Lady Musgrave Island gets new accessible facilities to boost tourism

An idyllic island on the Southern Great Barrier Reef has undergone a revamp for the 150,000 visitors who venture there each year.

A stunning island on the Great Barrier Reef has received a facelift with new camping facilities and greater accessibility for the thousands of tourists who flock there every year.

Upgraded facilities at Lady Musgrave Island, nestled on the Southern Great Barrier Reef near Bundaberg, are now complete.

The works were completed by two Queensland-based companies, including one from Gladstone.

The $765,000 revitalisation includes new and more accessible amenities, including storerooms for campground hosts and an advanced environmentally-friendly composting toilet system.

One of Queensland’s most popular camping destinations on the Great Barrier Reef has been upgraded. Picture: Supplied

Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said the project included two years of works that supported local business and jobs during the pandemic.

“More than 150,000 people visit Lady Musgrave every year for a very special camping experience that’s right on the doorstep of our spectacular reef,” Mir Butcher said.

“As international travel recovers ... the new amenities will make the experience more enjoyable, and accessible for people of all abilities.”

Some of the facilities have been upgraded to boost the tourism experience for campers and make it more accessible for all visitors. Picture: Supplied

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service contracted Gladstone Drafting Pty Ltd for the designs, and Be! Building Group to carry out construction.

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Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the upgrade was among $262.5m which has been invested to create and expand national parks across the state.

Some of the facilities have been upgraded to boost the tourism experience for campers and make it more accessible for all visitors. Picture: Supplied

“National parks are good for the environment and good for our economy, injecting some $2.4b into communities across Queensland,” Ms Scanlon said.

“It’s why we’re investing to expand the national park network and upgrade facilities for people to enjoy.”

Situated about 60km north-east of Seventeen Seventy and Agnes Water, Lady Musgrave is one of the more popular islands for campers in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

An estimated 150,000 people visit Lady Musgrave Island every year with incredible views and opportunities to snorkel with endangered Loggerhead turtles. Picture: Supplied

The works were part of the Reef Joint Field Management Program and delivered in a partnership between the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and QPWS.

The project was funded by the program and Reef Trust in collaboration with Australia Pacific LNG, QGC, and Santos GLNG.