Ultimate guide to Hamilton Island’s bushwalking trails

Want to keep active while on Hamilton Island? You’ve come to the right place. Read on for 6 hikes around the island where nature rules.

Did you know that 70% of Hamilton Island is made up of pristine, undeveloped bushland and can be accessed by our incredible bushwalking trails?
 
Well, if this wasn’t reason enough for you to pack your walking shoes and get outdoors exploring, we’ve just made it even easier to discover Hamilton Island’s natural beauty with a complete run-through of all our trails. Get set for an active adventure amid nature. 

Best for amazing views: Passage Peak

Starting at the Scenic Trail entrance at the east end of Catseye Beach, the Passage Peak walk is spectacular but challenging. This walk will take you through Saddle Junction – from here it’s a 900m climb to the top. The stairs, which are 150m from the top, will have you puffing and asking yourself why you chose to do this walk?! But it will become apparent when you’ve made it to the top; the reward is an awe-inspiring view of the Whitsundays from the highest vantage point of Hamilton Island.

Tips:
Keep an eye out for the pair of wedge-tailed eagles that call Hamilton Island home, because if you're lucky, you might spot them soaring above.

If you’re an early riser, Passage Peak is the perfect place to watch the sun rise over the Whitsunday Islands.

Fast Facts
Backpack Check: Water, camera, covered shoes and sunscreen.
Distance/Time: 1.9km (1hr) one way.
Difficulty: Steep uphill/good fitness.

Best for Instagram moments: South East Head Trail

Fast Facts:
Backpack Check: Covered shoes, more water than you think you’ll need, camera and sunscreen.
Distance/Time: 3.6km (1.5hr) one way
Difficulty: Moderate, long walk.

Starting at the Scenic Trail entrance at the east end of Catseye Beach, follow the trail to Saddle Junction. From here, continue up the trail toward Passage Peak and you will see the signage for South East Head. The first section of trail winds to a nice lookout that casts over the Resort and Catseye Beach.

From this point, continue on until you reach a steep hill. The signage will lead you right, which will avoid the rocky, slippery hill in front of you, and will take you on a nice, easy 600m walk that pops you out at the top of the hill at Cabbage Tree Junction. The final section down to South East Head winds across the eastern face of the island, with water views the entire way, leading you down to South East Head and a forest of stunning native grass trees.

Tips:
If you turn your gaze toward the end of the headland, you will see a huge circle boulder. There is no marked path to it but it’s possible to walk to it. Once there you can climb on top of it for an amazing view.
​Don't forget to stop at the Giant Chair to get a picture. The chair is at the South East Head point of the walk. It's great fun to climb and get yourself a memento pic. 
 

Best for spotting wildlife: Escape Beach

Fast Facts:
Backpack Check: Picnic essentials, more water than you think you will need, covered shoes, sunscreen, speaker, towel and swimmers.
Distance/Time: 2.5km (1hr) one way directly from Saddle Junction. Or 4.7km (2hr) via South East Head trail.
Difficulty: Straight from Saddle Junction – Moderate walk, less scenery. Via South East Head – long walk, hilly, but better scenery.

Escape Beach can be accessed directly from Saddle Junction, the trail taking you through the bushland of Hamilton Island where you can sometimes see wallabies and other wildlife in their native island home.

Alternatively, if you are already at South East Head, you can continue to follow the trail around directly to Escape Beach. This trail follows the southern part of the island, giving you amazing views of the surrounding islands and the vast, aqua waters the Whitsundays is renowned for. The trail passes through a beautiful creek crossing, which is often teeming with butterflies and the calming sound of running water. The trail then climbs up and around to the top of the ridge of Escape Beach, which you can see below.
 
Tip:
Once at Escape Beach, you can relax on the lovely white sand and treat yourself to a well-earned swim after your walk. Coming here is better on high- or mid-tide, unless you don’t mind a bit of an extra walk out to go for a swim.
 

Best for a secluded swim: Coral Cove

Fast Facts:
Backpack Check: Picnic essentials, snacks, more water than you think you’ll need, covered shoes, snorkel and camera.
Distance/Time: 2.3km (1hr) one way from the Scenic Trail entrance.
Difficulty: Moderate.

You can also access Coral Cove from Saddle Junction. Here, a trail winds down deep into the bushland taking you through amazing native forest. Halfway down you’re able to see out and over the mangroves amongst the shimmering aqua water. When you arrive at the beach, you will be greeted by lovely white sand, palm trees and pristine water. 

Tip:
With tables nearby, this makes an amazing spot for a picnic. Always remember to take your rubbish away with you. The best rewards for this gorgeous walk also come when timed with a mid-high tide.

Best for getting perspective: Resort Lookout 

Fast Facts:
Backpack Check: Covered shoes, more water than you think you’ll need, snacks, torch if there for sunset and camera.
Distance/Time: 1.7km (45min) one way.
Difficulty: Moderate: all uphill to the lookout – but down all the way home!

From the Resort Lookout Trail entrance, you will solider up a steep hill all the way to the top. When you reach the peak, you’re treated to a 360-degree view east across to Passage Peak and Pentecost Island; north to Fitzalan, Whitsunday Island and the blushing blue Coral Sea stretching far beyond; west over Dent Island and Hamilton Island’s signature Golf Course toward ‘mainland Australia’; and south across Hamilton Island’s airport and down toward the Lindeman Island group. Basically, you are standing up high in the middle of the island seeing out in every direction!

Tip:
Resort Lookout is the perfect place to treat yourself to a sunset over the western islands of the Whitsundays.

Best for quiet contemplation: Hideaway Bay

Fast Facts​:
Backpack Check: Covered shoes, swimmers, snacks, water and camera.
Distance/Time: 1km (30min) one way from Scenic Trail entrance.
Difficulty: Easy.

You can access Hideaway Bay via Catseye on low tide or via the Scenic Trail entrance at the east end of Catseye Beach. Around 175m after the Scenic Trail entrance, where you would turn right to head to Saddle Junction, continue straight ahead on the shared trail and follow it all the way to the end.

Once at Hideaway Bay, you will usually find yourself alone as not many people visit this spot. Along the ridge you will find a little cave you can explore. Entering the water here is a little rocky. On low tide it can be possible to walk out.

Tip:
 
To read more about our beautiful bushwalking trails click here.