Can you guess why the hikes and walks in the Whitsundays area are so amazing? Yes, exactly, the views! The good thing is that there are hikes for everyone and it doesn’t matter if you choose a short walk or a more challenging trail, the views are always stunning.
When you get to the top you will be rewarded with 360 views, breathtaking sunsets and of course a sense of satisfaction that comes after a powerful endorphin release. This is why doing a hike in the Whitsundays is the perfect plan for those outdoor enthusiasts that just can’t get enough of adventure.
If you are on the mainland, there are around 5 hikes that you can try and spend a great day exploring the wildness of the area. And don’t worry, hiking is not only possible in Airlie Beach, the Whitsundays Islands also offer incredible walking trails that make their way through nature.
HIKES IN AIRLIE BEACH
HONEYEATER LOOKOUT
After grabbing your morning takeaway coffee in town, head up to the Honeyeater Lookout for a perfect walk and finish with plenty of time to have a delicious lunch in one of the coastal restaurants.
Honeyeater Walk is a 7.4 kilometres walk and starts at 30 Kara Crescent (so just type that address on Google Maps to find the entrance).
The path is sheltered from the sun, with lots of birds and butterflies to be seen. The trail is steep at times but the gorgeous lookout over the Coral Sea marina and the Cannonvale area is totally worth it.
A good level of fitness is required for hiking to the Honeyeater Lookout so if you need so, don’t forget your support stick.
THE GREAT WHITSUNDAY WALK
Also known as the Conway Circuit, the Great Whitsunday Walk is one of the longest trails in the area as it is 28 kilometres long.
The Great Whitsundays Walk is a two or three days adventure that involves camping. The effort is more than rewarding but if you are into shorter experiences, don’t worry there are plenty of side trails. So it is really up to you how far you want to get.
The Great Walk starts in Brandy Creek and finishes in Airlie Beach, and will take you through a stunning rainforest rich in wildlife.
As you can probably imagine, the views that you will be able to catch along the way are absolutely unbeatable.
MOUNT ROOPER CIRCUIT AND SWAMP BAY TRACK
Located in the Conway National Park, this is one of the side trails of the Great Whitsunday Walk (and one of the best ones).
When you arrive at the car park of the Conway National Park, find the sign which indicates the beginning of the track up to Mount Rooper. The Mount Ropper Circuit is 7 km long and will take you up to the Mount Rooper lookout and through Swamp Bay Track.
In the end, you will find the best panoramic view of the harbour, Daydream Island, North Molle Islands and the Whitsundays Passage.
Looking for an exciting adventure? Why not going for sunrise?
KINGFISHER CIRCUIT
The Kingfisher Circuit is a short walk of only 2km also linked to the Great Whitsunday Walk. Surrounded by the ancient rainforest of the Whitsundays, this bushwalk starts from the Forestry Road car park.
The walk is only 30 minutes long, perfect for families with young kids and requires a moderate level of fitness.
HIKES IN THE WHITSUNDAYS ISLANDS
WHITSUNDAY CAIRN
The Whitsunday Cairn is located on Whitsunday Island and is the perfect track for those looking for a challenging hike. The walk is 4km and it takes around 4 hours to get to the top and return.
At the top, you will be rewarded with 360 views of Hook Island so get ready to take some awesome pictures. On your way up to the lookout, you will feel one with nature while you walk through dry rainforests, open woodland, hoop pines and groves of giant grass trees.
The Whitsunday Cairn track starts at Cairn Beach, which is located on the western side of the northernmost tip of the island.
SOLWAY CIRCUIT TRACK
The Solway Circuit Track is an uphill track that will take you to a rock natural platform from where you can appreciate the great views over Solway Passage and surrounded islands.
It is a moderate walk of 2.4 km and forms part of the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trial (a combination of seaways and walks across Whitsunday Island, South Molle and Hook Island).
The Solway Circuit is located behind Whitehaven Beach.
DUGONG-SAWMILL TRACK
This short but sweet track is located between the Dugong Beach camping area and Sawmill Beach, on the western side of Whitsunday Island in Cid Harbour.
If you are planning to do it with kids, they will love it! Is just 3 km and it takes 1 hour to finish. A great opportunity to switch off and enjoy the company of giant rainforest trees, solitaire palms and a fairyland blend of moss, lichens and fungi.
You will have a good chance to spot marine turtles cruising by the iridescent-blue coastal waters.
HIKING IN AIRLIE BEACH AND WHITSUNDAYS CHECKLIST
Now that you know how to explore the Whitsundays on foot, are you ready for your next adventure?
Here are some of the essentials required for Airlie Beach and Whitsundays hiking:
- Plenty of water.
- Hat.
- Sunscreen.
- Hiking stick (if you need one).
- Camera.
- Snacks.
- Map or phone with GPS.
- Lantern / torch.
- Any medications and personal times.
BOOK YOUR NEXT PRIVATE ADVENTURE IN THE WHITSUNDAYS ISLANDS
Wings Sailing Private Charters are the perfect all-inclusive holiday for families that want to explore the Whitsundays area at their own pace. Everything is possible, from snorkelling and clear button kayaking to SUP boarding, bushwalk adventures, chilling on the most beautiful beach in the world, and more! Get in touch with our team to book today.
