Whitsunday Island Camping Connection Inter-Island Transfer

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A boat transfer that picks you and your camping gear up from your first Whitsunday island campsite and drops you at the next, so one trip can take in two or more national park beaches. Water for your nights on the island comes with it.

Days

About 2 hours, allow 3 to 4

Group size

2 to 10

Start / finish

First island campsite / next island campsite

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Scamper camping transfer boat

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Included experiences

Island hopping — move camp between Whitsunday national park beaches
Whitehaven Beach, Hook Island or South Molle Island — campsites served by Scamper
Second campsite — see a new beach and bay for the rest of your stay

Whitsunday Island Camping Connection Inter-Island Transfer

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

PACKING UP AT YOUR FIRST CAMP

Moving day starts with the tent coming down. Have all your gear packed and waiting on the beach by the start time, because the boat collects campers from several sites on the same run and can arrive any time within about two hours of it. Your first camp might have been on Whitehaven Beach, about 7 km of silica sand so fine and white it squeaks underfoot, or in Cid Harbour, the sheltered anchorage on the western side of Whitsunday Island. Bag every scrap of rubbish to take with you, as nothing is left behind on these national park islands.

ACROSS THE WATER TO YOUR NEXT BEACH

When the boat noses in, your gear is loaded aboard, with any kayaks riding on the roof and campers helping to lift them. Then you're island hopping. Hook Island, the second largest of the Whitsundays, has campsites on beaches such as Crayfish Beach, Steens Beach and Maureen's Cove, and South Molle Island, where the Ngaro people once quarried stone for their tools, lies close to the mainland. Most beaches can only be reached near high tide because fringing reef is exposed at low water, which is why not every site is served every day and why the skipper may change the plan if the wind gets up.

SETTING UP AT CAMP TWO

You're dropped at your second campsite with your gear and fresh water, 5 litres per person for each night you're staying. Pick your spot, pitch the tent and go and find out what this bay has that the last one didn't, perhaps coral off the rocks or a quieter beach for sunset. The boat carries on to other sites before heading back to Shute Harbour, about ten minutes' drive from Airlie Beach, where the marine terminal was rebuilt after Cyclone Debbie tore through in 2017, so the whole run takes three to four hours. By then you'll be in the water.

Good to know

Departure time: Pick-up can be up to 2 hours after the listed time, as all campsites are visited on the same run. Be packed and ready on the beach by the start time.
Duration: About 2 hours on board, but allow 3 to 4 hours from pick-up for the whole run.
Suits: Self-sufficient campers, couples, families with older children and active travellers.
Please note: Not every campsite can be reached every day because of tides, and the boat may change location in bad weather. Gear for two people should fit a space of about 1.5 m by 1 m; large swags and beach trolleys can't be carried. Check your gear for grass seeds and ants before boarding. There is no lifeguard at the campsites, so swim and snorkel within your ability.

What to bring

Camping gear and cooking equipment
Food and drinks, with food and toiletries in a lockable box
Swim and snorkel gear
Sun-safe clothing and sunscreen
Insect repellent
Rubbish bags, as all rubbish comes back to the mainland

What is included

Boat transfer from your first island campsite to your next one
5 litres of water per person per night on the island

Not included

National park camping permits (booked online with Queensland Parks before you travel)
Camping gear (bring your own, or hire a camp kit before your travel date)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 3 reviews

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

We camped two nights on two islands, South Molle and then Whitsunday Island, and both were beautiful with lovely night views. The boat between them was very bumpy, but the gear was good and they kindly refunded a ferry fare when my flight clashed. It was my first camping trip and I really enjoyed it.

Seoyeon Joy Verified· Travelled 21st August 2023

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(5/5)

Sarah told us we could do multiple stops and suggested where to go, so we camped two nights on South Molle and three on Whitehaven Beach. They even did an extra water drop while we were out. Affordable and the best way to see the Whitsundays.

Avalon Stones Verified· Travelled 28th September 2022

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(5/5)

Tim and Sarah gave great tips for each camping spot and the pick-up times were spot on. We had our own gear, and the drinking water they provide each day was a bonus on our long trip around several islands.

Joel Hudson-Stewart Verified· Travelled 23rd September 2021

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