The Whitsunday Islands are dotted with amazing walking tracks taking hikers through rainforests and up to great views.
When planning your bareboat itinerary, have a few bushwalking ideas up your sleeve. A hike can be a great way to break up your “ocean life”, manage the weather and connect with the Islands in a totally different way.
Walking the Whitsundays will add a new perspective to your sailing adventure
It would be fair to say that most people don’t associate the Whitsunday Islands with fantastic walking tracks. Many visitors to the Whitsundays are focused on relaxing in a resort or a sailing adventure. But the Whitsundays are more than just resort pools, pristine beaches, beautiful coral, and glorious sunsets, they are also full of incredibly diverse flora and fauna as well as many jaw-dropping views.
Hiking the trails scattered across the Whitsunday Islands will add a whole new dimension to your Whitsundays holiday.
The Whitsunday Islands are mostly National Parks and many have well-planned walking trails taking hikers through amazing forests and coastlines. To add to the experience, on some trails Queensland Parks and Wildlife have installed access infrastructure and signage sharing points of interest on some islands.
You don’t have to be an elite cross-country bushwalker to enjoy a great walk in in the Whitsundays. Provided you have a moderate fitness ability, there are a number of Whitsunday Island walking tracks to fit a range of abilities and interests.
The top seven Whitsunday Island walking tracks
This post is about our top seven walks in the Whitsundays. See our post on the Ngaro Sea Trail for more details on this trail which is considered to be a Queensland Great Walk.
Whitsunday Carin Track, Whitsunday Island
The Whitsunday Cairn is probably one of the most interesting hikes around the Island. The Cairn itself is a large volcanic rock formation which makes for great photos and an impressive landmark. The views before and up at the Cairn are, of course, amazing – which is a great rewarded after the steep hike and in some places climb required to get there!
Access the train for the Cairn trail from Cairn Bay on the north side of Whitsunday Island. The track begins at the northern-end of the beach.
Whitsunday Cairn Track, 4km return
Very high fitness level required
Photo credit to Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services
Haslewood Island Walking Track via Chalkies Beach
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services have recently completed a new walking track heading from Chalkies Beach to a lookout across the Haslewood Island coast and over to Whitehaven Beach.
The new 275-metre Class 3 stepped track is suitable for people with some bushwalking experience.
Haslewood Island’s hike is 300m one way. Allow 20 mins
Minimal to Moderate Ability
Ngaro Cultural Site, Hook Island
The Ngaro people have inhabited the Whitsundays for over 9,000 years. Ngaro artwork can be found telling the story of these sea-faring Aboriginal people on Hook island.
The track to the artwork’s cave begins deep inside Nara Inlet. It’s a short, steep walk up a track which leads up the side of the inlet to a viewing platform at the cave’s entrance. You will find information and signage guiding you along the trail. Please look but don’t touch this sacred site.
The Ngaro Cultural Site Walk is 170m one way, allow 30 min
Minimal to Moderate Ability
Mt Jeffrey Loop & Spion Kop Via Bauer Bay, South Molle Island
Take the leisurely stroll past the golf course, then up the easy track around the southern hillside of South Molle to magnificent Spion Kop or continue up to the Mount Jeffrey track. Both these relatively easy walks will present you with views and photo opportunities to die for!
South Molle Island has been environmentally protected for a long time. The bird life will treat you along your trail. It is also the only Island in the Whitsundays where you an Moutain Bike.
The Sandy Bay to Spion Kop and the Mt Jeffrey Loop is 5.6km one way. Allow 4 hours return.
Moderate Ability
Langford Island Trail
Walk along the unique sandspit that is Langford Island and heads towards the hill. Walking uphill, you’ll initially pass mangroves, then head through large trees, ferns and small orchids if you keep your eyes peeled. The plant diversity on such a small island is incredible.
Views from the short trail up the hill top will showcase the island’s spit and nearby Hook Island. This is a great activity to do as a lunch stop on way to your overnight anchorage.
Langford Island’s hike is 300. Allow 20 mins
Moderate Ability
Whitsunday Peak Trail Via Sawmill Beach, Cid Harbour
There are two walks you can do from Sawmill Beach in Cid Harbour.
For something slightly challenging, walk up to the “Rof of the Whitsundays”, Whitsunday Peak. From the southern end of Sawmill beach, take the track uphill through the rainforest to the awesome vistas offered by the highest vantage point in the Islands.
The sign on the beach will advise that this is a round trip of approximately four hours, but the views from the top are so worth it! Take water and snacks, and please, don’t forget your cameras!
A shorter, more relaxed walk begins from the northern end of Sawmill Beach and winds pleasantly around the forested shoreline to exquisite Dugong Beach. This beautiful walk will take around 20 minutes, and Dugong Beach itself is one of the most romantic settings in the Whitsundays. Hint: take a picnic lunch and a favourite wine!
Hill Inlet Lookout Via Tongue Bay, Whitsunday Island
After you’ve anchored or moored at Tongue Bay, take your dinghy to the little landing beach and take the five or six-minute stroll along the track to the beautiful Betty’s Beach. After enjoying a swim and some beachcombing, take the 15-minute track to the famous Hill Inlet lookout.
The incredible vista across Hill Inlet with Whitehaven Beach in the background is world famous. It can get busy with tour groups wanting to grab their Insta snaps, so if you’re on a bareboat, try to head up there in the morning or later in the day – Just another perk to bareboating!
The Hill Inlet Lookout hike is 1.3km one way. Allow 40 min
Moderate Ability
By adding some hiking to your Whitsudnay’s bareboating itinerary, you will be able to experience the islands from a completely different perspective, and everyone will get a chance to stretch their legs!
There are many Whitsunday Island walking tracks that the management of the national parks has upgraded, and more trails are constantly being added. Make sure you chat with us about adding a hike or two to your cruising itinerary.
