Dunk Island Ferry Review (2026): Day Trip from Mission Beach

Our Review

Dunk Island Ferry Review

The Dunk Island ferry leaves Clump Point Jetty in Mission Beach and takes about 15 minutes to reach the island. It runs Wednesday to Sunday, at 8:45am and 12:30pm, with the last boat back at 3:30pm. A free shuttle picks up in South Mission Beach, Wongaling Beach and the town centre. On the island you can snorkel the fringing reef from the beach, walk the rainforest trails and have lunch at the beachside restaurant.

See full review ↓

GuestTours Verdict

GuestTours award: Best Island Day from Mission Beach. GuestTours rating: 4.6 / 5.

Dunk Island Ferry

Return ferry from Clump Point Jetty · 15 minutes · free Mission Beach shuttle

4.6 / 5 GuestTours Rating

Full day on Dunk Island

Adult

15 years and over

$66.30

Child

3 to 15 years

$41

Infant

Under 3, free

Free

Family ticket

2 adults + 2 children

$194

Also bookable

Afternoon on Dunk Island

per adult

$66.30

Options & Prices

Dunk Island ferry times and fares

Full day on Dunk Island

From $66.30 adult · $41 child · family $194

Ferry at 8:45am, back from the island at 3:30pm. Shuttle from 8:00am, check in at Clump Point Jetty by 8:30am. Departs Wednesday to Sunday.

Afternoon on Dunk Island

From $66.30 adult · $41 child · family $194

Ferry at 12:30pm, back from the island at 3:30pm. Shuttle from 11:45am, check in at least 15 minutes before departure. Departs Wednesday to Sunday.

Return fares. Pensioner, DVA or Senior card holders pay $51 return (show your card at check-in; not combined with the family fare). Family fare is 2 adults and 2 children. Under 3s travel free.

Inclusions

What is included on Dunk Island Ferry

Return ferry, Clump Point Jetty to Dunk Island
Free shuttle from South Mission Beach, Wongaling Beach and Mission Beach town centre
Safety briefing and life jacket

Who It's For

Is the Dunk Island ferry right for you?

Great fit

🏖️

Guests staying in Mission Beach

The free shuttle stops on Kennedy Esplanade, Wongaling Beach and in town.

Great fit

👨‍👩‍👧

Families

Family fare, under 3s free, and snorkelling straight off the beach.

Great fit

🥾

Walkers

Over 13 km of rainforest trails on the island.

Look elsewhere

⚠️

Monday and Tuesday visitors

The ferry runs Wednesday to Sunday only.

Look elsewhere

⚠️

Last-minute plans

Pre-booking is essential; walk-ups are not accepted.

Your Day

How the day runs

A full day on the island with the morning ferry.

8:00 AM

Shuttle pick-up

South Mission Beach (Tasman Holiday Park, Kennedy Esplanade) 8:00am, Wongaling Beach 8:10am, town centre 8:20am.

8:30 AM

Check in at Clump Point Jetty

Have your booking ready. The ferry will not wait.

8:45 AM

Ferry to Dunk Island

About 15 minutes across the Coral Sea.

Day

Your time on Dunk

Snorkel at Coconut Bay, walk the rainforest trails, kayak, and lunch at the beachside restaurant.

3:30 PM

Ferry back to Mission Beach

The shuttle takes you back to your pick-up point.

Practical Information

Before you go

📍

Location

Clump Point Jetty, Clump Point Road, Mission Beach

📅

Operating days

Wednesday to Sunday. No ferry on Mondays and Tuesdays.

🗓️

Departures

To Dunk 8:45am and 12:30pm. Back 10:30am and 3:30pm.

🚌

Transfers

Free shuttle from 3 Mission Beach stops, or free parking at Clump Point Jetty

👶

Child tickets

3 to 15 years. Under 3 free with a paying adult.

📅

Booking deadline

Pre-booking essential, no walk-ups

🎟️

Packages

Pensioner, DVA and Senior card: $51 return

↩️

Cancellation

We'll confirm the cancellation terms with you when you book.

Full Review

The full review

Dunk Island sits 4 km off Mission Beach, and it is one of the most accessible tropical islands on the reef. The crossing takes about 15 minutes, so you spend your time on the island, not on the boat.

Take the 8:45am ferry if you can. That gives you the whole day until the 3:30pm boat home. Snorkel the fringing reef at Coconut Bay right off the beach, walk some of the 13 km of rainforest trails, or hire a kayak. Lunch is at the beachside restaurant and bar.

The free shuttle is what makes it easy. It stops at Tasman Holiday Park on Kennedy Esplanade in South Mission Beach, at Wongaling Beach and in the town centre, and it takes you back after the ferry. Bring your own snorkel or hire gear on the island, plus sunscreen, a hat and walking shoes.

Why it earns Best Island Day from Mission Beach and a 4.6: a short crossing, a free shuttle and an island with reef, rainforest and lunch in one day. The catch: no ferry on Mondays and Tuesdays, and you must book ahead, because walk-ups are turned away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dunk Island Ferry FAQs

Return fares are $66.30 for adults (15+), $41 for children 3 to 15, $51 for pensioners and $194 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children. Under 3s travel free.

Wednesday to Sunday. It leaves Mission Beach at 8:45am and 12:30pm and returns from Dunk at 10:30am and 3:30pm.

No, there is no ferry on Mondays and Tuesdays.

About 15 minutes, a little longer in rough seas.

Clump Point Jetty in Mission Beach.

Yes, a free shuttle is included in the fare. It picks up at Tasman Holiday Park in South Mission Beach (8:00am and 11:45am), Bali Hai Holiday Park in Wongaling Beach (8:10am and 11:55am) and opposite Australia Post in the town centre (8:20am and 12:05pm).

Yes, there is free parking at Clump Point Jetty for day trippers.

Yes. Take the 8:45am ferry and come back at 3:30pm for a full day.

Yes, the fringing reef starts just metres from the shore at Coconut Bay. Bring your own snorkel or hire gear on the island.

Yes, a beachside restaurant and bar is open for lunch every day. Food is not included in the fare.

Yes, there are over 13 km of rainforest walking trails.

Yes, there are eco tents and campsites on the island. Ask us when you book and we will confirm the options.

Yes, pre-booking is essential and walk-ups cannot travel.

Sunscreen (reef-safe if you can), a hat, swimwear, a towel, snorkel gear, walking shoes, water and a card or cash for lunch.

Dunk Island Ferry from Mission Beach