Hill Inlet Lookout Whitsundays
Hoping to visit Hill Inlet Lookout in the Whitsundays? Our travel experts are here to make that happen for you! Here are all the things you need to know about visiting Hill Inlet Lookout. From how to get there, to the length of the hike, to the facilities. Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach are a must-see in the Whitsunday Islands of Queensland!
Hill Inlet Lookout, Whitsundays - A Photographer's Dream
With its stunning view of Whitehaven Beach and the swirling sands, Hill Inlet Lookout is one of the most photographed locations in the world. It is located on a tropical headland on Whitsunday Island, near North Whitehaven Beach.
Hill Inlet Lookout provides an amazing view of Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach, which are situated below. The view of the swirling sands below are never the same twice and are truly one of nature's masterpieces. From Hill Inlet Lookout, you can also see a panoramic view of the surrounding Whitsunday Islands as well as the stretches of aqua-coloured oceans and white sandy beaches.
Where Is Hill Inlet Lookout?
Hill Inlet Lookout is located on a peak on Whitsunday Island, just offshore from Airlie Beach on the QLD mainland. It's part of the magnificent archipelago known as the Whitsunday Islands, which are also part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Other nearby highlights include the resorts of Hamilton Island, the fringing reefs of Hook Island, and the marine life of the Outer Reef. Whitsunday Island is the largest island in the archipelago, and here is where you'll find the iconic Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.
How To Get To Hill Inlet Lookout
Because Hill Inlet Lookout is located on the remote Whitsunday Island, you can only get there by taking a boat to North Whitehaven Beach and then following the forest trail. There is no public transport or ferry to Hill Inlet, Whitehaven Beach, and Whitsunday Island, so you'll have to either book a tour, a private charter, or take your own vessel if you have one! Here are some more details about getting to Hill Inlet Lookout, including the hike and boat tour options.
Here are some of the most popular boat trips to Whitehaven Beach from Airlie Beach!
The Hill Inlet Lookout Hike & Facilities
You can only access Hill Inlet Lookout via the walking trail that leads up through the forest to the lookout. It's a short bushwalk from the northern end of Whitsunday Island, and the trail connects to Tongue Bay and North Whitehaven Beach. Most tours will drop you off at Tongue Bay and allow you to walk up to the lookout and then follow the track down to the beach afterward.
The amazing walk provides a fascinating insight into the native flora and fauna species. Your crew will point out all the amazing wildlife and plant species as you make your way up and down the track before reaching the infamous lookout point.
Hill Inlet Lookout is made of wooden boardwalks surrounded by wooden fences. It is a safe, secure lookout with a few small benches to rest your legs. There are toilets at Hill Inlet Lookout, but no other facilities.
How hard is the walk to Hill Inlet Lookout?
The walk to Hill Inlet Lookout is quite easy, with a leisurely incline that winds through the forest. It's 700 metres one-way, or around 1.3km return. The hike also isn't too steep, and the terrain is just a little bit rocky. There are some stone steps in place to make it easier to walk, and people of all ages can do the hike! Just remember to pack water because that Queensland heat can be intense!
Access to North Whitehaven Beach and Betty's Beach
The Hill Inlet Lookout bushwalk also gives you access to North Whitehaven Beach and Betty's Beach. After you have snapped photos from every possible angle of the Inlet from the lookout, the majority of tours will leave you time to explore the beauty of the Northern Side of Whitehaven Beach. This in itself is a worthwhile trip; with the world's finest silica sand, huge tidal lagoons, the perfect Instagram tree, baby sharks and rays, and access to the hidden gem of Betty's Beach. Take some time to explore and soak in every moment of paradise!
Boat Tours to Hill Inlet Lookout
The easiest way to get to Hill Inlet Lookout is on a day or overnight boat tour. Boat tours often visit Hill Inlet Lookout before or after spending time at Whitehaven Beach, making it the ultimate Whitsunday Island trip. There is a huge variety of tours to choose from, whether you want a backpacker boat, a family-friendly trip, a half-day tour, overnight adventure sailing, or anything in between. Most tours to Hill Inlet depart from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island.
Private charters to Hill Inlet Lookout
Another way to get to Hill Inlet Lookout is to book a private charter. Slightly different from a group tour, private charters allow you to rent out an entire vessel for just you and your loved ones! It's a more intimate, relaxing alternative to joining a group tour. Private charters also allow you to help create the itinerary, so you can work with your skipper and plan your ideal day on Whitehaven Beach!
You can charter a boat from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island to visit Hill Inlet Lookout!
Scenic flights over Hill Inlet Lookout
Scenic flights in the Whitsundays also provide you with amazing views of Hill Inlet! You can see a more aerial perspective of Hill Inlet's swirling sands, Whitehaven Beach, adn the tropical peaks of Whitsunday Island. Whether you book a seaplane or a helicopter, a flight over Hill Inlet is sure to amaze! These flight tours usually also take you over the Great Barrier Reef where you can see highlights such as Heart Reef.
