrier Reef 🙂 Have a snorkel and check out the fish and the coral. Watch the stars glow bright at night after watching the sunset. Enjoy the peace and tranquility while the sea laps gently at the shore.

Getting There

Steens beach is on Hook island and can be reached by boat only.

As previously mentioned don’t let this put you off. Just like our post on Maureens Cove Beach Camp, also on Hook Island (see it here) these are your options.

“Scamper” is the Whitsunday islands water taxi. They will drop you off and pick you up. If you don’t have your own swag you can hire all the camping gear you need from them.

Scamper can be booked at Whitsunday Camping (click here) or call (07) 4946 6285

Get your camping permit for only $6.55pp from National Parks. Book before you go, click here for website.

What will you do with your van?

You have a few choices depending on your set up and intentions. Some caravan parks will store your van at a reduced cost if you are staying with them during your stay.

*Caravan parks such as Seabreeze Tourist Park, Call (07) 4946 6302  Check out Seabreeze website here.

*Whitsundays Parking have locations at Port of Airlie, Shute Harbour and Abell Point Marina.  Check out there website here

Contact them for exact details.

What will I do with my Pet?

Unfortunately this camp is on a national park and pets can’t stay. However, you can check them in to their own resort at Whitsunday Pet Resort. See there website here.

Essentials For Steens Beach camping

• Bring – Water, food, insect repellent

• Rubbish – Take it with you

• Camping gear (if your not hiring)  

• No fires

• Composting toilet

• Book online before you go – $6.55pp pn 

• No pets as this is a national park

Thought about house sitting as you travel? Check out Aussie House sitters and use our discount Coupon Code “AHS15%off”