Blaksley camping area

Blaksley camping area is a secluded, boat-only bayside camp on the western side of Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), in Naree Budjong Djara National Park. There's no road or walk-in access — you arrive by kayak or tinny — and that's the whole appeal: a handful of tent sites with Moreton Bay views, fire rings under the she-oaks, and the kind of quiet you only get when the only way in is across the water.

Getting there#

Boat or kayak only. Blaksley sits about 16 km south of Dunwich down the sheltered western (bay) side of the island. There is no vehicle, ferry-to-door or walk-in access to the camp itself.

• By kayak from Minjerribah — take the passenger or vehicle ferry from Cleveland to Dunwich, then launch and paddle south down the bay shore.
• By boat from the mainland — the nearest boat ramps are Victoria Point on the mainland and One Mile at Dunwich on the island.

Land on the beach and pull boats above the high-tide line. Try to arrive and leave on a high tide — it saves dragging gear across a wide flat at low water. Mobile coverage is patchy, so check the Moreton Bay marine forecast before you launch and carry a paper chart or offline maps.

Sites and facilities#

Around 10 tent-only sites, each taking up to six people, spread along the bay foreshore with water views from most. No caravans or camper trailers — this is tents only.

Provided: QPWS fire rings.

Bring everything else:

• A portable toilet — there are no toilets on site, and one is required
• Your own drinking water — there is none available on site
• Your own milled firewood — collecting wood in the national park is illegal, and fires are only allowed in the provided rings (never on the beach)
• A fuel stove as backup for fire-ban days

Check-in is from 2pm and check-out is before 11am. Bookings are required year-round through Queensland National Parks.

Camping fees#

Standard QLD Parks per-person camping rate (around $7.50 per adult per night at the time of writing), plus a $7.50 booking fee per reservation. Ferry and fuel costs from Cleveland to Dunwich are separate (the vehicle ferry runs roughly $150–170 return; the passenger ferry is cheaper).

Fees are subject to change. Check the official QPWS booking page for current pricing.

Best time to visit#

Blaksley's subtropical climate makes the shoulder seasons the pick, and conditions on the water matter as much as the calendar.

• Autumn (April–May) is prime: mild days, the bay still warm enough to swim in March, and the lightest winds for paddling. Easter and the April school holidays book out months ahead.
• Winter (June–August) is dry, stable and quiet — August averages just 28 mm of rain. Nights drop to 13–14°C and the water gets too cold for long swims, but it's the clearest stargazing of the year.
• Spring (September) is dry and mild; October and November turn wetter and stinger season begins.
• Summer (December–February) is the wet season — warm bay swimming but heavy rain (125–308 mm/month), fast afternoon storms, and peak Christmas–New Year demand.

April, June, August and September are the most comfortable months overall.

Things to do#

• Sea kayaking — the sheltered bay side is ideal for paddling between the southern Moreton Bay islands.
• Fishing — Moreton Bay is a renowned fishery; the bay shore and nearby flats hold whiting, flathead and bream.
• Snorkelling and swimming — calm, clear bay water on settled days.
• Birdwatching — the foreshore and wetlands behind the dunes are rich in shorebirds.
• Stargazing — minimal light pollution makes for excellent dark skies, especially in winter.

Tips from campers#

• Plan your arrival and departure around a high tide — a low-tide landing means a long carry across the flats.
• Avoid days with a westerly wind. A south-easterly, easterly or north-easterly is far more comfortable, as the island shelters the bay side from those directions.
• Bring more water than you think you'll need; there is none on site and no quick resupply.
• Double-check fire restrictions before you go — bans are common over summer.

Pets#

Dogs and other pets are not permitted anywhere in Naree Budjong Djara National Park. Assistance animals only.

Can't get a booking?#

Calm-forecast weekends, Easter and school holidays sell out months ahead, and paddlers often drop bookings in the week before when the marine forecast turns.

Set up a free CampWatch alert and we'll text you the moment a Blaksley site opens up. No app, no account — just your phone number.