Curtis Island offers rugged coastal exploration with four wheel drive tracks, remote fishing spots, bush camping, beaches, wetlands and long stretches of wilderness. The island is reached by private boat or by ferry. A four wheel drive is required to move around once on the island.

Camping areas are located along the eastern side of the island. Yellow Patch has a sand blow and open beach setting near Cape Capricorn. Southend offers a grassy campground close to the barge landing point and sits on the edge of the island's small community. Southend also has limited accommodation and food options for day visitors or longer stays.

Curtis Island is known for exceptional birdlife. Species include jabirus, rainbow lorikeets, cockatoos, herons, brolgas, sea eagles, wood ducks, black swans and the rare yellow chat. Turtle Beach supports a major flatback turtle rookery and is an important habitat for nesting marine turtles.

The island has a varied history that includes pastoral use and industrial development, and still retains large areas of remote natural landscape. Curtis Island appeals to travellers who enjoy off-grid adventure, wildlife and unspoilt coastal settings.