Whitsunday Islands National Park Whitsundays

The iconic Hill Inlet is not to be missed on a visit to Whitsunday Islands National Park. Photo credit: © Tourism and Events Queensland

Be inspired: Family camping in the wonderful Whitsundays is enough to make Robinson Crusoe jealous!

The very name, ‘Whitsundays’, conjures up images of pure white sand, deep blue waters and emerald-green islands with the obligatory waving palm trees. Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Tourism and Events Queensland

Be inspired: Paddle into paradise on the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail

Backpackers from around the world know the Whitsundays are a ‘must’, so why not grab a few mates and check out this paradise in your own back yard?

Be inspired: Paddle, pedal, soar or sail—explore The Whitsundays your way!

White sands, rich green landscapes and turquoise waters combine to make The Whitsundays your ultimate tropical getaway. Photo credit: Justin Heitman © Queensland Government

Journeys

  • Take a stroll through gorgeous coastal vegetation to arrive at a white sandy beach, overlooking crystal-clear water.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    500m return
    Time suggested
    Allow 20min walking time.
    Grade
    easy (walk)
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • No lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • Escape the heat and wander through some of the Whitsunday Island’s more-secluded tropical forests to beautiful Chance Bay.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    7.2km return
    Time suggested
    Allow 3hrs walking time.
    Grade
    moderate (walk)
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • No lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • Explore the shady forests along the coastline between Dugong and Sawmill beaches, catching glimpses of azure water through the trees.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    3km return
    Time suggested
    Allow 1hr walking time.
    Grade
    easy (walk)
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • No lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • Take an uphill stroll to twin lookouts offering stunning vistas over Hill Inlet’s turquoise waters and white sweeping sands.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    1.3km return
    Time suggested
    Allow 40min walking time.
    Grade
    moderate (walk)
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • Lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • Discover the ancient rock art and middens of the Ngaro People in the caves at Hook Island's stunning Nara Inlet.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    340m return
    Time suggested
    Allow 20min walking time.
    Grade
    moderate (walk)
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • No lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • Follow this winding, uphill track to a natural rock platform with breathtaking views over Solway Passage and the surrounding islands.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    2.4km circuit
    Time suggested
    Allow 40min walking time.
    Grade
    moderate (walk)
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • Lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • Explore the steep slopes of Whitsunday Cairn—a towering volcanic mass perfect for those looking for an uphill hiking challenge.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    4km return
    Time suggested
    Allow 4hrs walking time.
    Grade
    difficult (walk)
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • Lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • Challenge yourself with a climb to the ‘roof of the Whitsundays’ and be awestruck by spectacular panoramic vistas.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    5km return
    Time suggested
    Allow 4hrs walking time.
    Grade
    difficult (walk)
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • Lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive