Goold Island National Park

Offshore from Cardwell, in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, this forest-clad island features granite outcrops overlooking white sandy beaches. Dugong and sea turtles feed on seagrass beds in shallow waters surrounding the island. The area is significant to Aboriginal people and the island contains reminders of their special culture, including middens and fish traps. Relax, bush camp and picnic on the Spit (Western Beach) and enjoy superb views of nearby Hinchinbrook Island. Explore the island on walking tracks, ranging from four kilometres to 15 kilometres return, through open eucalypt woodland and rock-hopping around the beaches. Discover patches of rainforest flourishing in rocky gullies. Watch mudskippers and crabs amongst the mangroves. In summer, listen for Pied Imperial-pigeons as they feed in the rainforest then fly off in the afternoon to nest on nearby Brook Island. Image credits: Qld Govt (sign); Paul Candin, Qld Govt (bird).