Northumberland Islands National Park

Northumberland Islands National Park spreads across several continental islands off Queensland's eastern coast with diverse ocean and land habitats. The island groups display different marine features and hold forest, beach, and coral habitats.

Captain James Cook discovered these islands in 1770 while sailing along Australia's eastern coast and named them after Hugh Percy, the First Duke of Northumberland. The naming honored an English nobleman of that era.

The islands hold important Aboriginal sites showing how local people have fished and gathered resources here for generations. These places tell a story of a long connection between communities and the ocean.

To visit the islands, you need to arrange a boat trip since there are no land connections and transport options are limited. It is wise to bring your own supplies as shops and facilities are rarely found on the islands.

The islands divide into five distinct island groups - Bedwell, Beverley, Broad Sound, Duke, and Percy - each with its own marine character. This variety makes each group its own ecosystem.

Location: Mackay Regional

Operator: Queensland Department of Environment and Science

GPS coordinates: -21.60212,149.80000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:45