Discover Dunk

The traditional owners of Dunk Island are the Bandjin and Djiru people, who have lived in this area for tens of thousands of years, used the island as a rich source of food.......

Dunk Island’s lush rainforests and dense flora supports a wide variety of wildlife, the blue Ulysses butterfly, mammals and about 150 species of birds, including rare and vulnerable seabirds. This spectacular island is also home to a large diversity of marine life, including crabs, shellfish, sea turtles, fish, dugongs and colourful corals.

The Indigenous name for Dunk Island is Coonanglebah, or "The Island of Peace and Plenty", and by exploring the different walking tracks you truly get a feeling of why it was so named…

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Muggy Muggy Beach

Indigenous word meaning -

Coral mushroom where crayfish lurk.

Approx. 3 km return (40 mins)

Grade: Easy

From the spit, walk to the north-east end of the beach to the start of the walking tracks. This pleasant walk winds through rainforest, coastal woodland, and mangroves before arriving at Muggy Muggy Beach. At this picturesque sandy cove, sheltered behind a rainforest clad headland, enjoy a swim and snorkel before returning along the same track. Access to this walking track may be affected by tidal influences at certain times.

Mt Kootaloo

Approx. 7 km return (2 hrs)

Grade: Moderate

From the spit, walk to the north-east end of the beach to the start of the walking tracks. This more strenuous walk winds up a steep track to the 271 m summit. Cyclone-damaged rainforest on the lower slopes allows glimpses over the island and reefs as the track ascends. On the upper slopes, the forest opens out and eucalypts emerge through the canopy. Near the summit, a short branching track leads to a lookout, which offers spectacular views over the Family Islands and nearby mainland. Near the lookout, the remains of No. 27 Radar Station, built during World War II, are slowly being reclaimed by the rainforest. The track continues around the summit, rejoining the main track and returning to the beach. Access to this walking track may be affected by tidal influences at certain times.

Dunk Island Circuit Track

Approx. 9.2 km (3.5-4 hrs) Grade: Moderate

From the spit, walk to the north-east end of the beach to the start of the walking tracks. Mt Kootaloo, you’ll pass through the magical Palm Valley and then onto Coconut Beach. Not for the faint hearted, this challenging walk will introduce you to Dunk Island’s lush green rainforest where you are likely to encounter the many different species of birdlife.
The islands support many species of birds, insects, reptiles and mammals. The brilliant blue Ulysses butterfly has become a symbol for Dunk Island. The fringing reefs surrounding each of the islands are home to a diversity of reef life. Extensive seagrass beds lie between the islands providing important feeding grounds for sea turtles and dugong.