Exploring Hamilton Island on foot can be a great way to explore its natural beauty, at your own pace. Discover secluded, sandy coves, climb to the top of the island for stunning views, or enjoy a picnic in one of the island’s many picnic spots.
View our Walking Trail Map
A few things to note about bushwalking on Hamilton Island:
- There are a range of trails available depending on your fitness levels, and how far you want to walk.
- Please consider weather conditions before setting off.
- There are no toilets on the trails.
- Fires are prohibited on the island.
- To keep the environment as pristine as possible, please take all your rubbish with you.
- If you’re walking alone, let someone know before you start out, and never swim alone at secluded beaches.
- With tables scattered along the walking trails, there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy a picnic.
Try these Hamilton Island bushwalks:
A) Hideaway Bay
Like the name suggests, this hidden beach is just a short stroll away from the Scenic Trail entrance. Discover this secluded bay where you can enjoy the tranquil waters and views towards Whitsunday Island whilst you lay and relax in a private hammock – get there early and you might just have the beach all to yourself.
Grade 3 (Moderate) walk.
B) Saddle Junction
Starting from the Scenic Trail Entrance, follow the Scenic Trail to Saddle Junction, which is the main junction for the Passage Peak, South East Head, Escape Beach, Middle Head and Coral Cove trails.
Grade 3 (Moderate) walk.
Distance: 1.8km | 45 minute (one way)
C) Flat Top Hill Lookout
Start from the Resort Trail entrance and continue to the Resort Lookout Junction. Walk along the Saddle Junction trail for 100m where a left turn will take you onto the Flat Top Hill trail. From there, it is only a short walk to the Flat Top Hill Viewing Area, where you can sit back and relax, taking in the magical views to the north and south.
Grade 3 (Moderate) walk.
Distance: 1.2km | 30 minute (one way)
D) Passage Peak
Passage Peak will be closed from Wednesday 27 November until Saturday 29 February due to the installation of a new viewing platform. The trail will re-open and be accessible for a short period over the festive season from Monday 23 December 2019 to Sunday 5 January 2020. Find out more.
It is recommended the Passage Peak walk is commenced from the Scenic Trail Entrance. This is a spectacular but challenging walk. Once you have negotiated the final steep section of this trail you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Whitsundays from the highest point on Hamilton Island, Passage Peak.
Grade 3 (Challenging) walk with many steps.
Distance: 2.7km | 1hour 15 minute (one way)
E) Middle Head Trail
Starting from Turkey Nest Junction, this trail takes you along a landscape rich in Australian native flora. Middle Head trail ends at the top of a hill with glimpses of the Whitsunday islands and waters to the south.
Grade 3 (Moderate) walk.
Distance: 3.1km | 1 hour 15 minute (one way).
F) Coral Cove
Starting from the Scenic Trail Entrance via Saddle Junction, Coral Cove is a secluded, peaceful and relaxing beach where you can enjoy views south to Lindeman Island. Here you will also find a giant swing, it’s picture perfect with the crystal clear water backdrop.
Grade 3 (Moderate) walk.
Distance: 3.1km | 1 hour 15 minute (one way)
G) Escape Beach Trail
From the Scenic Trail Entrance, continue through Saddle Junction to Escape Beach. Here you'll find clear waters lapping onto a sandy beach protected by huge rocky outcrops. These spectacular features create a secluded and charming retreat. For the adventurous, this walk can also include South East Head and Passage Peak before returning back to Saddle Junction.
Grade 3 (Moderate) walk.
Distance: 3.3km | 1 hour 30 minute (one way).
H) Resort Lookout
This is an excellent introduction to our island walks, taking you through typical Whitsunday bushland starting at the Resort Trail Entry. The Resort Lookout is the second highest point on Hamilton Island. It drops off to sheer cliffs and allows an excellent panoramic view of the resort, marina village, airport and surrounding islands. The Resort Trail Entrance is at the eastern end of the Conference Centre.
Grade 3 (Moderate) walk.
Distance: 1.7km | 45 minute (one way).
I) South East Head Trail
Dense bush gives way to exposed, rock features and sharp cliffs on this trail. A gigantic chair awaits you at the end of the walk to sit back, relax and take in the stunning views of the Lindeman group of islands. For the adventurous, include a walk via Passage Peak or Escape Beach before returning to Saddle Junction.
Grade 3 (Moderate) walk.
Distance: 4.4km | 1 hour 45 minute (one way).
Walking Tips
- Fitness: A reasonable to high level of fitness is required for all trails due to the hilly terrain and warm climate.
- Water: Taking water is essential. 1-2 litres per person, per hour.
- Hat/sunblock: Use regardless of weather conditions.
- Shoes: Most trails are rocky. Sturdy, enclosed footwear with good tread is required.
- Clothing: Wear comfortable and breathable clothing that protects you from the sun, including a hat.
- Snacks: Health food bars and fruit are suggested.
- Walking alone: Inform someone where you are going and when you will be back. There is no mobile coverage in some areas of the tracks.
- Camera: Great idea!
- Insect repellent: Use for your own protection.
Please note there are no toilets on the walking trails.
Safety Considerations
If you are walking in the morning or afternoon be aware of the time of sunrise and sunset. Hamilton Island accepts no liability for any injuries sustained.
Gympie-Gympie Stinging Tree
Gympie-Gympie has broad oval or heart-shaped leaves with saw-tooth edges and white or purple-red fruit. They are covered in stinging hairs which appear furry. Brushing against the tree will cause the hairs to embed into the skin and cause an extremely painful stinging sensation. If stung, do not rub the area, and seek urgent medical attention. Please stay on marked trails to avoid contact with the plant.
Irukandji Jellyfish
Irukandji – a small and transparent jellyfish - can be present in the waters of the Whitsunday Islands, predominantly during the summer months. They are more commonly found in deep water, however there have been an increased number of occurrences in shallow waters recently. Symptoms of an Irukandji sting include severe pain, muscle constriction and breathing difficulties which require immediate medical attention. For this reason, we recommend that you avoid swimming in secluded beaches. If you choose to swim in the ocean – instead of one of the many pools – we recommend you wear a stinger suit and swim in the presence of others so assistance can be given if needed. We would strongly advise that small children and guests who are pregnant, have a heart or pre-existing medical condition, only swim in our pools.
Sharks
Hamilton Island is part of the Whitsundays marine ecology and sharks frequent the waters in the region. Whilst the risk of attack is very low, it does exist. We recommend that you don’t swim at dawn, dusk or at night or in unclear water. Always swim with others. Leave the water quickly and calmly if you see a shark or if fish begin to gather in large schools, jump out of the water or behave erratically.