8 Challenging Whitsunday Island Bushwalks
If you are looking for a fitness challenge, the Whitsunday Islands have some long, steep bushwalks you can tackle. Take plenty of water, wear sturdy walking shoes, and don’t forget your camera. The views from the top are sensational!
With all bushwalks, especially the challenging ones, make sure you have enough water, and snacks if taking an extra long walk. Check the tides, to ensure your dinghy is securely anchored, and allow enough time to return to your boat before dark. If walking for sunrise or sunset, take torches from the boat as night can descend quickly.
1. Whitsunday Island – Whitsunday Cairn
4km return, Class 4
Climb to 300m above sea level through a dense forest to a ridge covered in giant grass trees. The track is rough in places, with rocks and branches to climb over, and requires a solid level of fitness to complete. Once you emerge on the top of the ridge, the views are spectacular. Keep climbing until you reach the big flat rock at the base of the Cairn itself, for almost 360 degree views all around.
How to get there?
Use one of the public moorings at Cairn Beach, the northernmost beach on Whitsunday Island. The track starts from the northern end of the beach itself, behind the tree line.
More info and map
See the National Parks Visitor Guide
2. Whitsunday Island, Whitsunday Peak
5km return, Class 4
Nicknamed ‘the roof of the Whitsundays’, thanks to impressive vistas, the peak is over 400m above sea level. Much of the track is rough and rocky and for experienced walkers only. The views down into Cid Harbour and well beyond are sensational.
How to get there?
Start your walk from the day use area in Cid Harbour, a popular bareboat anchorage.
More info and map
See the National Parks Visitor Guide
3. Hamilton Island, Passage Peak
5.5km return, Class 4
A challenging walk with many steps, this trail leads you to the highest peak on Hamilton Island. After completing the final challenging climb, you will be rewarded with amazing views over the Whitsunday Islands around Hamilton Island.
How to get there?
To do this walk you will need to be a guest in Hamilton Island Marina. Book your berth by contacting the island directly and walk over to Catseye Beach. The trail entrance is to the far right of the beach at what is known as the ‘Scenic Trail entrance’.
More info and map
See the Hamilton Island website
4. Whitsunday Island, Chance Bay Track
7.2km return, Class 3
Branching off the Solway Circuit from the southern end of Whitehaven Beach, the early part of the walk affords beautiful views into Solway Passage and across tot he southern islands of Lindeman and Shaw. The lengthy track traverses through secluded parts of Whitsunday Islands to the peaceful Chance Bay. This track can prove very handy for accessing Whitehaven Beach when the winds blow from the north, and anchoring at Whitehaven is uncomfortable. Chance Bay is an ideal spot to anchor in in a northerly wind.
How to get there?
Anchor at the southern end of Whitehaven Beach and find the track entrance to the Solway Circuit behind the treeline. Alternatively, in a northerly wind, anchor at Chance Bay on the other side.
More info and map
See the National Parks Visitor Guide
5. South Molle Island, Spion Kop
4.6km return, Class 3
Spion Kop is the northernmost peak on South Molle Island, and offers both bushwalkers and mountain bike riders the chance to explore the island and experience phenomenal views from the top. There are lookouts over the old (closed) resort and the Whitsunday Passage. It’s walkers only to the very summit as there is a big fight of stairs to climb. Requires a family good level of fitness to complete, but the views are worth it. You can also branch off and take a short detour to Balancing Rock from the Spion Kop trail.
How to get there?
Anchor in Bauer Bay. The entrance to this and other trails can be found towards the right of the beach. The island has a central walk meeting point, from which many walks branch off, although there is a shortcut from Bauer Bay to Spion Kop which bypasses this central spot.
More info and map
See the National Parks Visitor Guide
6. South Molle Island, Sandy Bay
8.4km return, Class 3
Sandy Bay lies on the southwestern side of South Molle Island and offers a campsite, camp toilets and safe anchorage in light conditions from the east. The trail is shared between walkers and mountain bikers and meanders through grasslands and grass trees, to a beach lined with casuarinas.
How to get there?
Anchor in Bauer Bay. The entrance to this and other trails can be found towards the right of the beach. The island has a central walk meeting point, from which this and many other walks branch off. In light easterly conditions it is possible to anchor in Sandy Bay, always check with Whitsunday Escape base to confirm.
More info and map
See the National Parks Visitor Guide
7. South Molle Island, Mt Jeffreys
6km return, Class 3
A gradual slope, along a shared walking and mountain biking trail from Bauer Bay to the highest point on South Molle Island, Mount Jeffreys. From the summit you will be rewarded with 360 degree views of South Molle Island and the surrounding Whitsunday Islands. Well worth the effort.
How to get there?
Anchor in Bauer Bay. The entrance to this and other trails can be found towards the right of the beach. The island has a central walk meeting point, from which this and many other walks branch off.
More info and map
See the National Parks Visitor Guide
More information on Whitsunday Island bushwalks
For maps, track profiles, and more information on each walk, please download the Visitor Guide below:
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