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How Long Is The Walk To Hill Inlet Lookout?

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Gabby Boucher
Updated Tue 24 Jan 2023

A 700-meter hike up a beautiful bushwalk will bring you to Hill Inlet Lookout, one of the best viewpoints in the Whitsundays! Hill Inlet Lookout may even be one of the best viewpoints in all of Australia, and the entire world! With sweeping views over the iconic swirling white sands and vibrant blue waters of Whitehaven Beach, this idyllic location deserves a place on every traveler’s bucket list. 

Whitehaven Beach is one of the most gorgeous beaches in the world. No trip here is complete without snapping some photos at the spectacular Hill Inlet Lookout which provides the best views of the area. For those who are wondering, “How long is the walk to Hill Inlet Lookout?”, this article will answer all of your questions and more!

girl at hill inlet lookout


Where Is Hill Inlet Lookout?


Hill Inlet Lookout is located at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach, the most famous spot in the Whitsundays Islands. This chain of lush, tropical islands lies off the coast of northern Queensland. Airlie Beach is the most popular town on the mainland for beginning a trip out to the Whitsundays and Hill Inlet Lookout. 

From Airlie Beach, you can book various boat day trips, multi-day sailing tours, seaplane tours, or even helicopter tours that will bring you to Whitehaven Beach. You can also book tours to Whitehaven Beach from nearby island locations such as Hamilton Island and Daydream Island

Whitehaven Beach


How Do I Get To Hill Inlet Lookout?


Hill Inlet Lookout is only accessible by boat from the northern end of Whitehaven Beach. Your boat tour guides will moor the boat in Tongue Bay, a small cove on the northern end of the headland where Hill Inlet Lookout is located. You will then be transported to shore and begin the enjoyable walk to the lookout. 

Alternatively, your guides may give you time to explore the beach first and then do the walk to Hill Inlet Lookout after. You can walk to Hill Inlet Lookout from both Tongue Bay and from northern Whitehaven Beach via the Beach Track. This trail is 250 meters long and links Whitehaven Beach with Tongue Bay. So whether you’re coming from a boat in Tongue Bay, or you’re enjoying Whitehaven Beach first, the walk to Hill Inlet Lookout is easily accessible. 

girl on the beach


How Long Is The Walk To Hill Inlet Lookout?


The walk to Hill Inlet Lookout is about 700 meters one way, or 1.3km round trip. Begin walking along the Beach Track, and then follow the turn-off for the Hill Inlet Track. This is the path that will bring you to the three spectacular viewing platforms of Hill Inlet Lookout! Try to align your visit to the lookout with low tide, as that is when the water levels are best for seeing the swirling silica sands

The Hill Inlet Track is an uphill climb through the bush, but it is an easy hike that most travelers of all ages and fitness levels can accomplish. The average time it takes to walk to Hill Inlet Lookout is about 40 minutes, give or take a bit depending on your fitness level. 

The path is well-maintained and very easy to follow. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, and be sure to check out the informational signs about the native Ngaro People who are the Traditional Owners of the land. Even though the walk to Hill Inlet Lookout is relatively easy, be sure to pack plenty of water and sun protection for the walk. Tropical North Queensland can get very hot!

dad and son on a bushwalk


Best Tours To Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout


There are so many amazing local tours from Airlie Beach that will take you to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout. With options to suit all time frames and travel styles, you are spoiled for choice when wondering how to get to Whitehaven Beach.

people on floats in the ocean


Day Tours To Whitehaven Beach


Those who are short on time can book a day trip to Whitehaven Beach. Speedboats like Whitsunday Bullet, Big Fury, and Thundercat will whisk you over to Whitehaven quickly, allowing for ample time to explore Hill Inlet Lookout and the beach.

If you don’t even have a full day to spare, but you still want to visit Whitehaven Beach, you can hop on the Purely Whitehaven tour with Sealink. This half-day tour gives you 2.5 hours to soak in the sunshine and snap some photos from Hill Inlet Lookout. You can choose from a morning tour or an afternoon tour

Whitsunday Bullet


Overnight Tours To Whitehaven Beach


The best way to experience the Whitsundays is by sailing, snorkeling, and exploring for a couple of days or more! If you have the time, definitely consider spending more than one day marveling at the natural beauty of the Whitsundays. The Apollo 3-day, 2-night tour is a social boat where you can sail through the reefs and islands with a fun, social crew. 

Backpackers will also love Solway Voyager, which offers a rope swing, paddleboards, snorkel gear, and more for their 3-day adventure out at sea. Whitsunday Adventurer is a more low-key multi-day sailing option that is perfect for families!

sailboat in the whitsundays


Visit Hill Inlet Lookout on the Apollo 3-day tour of the Whitsundays!

Give us a call on +61 7 4914 2425 or chat with us online if you have any questions!

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