Dunk Island (Coonanglebah) is a forested island in the Family Islands group, 4 km off Mission Beach and within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Its fringing reef offers excellent shore-entry snorkelling around Brammo Bay and Muggy Muggy Beach, while guided tours explore the richer coral gardens of nearby Beaver Reef. The island is mostly national park — expect cassowaries on walking tracks, quiet white-sand beaches, and small visitor numbers. Snorkelling tours are capped at 10 people with an in-water guide, making this one of the more intimate reef experiences on the Great Barrier Reef.
Dunk Island (Coonanglebah)
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Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 6.3 sWind Speed 3.1 knPrecipitation 9.2 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Stinger Season (Box Jellyfish & Irukandji)
Stingers (box jellyfish and Irukandji) are present in tropical Queensland waters November through May. Stinger suits are provided and recommended during this period.
Moderate risk: Marine Stingers (Box Jellyfish)
Stinger season brings marine stingers (box jellyfish and Irukandji) into nearshore waters from November through May.
Low risk: Tidal Currents
Strong tidal currents can develop around the fringing reef and in channels between the Family Islands, particularly during outgoing tides. Guided tours adjust routes accordingly.
Low risk: Reef Hazards (Coral Cuts & Stings)
Marine stingers (fire coral, hydroids, and stonefish) are present on the reef. Avoid touching coral or reef structures.
Low risk: Marine Stingers
The Great Barrier Reef has a significant population of marine stingers year-round, with peak danger in the warmer months. Wear protective clothing.
Low risk: Outgoing Tide Current
The tidal flow around the sand spit can be moderate, especially during outgoing tides, which may drift swimmers away from the shallows.
Low risk: Sharp Coral
Coral bommies and rocky reef edges near the spit can cause cuts if swimmers stand or stumble.
Low risk: Boat Traffic
Vessels operate in the channel between Dunk Island and the mainland; be aware of boat traffic when snorkeling near the spit's outer edge.
Wildlife Guide
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Gallery
4 photos from the community
Getting in
Boat
Entry
Dunk Island lies 4 km off the coast opposite Mission Beach, Queensland. Boats depart from Clump Point boat ramp, a 5-minute drive from Mission Beach village. The crossing takes approximately 20 minutes. A public ferry runs daily, or book a guided snorkelling tour that includes boat transfer.
Parking & facilities
Free parking available at the Clump Point boat ramp area near Mission Beach. No permit required for day parking at the boat ramp car park, but it can fill up on weekends and holidays. Arrive early to secure a spot in peak season (June–September). There is no parking on the island itself — all access
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports