Whitsunday Islands Walks

Home to some of the nation’s best outdoor fare, it’s no surprise that the Whitsunday Islands boast an incredible array of walking and hiking tracks. Whether you’re a nature lover, a fitness guru or are on the hunt for a family adventure, the Whitsundays have got you covered. 

With so much pristine nature to explore, it can be a mission to find the right walk for you. Here’s our top picks for traversing the Whitsundays by foot:

Whitsunday Island 

Hill Inlet Lookout track – Beginner / family-friendly  

As the quintessential Whitsunday walk, Hill Inlet Lookout scoops through the National Park and takes you to the lookout above. Accessible through Hill Inlet or Tongue Bay, the 1.4 kilometre round track takes around 40 minutes to complete. The uphill track is ideal for bird watching and wildlife spotting, making it the perfect hike for those who are looking to immerse in nature. The hike also delves into lessons on Traditional Custodians of the Whitsundays - the Ngaro people - through informative signs along the way. Featuring three platforms, the view of the renowned Hill Inlet is a sight for sore eyes. The creamy aqua swirls of Whitehaven Beach are well worth the hike - and if you’re lucky, you might even spot stingrays and small sharks in the shallow waters below.

Solway Circuit – Moderate Abilities 

The entrance to this stunning circuit is located at the southern end of Whitehaven beach - taking around 40 minutes to complete, the 1.2 kilometre circuit is great for those who have moderate abilities. Starting at the beach, the trail follows an uphill path toward a natural rock platform, ending with a spectacular view of Solway Passage, Pentecost Island and Haslewood Island. It’s the perfect trail to dive into on a relaxing beach day.

Chance Bay track (off Solway circuit) - Moderate Abilities

If you’ve made your way around the Solway Circuit and aren’t ready to head back to reality, hop on over to the Chance Bay Walking Track. Connected to the circuit trail, the 3.6 kilometre return track is nestled by shady palms and lush trees. Because the track is so cool and shady, it’s the perfect hike to embark on during the midday heat. It’s recommended that you allow between 2.5 to 3 hours to complete, leaving just enough time to soak up the tropical atmosphere and whip out your camera at every corner. If you’re a fan of peace and off-the-beaten-path places, you’ll love the chance to meander through the more secluded areas of the Whitsundays. Chance Bay is the cherry on top, boasting the same incredible White Silica sand that Whitehaven Beach is famous for - just without the crowd!

Dugong-Sawmill track – Moderate Abilities

This delightful little walk exists under a giant, luscious rainforest canopy. The track is three kilometres, and takes around one hour to complete. The best part of Dugong-Sawmill track is the serenity of seeing the glistening water through the trees as you move along the coastline between Dugong and Sawmill beaches. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some marine turtles cruising by!

Whitsunday Peak track – Experience Necessary

Accessed through Sawmill Beach in Cid Harbour, the five kilometre return track is the perfect escape from the busy beaches, taking around four hours to complete. Experience and an average level of fitness is necessary - the track is quite physically demanding, featuring a steep climb through dense shrub. Despite the climb, reaching ‘the roof of the Whitsundays’ makes it all worth it. Picture panoramic views over the entire Whitsunday Islands, sparkling aqua water and the famous pure white sand. Dreamy, right?

Whitsunday Cairn track – Experience Necessary

Featuring some of the boldest views in the region, the Whitsunday Cairn track offers a 360-degree peek into the world of the Whitsunday Islands below. Located on Whitsunday Island itself, the track is four kilometres long, and takes around 3 - 4 hours to complete depending on your fitness level. As a general rule of thumb, a good level of hiking experience is necessary as the track can be challenging to traverse.

Langford Island 

Langford Island lookout – Moderate Abilities

This tiny treasure of a track is 300 metres long, making it perfect for an afternoon family adventure. The 20-minute stroll takes you through mangrove-lined shores before dropping you off at the Langford Island lookout. The lookout is brand new, having been completed in 2019, and offers spectacular views across Langford Spit, towards Bali Hai and Hook Island. The top of the lookout also features a beloved boab tree, famous for its swollen trunk.

Hook Island

Ngaro Cultural Site – Moderate Abilities

If you’re interested in learning more about the land you walk upon, look no further than the Ngaro Cultural Site. The short track climbs the banks of Nara Inlet, leading to a cave that features intricate Aboriginal artwork created by the Traditional Custodians of the Whitsundays - the Ngaro people. Some of the artwork dates back to over 9000 years ago, making it an incredibly transformative adventure. The site includes a boardwalk, a viewing area and the cave, which is known as one of the oldest Indigenous sites on Australia’s east coast. The walk takes around 20 minutes and is a 340 metres round trip.

Haslewood Island 

Haslewood Island Lookout – Moderate Abilities

Accessed via Chalkies Beach, this delightful 300 metre trail is an uphill journey towards the island’s rocky headland. Passing through shady eucalypts, grass trees and shrubs, the lookout at the top boasts a stunning sea view. It takes around 20 minutes to complete the Haslewood Island lookout, so make sure to squeeze it in!

South Mole Island 

Spion Kop – Moderate Abilities

If you get the chance to visit South Molle Island, take some time out to walk Spion Kop Track. As one of the most scenic trails in the Whitsunday region, the hike will leave you smiling ear to ear. The trail is 4.2 kilometres one way from Sandy Bay, or 2.3 kilometres from Bauer Bay, making it an accessible walk for most adventurers with moderate fitness abilities. Ending on a high, the peak opens up to a magnificent 360-degree view of the surrounding island and the glorious Whitsunday passage. 

There you have it! We hope you enjoy this handy guide. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.