• Picnic in the shade at South Macushla day-use area. Photo credit: Emma Schmidt © Queensland Government
• South Macushla day-use area is a secluded, beach-side spot. Photo credit: Emma Schmidt © Queensland Government

Set up for the day in the shelter and spend time exploring the beach along sheltered Missionary Bay. Kick back on the sand and take in the spectacular views over the bay and mainland.

On the water, explore the bay and the network of creeks and tributaries that feed it.

This island park is part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, famed for its superlative natural beauty, outstanding examples of reef ecosystem development, evolutionary history and amazing diversity.

Getting there and getting around

South Macushla day-use area is in Hinchinbrook Island National Park, 8km off the Queensland coast at Cardwell.

• The day-use area can be reached by private vessel launched from Cardwell or Lucinda.

Private vessel

• Visitors accessing the island by private vessel should obtain a copy of the Hinchinbrook plan of management 2004 (PDF, 1.74MB) for information on transit lanes and boat speeds to aid dugong and turtle conservation.
• Access to some areas of Hinchinbrook Island is weather and tide dependent and a good knowledge of the waters and potential hazards is essential.
• Check local tide tables and weather conditions at the Bureau of Meteorology before you set out.
• Read boat and fish with care for tips on boating and fishing safety and caring for parks. Zoning restrictions apply.

Wheelchair access

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Before you visit

Opening hours

South Macushla day-use area is open 24 hours a day

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Hinchinbrook Island safely.