Chance Bay camping site on Whitsunday Island gets $180,000 upgrade

A popular camping area on an island known for its white silica sand has received extensive upgrades just in time for the school holidays. Find out how to book your spot.

Chance Bay is located on south-east Whitsunday Island, about 27km southeast of Shute Harbour. Picture: Tourism and Events Queensland

A popular camping area on a world-famous Whitsundays island has received $180,000 of upgrades in time for the school holidays.

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service worked closely with Ngaro Peoples representatives and engaged Dirtscapes Outdoors Developments to help complete works at Chance Bay within the Whitsunday Islands National Park.

The bay is located on the southeast side of Whitsunday Island, about 27km east-south-east of Shute Harbour.

The location – with its white silica sand, 3.5km walking track that leads directly to Whitehaven Beach, and a fringing coral reef – attracts about 360 visitors each year, and can host up to 12 campers at any time.

Visitors, who can access Chance Bay via boat on a mid to high-tide, can from the camping grounds see across to Pentecost Island, the Lindeman Group and Cape Conway.

Chance Bay is located on southeast Whitsunday Island, about 27km southeast of Shute Harbour. Picture: Tourism and Events Queensland

QPWS has upgraded the signage at the grounds to define four camp sites for single and multi-person tents and has also installed new picnic tables and toilet facilities, built sand ladders along the each access track, and planted 100 native trees including casuarina, acacia, pandanus and silver bush in cleared and cyclone-damaged areas.

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has completed $180,000 of upgrades to Chance Bay on Whitsunday Island. Picture: Department of Environment, Science and Innovation

QWPS principal ranger Dave Orgill said they encouraged people to enjoy the “breathtaking sights and experiences” that the Whitsunday national park islands had to offer over the upcoming school holidays.

“The upgrades to the popular Chance Bay camping area not only provide a more comfortable experience for visitors, but also improve environmental protection for the surrounding natural areas, which is critical in ensuring sustainable tourism well into the future,” Mr Orgill said.

The project was jointly funded by the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area Reef Joint Field Management program.

Camping prices start from $6 per person with spots available to book online via QPWS’ website.

You can learn more about the Whitsunday national park islands here.