Barnard Island Group National Park 

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The Barnard Island Group is the traditional “sea country” of the local Mamu Aboriginal people and features seven islands. Outstanding rock formations and diverse landforms including shallow reefs, sand spits, beaches, dense rainforest-clad slopes, and important seabird rookeries define the island group. The islands are Bresnahan, Hutchinson, Jessie, Kent and Lindquist (North Barnard group) and Sisters and Stephens (South Barnard group).

The Barnard islands have a fascinating geological history dating back 420 million years. The older North Barnard islands are metamorphic rock outcrops while the younger South Barnard islands are layers of well-preserved volcanic tuff with steeply dipping basalt dykes cut through these layers.

If travelling to the Barnard Island Group National Park make sure to bring drinking water, rubbish bags and fuel stoves for cooking. The islands are open all year round except for the restrictions on Sisters and Stephens islands during the seabird-nesting season. Camping is permitted on Stephens and Kent Islands but a camping permit is required and a tag with your permit number must be displayed at your campsite. Fees apply on Stephens Island. As Kent Island is a lighthouse reserve no camping fees apply, however, a permit needs to be obtained and this can only be done is person at the QPWS Cairns office. Domestic animals are not permitted in the Barnard Island Group National Park. Supplies can be obtained from Kurrimine, Mourilyan, Mission Beach and Innisfail before departure. Be aware of tidal movements on the beach and take care on slippery rocks. Between October and May, be aware that dangerous stinging jellyfish may be present in the waters around the islands.

The Barnard Island Group National Park has a tropical climate. During the wet season, from December to March, the weather is hot, humid and it can be unpredictable with storm activity. The cooler months, April to September, are the best times to visit but note that trade winds during these months can still hamper small vessel movements with strong south-easterly winds blowing for extended periods.

History

• In the late 1800s a bech-de-mer fishing settlement was built on Sisters Island. Six boats and a large Aboriginal workforce occupied the island until the settlement was lost in a cyclone in 1890. A small lighthouse was built on Kent Island in 1897 and was staffed until a cyclone in 1918 forced the evacuation of the lighthouse keeper and his family; after this it was automated. Jessie, Bresnahan, Hutchinson, Sisters and Stephens islands have been protected as national parks since 1936. Kent and Lindquist islands are Commonwealth islands; Kent Island is a designated Lighthouse Reserve and Lindquist Island is a Defence Reserve

Location

• The islands are 5–10km offshore from Kurrimine Beach, which is approximately 10– 17km south-east of Mourilyan. Access is by private boat or sea kayak from Mourilyan Harbour and Kurrimine Beach