Bushwalks in the Whitsunday Islands
It would be fair to say that most charterers associate the Whitsunday Islands with fantastic sailing, exciting diving and snorkelling, pristine beaches and glorious sunsets.
All this is true of course, but there’s a lesser recognised activity that will bring yet another range of incredibly beautiful memories to your Whitsundays sailing holiday, and this is bushwalking.
No, you don’t have to be an elite cross-country athlete to totally enjoy this aspect of the islands. Provided you enjoy even moderate fitness there are a number of island bushwalks that will perfectly fit your abilities. Here are just some of them:
Bauer Bay, South Molle Island. Take the leisurely stroll past the golf course, then up the easy track around the southern hillside of South Molle to magnificent Spion Kop or take the Mount Jeffries track. Both these relatively easy walks will present you with views and photo opportunities to die for!
Sawmill Beach, Cid Harbour on the western coast of Whitsunday Island. From the southern end of this beach you take the track uphill through the rainforest to the awesome vistas offered from Whitsunday Peak. The sign on the beach will advise that this is a round trip of approximately four hours, but the views from the top are so worth it! Take water and snacks, and please, don’t forget your cameras!
A shorter, more relaxed walk, begins from the northern end of Sawmill Beach and winds pleasantly around the forested shoreline to exquisite Dugong Beach. This beautiful walk will take around 20 minutes and Dugong Beach itself is one of the most romantic settings in the Whitsundays, and that’s exactly why it’s a favourite with my wife and myself! Hint: take a picnic lunch and a favourite wine!
Tongue Bay, Whitsunday Island. After you’ve anchored or moored, take your dinghy to the little landing beach and take the five or six minute stroll along the track to the beautiful Betty’s Beach. After enjoying a swim and some beachcombing, take the 15 minute track up to the lookout. While there make sure you get the obligatory “Whitehaven selfie”, with the incredible vista across Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach in the background. A sure way to make your friends back home jealous!
Happy hiking,
Mike.
