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Queensland · Island

Brampton Island

Former resort island with sheltered beaches and shallow fringing reef for snorkelling in the Cumberland Islands National Park.

MackayBoat
YouDive mascot illustration; not a photograph or site map

Mascot illustration — not a photograph or site map.

Depth
1–8 m
Certification
Snorkel/Any
Access
Boat
Dive type
Island
Region
Mackay

Depth describes the recorded site range, not a recommended dive depth. Certification is a recorded recommendation; suitability depends on your planned route, training, experience and current conditions.

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Location & map

Approximate area

Area reference only. The exact dive location has not been confirmed. This map is for orientation, not marine navigation or an entry-point recommendation.

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Meet the site

Brampton Island, in the Cumberland Islands National Park north of Mackay, was for decades a resort island. The Marine Life Network notes multiple attractive beaches and bays, shallow water, walking tracks and a public jetty, with snorkelling available in the shallows; the former resort is closed and was reported as being rebuilt. For divers and snorkellers, Brampton is a shallow-water destination rather than a dive site of depth or drama. Fringing reef runs along parts of its shoreline, with hard corals and reef fish in 1–6 m, and the island's sheltered beaches make easy entries from an anchored boat. Turtles are common in the Cumberland Islands, and rays rest on the sand flats. Visibility is typical of the Mackay inshore islands – often 3–10 m – and the tide dominates conditions; Mackay's large tidal range exposes wide flats at low tide and drives currents between the islands. The sources reviewed do not describe specific named dive sites around Brampton, so this is an area entry. It is best treated as a snorkelling and bushwalking island visited by private boat, with the option of shallow dives off the beaches. Neighbouring Carlisle Island lies across a narrow channel. With no regular transport and no facilities while the resort is closed, visitors need to be self-sufficient. Check the status of the resort redevelopment and any access restrictions before planning a trip, and check national park camping rules on the QPWS website. For boaters, the combination of an easy snorkel, beaches and bushwalks makes it a pleasant day or overnight stop rather than a dedicated dive trip.

Some details in this record need confirmation. Check the source information and speak with a local operator.

What you might see

Hard corals, reef fish, turtles, rays

Location

National park island in the Cumberland group north of Mackay, with multiple beaches and shallow fringing reef suitable for snorkelling; former resort island.

Facilities nearby

Public jetty; no operating resort or shops (resort closed/being rebuilt); walking tracks. Nearest facilities and air fills in Mackay.

Before you make plans

Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.

Sources & further reading

marinelife.org.auen.wikipedia.org

Record updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.