Curtis Island, Queensland

Island Queensland island with industry and conservation areas

Off central Queensland near Gladstone, Curtis Island includes national-park coastline, beaches and sea-turtle nesting sites; visitors kayak, camp, birdwatch and note the contrast with nearby industrial shipping.

Main image

Curtis Island is a large island off the central Queensland coast near the city of Gladstone, Australia. The island lies at the mouth of the Fitzroy River and is known for a mix of heavy industry and protected natural areas.

The western side of the island contains major liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities that serve the Gladstone industrial precinct. Conversely, several parts of the island are set aside for conservation, including Curtis Island National Park, which protects coastal dunes, saltmarsh and other coastal habitats.

The island is accessible by ferry from Gladstone and sits just offshore of the city and Port Curtis in central Queensland.

  • Industry: Major liquefied natural gas export facilities are located on the island's western and northern shorelines and are a prominent industrial presence visible from nearby Gladstone.

What to See #

  • Curtis Island National Park: A series of small national park and conservation areas protecting coastal dunes, wetlands and wallaby habitat on the island's north and east sides.
Curtis Island, Queensland
Curtis Island, Queensland, Australia (Drafts Beach, Middle Island precincts)
-23.6222, 151.1597

How to Get to Curtis Island, Queensland #

Ferries operate from Gladstone and other nearby mainland launch points; the main access is by vehicle ferry or barge depending on the landing site. Driving from Gladstone to the ferry terminals is the usual route-check local ferry operators for current timetables and vehicle restrictions.

Tips for Visiting Curtis Island, Queensland #

  • Ferries run from the mainland (Gladstone) and schedules can be seasonal-check ahead.
  • Visit the Paperbark Forest boardwalk and the beaches at low tide for marine life observations.
  • Avoid mid-summer if sensitive to stifling humidity and seasonal stinger warnings in the water.

Best Time to Visit Curtis Island, Queensland #

Best visited outside the hottest, most humid months; shoulder seasons provide comfortable conditions and fewer crowds.

Autumn-Winter
April-August · 15-25°C
Drier, milder conditions-pleasant for beach walks and bush trails.
Spring
September-November · 18-28°C
Wildflowers and good visibility for coastal walks; stinger season harvesting warnings may not yet be in full effect.

Weather & Climate near Curtis Island, Queensland #

Climate

Curtis Island, Queensland's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in January) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 12°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (993 mm/year).

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
12°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 31°

Weather

132 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (190 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 30°

Weather

190 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
21° 29°

Weather

110 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
19° 27°

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
16° 25°

Weather

75 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
13° 22°

Weather

39 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 21°

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
13° 23°

Weather

32 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 25°

Weather

30 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
18° 27°

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
20° 29°

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
21° 30°

Weather

124 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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