What happened to Dunk Island? Idyllic Queensland spot reopens 14 years after devastating cyclone
Dunk Island is getting a makeover.
A brand-new beachfront restaurant has just opened on the island, in the hopes of encouraging more visitors to come visit.
The north Queensland island, which was devastated by a cyclone 2011, is set to undergo a multimillion-dollar revival in the coming years.
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Dunk Island is just off the coast of Queensland, south of Cairns. Tourism and Events Queensland
Dunk Island was once a popular holiday spot for Aussies and international travellers, and home to the beloved Dunk Island Resort.
Unfortunately, the resort was hit hard by Cyclone Yasi in 2011. It closed its doors and fell into disrepair, and the island lay largely forgotten except for adventurous day trippers.
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Dunk Island redevelopment
Billionaire Annie Cannon-Brooks bought the freehold island in 2022 for $24 million and is now preparing to restore the island as a major tourist destination.
"We are working hard to create a family-friendly destination that underpins the local tourism sector, preserves the natural environment and celebrates the island's cultural significance," Cannon-Brooks said, as reported by the Australian Financial Review.
The nearby campground and BBQ areas have also been refreshed as part of the project.
"Our goal is to be good custodians of the island, and we are pleased to be making progress," she said.
A new restaurant has opened on the beach. Dunk Island Camp
Dunk Island is 4km off the coast of Queensland, opposite Mission Beach just south of Cairns. It was accessible by plane, until the airport was destroyed in 2011. Now, visitors can visit via boat.
Is Dunk Island still closed?
Dunk Island has partially reopened after being hit by a cyclone in 2011.
After 14 years, a small section of the island opened to tourists, including a campsite and a brand-new restaurant.
It's accessible by water taxi, ferry, or on a guided boat tour.
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What happened to Dunk Island Resort?
Dunk Island Resort was destroyed by Cyclone Yasi in 2011, and sat in ruins for years.
Billionaire Annie Cannon-Brooks bought the island in 2022 with plans to rebuild the resort and return ths island to its former glory.
As of 2025, a campground and restaurant are the only areas open to the public.
There's a walking trail around the island. Tourism and Events Queensland
Can you walk around Dunk Island?
There are two trails leading from the campsite deeper into the Dunk Island rainforest, and past the abandoned resort.
The island circuit track is around 11km. It heads to the top of Mount Kataloo and then back around the island. There's also a shorter 20-minute walk from the campsite to Muggy Muggy beach.
Dunk Island accommodation
At the moment, the campground at Dunk Island Spit is the only accommodation on the island. The campsite is managed by Cassowary Coast Tourism and can be booked directly through them.
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Dunk Island is a great day-trip destination. Tourism and Events Queensland
Dunk Island things to do
Dunk Island is still in its revitalisation phase, so swimming, hiking, and snorkelling are the main things to do on the island.
The newly-opened beachfront restaurant is the island's biggest drawcard, with plans for more tourist activities to open in the coming years.
