Whitehaven Beach Walks
Among the top-rated hiking experiences in the Whitsunday Islands and the world! Whitehaven Beach
Hill Inlet Walk will seriously take your breathe away. This 2.4 kilometer out-and-back trail is
renowned for its easy to moderate challenge level and typically takes around 40 minutes to
complete. Accessible exclusively by boat, this trail leads adventurers through a lush rainforest
via stone steps. At the summit, hikers are rewarded with not one, but three distinct viewpoints,
each providing unique perspectives of the captivating Whitsunday Islands and their crystalline
turquoise waters amongst the white swirls of pure silica sand.
As one of the most iconic hikes in the region, it is a must-see attraction for visitors.
Panoramic sights of the sands of Hill Inlet and the tidal currents that paint a natural
masterpiece. Stingrays and lemon reef sharks hang out in the crystal waters below, so keep your
eyes peeled for some local marine life! The turquoise, deep greens and azure colours blend with
the bright white silica sands of Whitehaven Beach to create a view that is never twice the same
and is a bucket list location.
South Whitehaven Beach Headland Track
For those seeking a more leisurely yet still enchanting walk, the South Whitehaven Beach Headland
Track is the perfect choice. Spanning 1.9 kilometers, this out-and-back trail near Hamilton
Island offers an easy route that can be completed in approximately 36 minutes. Characterized by
well-maintained pathways, this track leads to a breathtaking lookout point, affording panoramic
views of Teague Island, Haslewood Island, and the world-famous Whitehaven Beach below.
For the more adventurous and definitely for those with more time, let's not forget that
another enjoyable walk is the entire length of the 7km of Whitehaven Beach itself. Given the
correct tides start your walk from the Tongue Bay side of the Hill Inlet walk, visit the Hill
Inlet lookout and have a swim across the silica sands of Hill Inlet then enjoy the space of the
less used areas of Whitehaven Beach and finish with a swim at south Whitehaven Beach. If you
still have energy to burn or even after lunch aboard your floating home the lovely sailing vessel
Wings 3, you can continue all the way to Chance bay to finish the day having walked around 15km.
This is currently the longest walking track available in the Whitsunday Islands.
Whitsunday Island, Chance Bay Track
For those yearning for a lengthier and more secluded adventure, the Chance Bay Track is a hidden
gem. This 7.2-kilometer trail branches off from the Solway Circuit, starting at the southern end
of Whitehaven Beach. As you embark on this captivating journey, you'll be treated to stunning
vistas of Solway Passage and the southern islands of Lindeman and Shaw.
Chance Bay, the ultimate
destination, offers tranquility and convenience, serving as an ideal anchorage spot when north
winds make Whitehaven Beach less appealing for boating.
Whitsunday Island, Whitsunday Peak
For seasoned hikers in search of an exhilarating challenge, Whitsunday Peak beckons. Dubbed the
"roof of the Whitsundays," this peak stands tall at over 437 meters above sea level.
While the trail covers a relatively short distance of 2.5 kilometers to reach the summit, it
demands determination due to its steep inclines and total length of 5km. The payoff, however, is
nothing short of spectacular: panoramic views extending into Cid Harbour and far beyond, making
it one of the most exceptional vantage points in the Whitsunday Islands National Park.
Whitsunday Island – Whitsunday Cairn
Venture deep into the heart of nature with a 4.2-kilometer out-and-back trail near Hamilton
Island known as the Whitsunday Cairn. This challenging route features rugged terrain initially,
including rocks and branches to conquer, making it suitable for those with a solid level of
fitness.
As you ascend to the ridge covered in giant grass trees, the reward is breathtaking:
panoramic views in every direction.
