List of Bushwalks in Great Barrier Reef

Environment

Starting from the car park off Radical Bay Road, Florence Bay, this walk takes you to the historic forts and ruins from WWII at the summit, visiting Arthur Bay Lookout along the way. Explore the command post and other parts of the historic base that was built to guard the entrance to the mainland from enemy forces. From latrines to workshops, the encampments are full of informational signs about the area and how it looked back in the day. The observation post provides you with an unimpeded coastal view over the land but is not the only place you can get exceptional views. The track leading to the fort is well-maintained and features a water drinking station midway. Even if you’re not that into history, the fact that you’re almost guaranteed to see a koala here can make you get off the couch. Come in the afternoon and look carefully in the trees to heighten your chances of seeing them. As a plus, you can see microbats and wallabies while looking for the fluffballs. Avoid the midday heat as the track is quite exposed. Involves steps. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

The Forts Circuit

3.6 km circuit

1 h to 2 h

Ruins

Environment

Car

Starting from Zoe Bay, Hinchinbrook Island, this walk takes you to Zoe Falls and back. Zoe Falls is situated in a place where you find almost everything you expect from a bushwalk. After a stroll through the rainforest that surrounds you, enter the campsite and feel the warm welcome of the gathering pools spread around the area. Have a dip and relax under the canopy of trees while you enjoy the scenery of the dense rainforest standing before the azure ocean. For the enthusiasts, it is possible to see the fantastic reef ecosystems scattered around as well. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Zoe Falls

3.8 km return

1 h to 1 h 45 min

Environment

Starting from Mulligan Bay, Hinchinbrook Island, this walk takes you to Mulligan Falls and back via Thorsborne Trail. After a rather undemanding walk from the beach, you can reach Mulligan Falls, which is formed by Diamantina Creek. The pool is situated beneath a magnificent rock, and it is deep enough for a swim to clear off the dust and sweat after the walk. Mulligan Campsite is pretty close to the falls if you are planning to stay. Access to the upper side of the falls and the rock is restricted due to safety reasons. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Mulligan Falls

3.8 km return

1 h to 1 h 45 min

Environment

Starting from the end of Resort Drive, Whitsundays, this walk takes you to the Passage Peak and back via a well-marked track, exploring the bushland of Hamilton Island along the way. This straightforward track is going to lead you to perhaps the best lookout you have ever been at. Get ready to observe the whole ocean around as you try to take in the 360 degree view. You can see almost every inlet and beach from this point of view, and the sunrise is truly spectacular. Start your day right and maybe enjoy a coffee as mother nature wakes up. Savor the views and feel the oceanic breeze on your face, then head back down the steep stairs. Speaking of, the last 200 metres may be a bit demanding but it’s totally worth it. You can book a flight from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns to get to the island, or take a ferry from Shute Harbour. You can use your private vessel as well. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Passage Peak Track

3.9 km return

45 min to 1 h 15 min

Environment

Ferry

Fitzroy Island Lighthouse

Fitzroy Island Lighthouse

4.2 km return

1 h 45 min to 2 h 30 min

4.2 km

Return

Walk

1 h 45 min to 2 h 30 min

Starting from the jetty in front of the Fitzroy Island Resort, this return walk takes you to the Fitzroy Island Lighthouse via the same-titled concrete road, passing by Welcome Beach along the way. The lighthouse was once used by the chinese people during the goldrush, then served as an observation post during WWII as well. In August, you may have a chance to see migrating whales from here. The beaches and the resort can make this island a perfect weekend getaway which is only a 45 minute ferry(Fast Cat) ride away from the Cairns Marlin Marina. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Ferry

Wedge Island and Cape Hillsborough Beach

Wedge Island and Cape Hillsborough Beach

4.4 km return

1 h 45 min to 4 h

Starting from Risley Parade, Cape Hillsborough, this walk takes you to Wedge Island and back via the Andrews Point Track, letting you explore the island via an isthmus depending on the tide. You’ll be walking along a quite scenic track with a bunch of lookouts that provide you panoramic coastal views, only to find yourself on an isthmus. From here, you can cross the isthmus and explore Wedge Island for a bit. The beach on the west side of the island may give you a different point of view whilst being more secluded than Cape Hillsborough Beach. Speaking of, if you time the tides well, you can actually go back to the start via C.H. Beach and make this a circuit track. Along the beach you’ll have a chance to see some cute little sea turtles and wallabies along with butterflies. Keep in mind that some of the lookouts may be overgrown and provide lesser views. Take extra care in wet sections and keep an eye out for strong currents. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Car

Cairns Esplanade and Lagoon

Cairns Esplanade and Lagoon

4.9 km return

1 h to 1 h 45 min

Starting from the car park off the Esplanade, Cairns North, this return walk gives you a tour of the coastal area next to the mudflats via a wheelchair friendly track, visiting a lagoon along the way. Take a leisurely stroll along the mudflats and the ocean, then cool off in the exceptionally scenic lagoon as you enjoy the coastal views. Featuring multiple cafes and playgrounds throughout, this flat and concrete track is great for families. You can bring your dog along as well, but make sure you keep him/her on a leash and away from the lagoon. The vast mudflat area next to the track is home to many migrating birds coming from all around the world. Amongst them, the eastern curlew is truly a sight to see with its long, eye-catching beak. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Car

Macushla to Cape Richards

Macushla to Cape Richards

5.6 km oneway

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

5.6 km

Oneway

Walk

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

Starting from South Macushla Campsite, Hinchinbrook Island, this walk takes you to Cape Richards and back. The area hosts orange-footed scrub fowls and different rainforest pigeons, which makes it suitable for birdwatching enthusiasts. Additionally, you can enjoy the tranquillity as you step on the track and see the open beach views. After you have a peaceful walk along the coastline, arrive at Cape Richards and enjoy the pristine beach, where it is possible to fish, swim and surf with calm tides. You might want to take plenty of water as there is not a lot of shade along the track. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Starting from South Macushla Campsite, Hinchinbrook Island, this walk takes you to South Shepherd Bay and back. You can traverse through the rainforests in Kirkville Hills and observe the wildlife during your journey. The area is host to dugongs, skinks and wild birds that you can encounter or look for as you continue along. The beautiful Shepherd Bay welcomes you with open views of the ocean. If you visit the area during summer, do not forget to take a dip or walk barefoot along the bay. The path has a significant amount of shade, but you can still bring plenty of water with you as it is situated in a remote area. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

South Shepherd Bay Track

6.8 km return

1 h 45 min to 3 h

South Shepherd Bay Track

Environment

Starting from the boardwalk on Hinchinbrook Island, this multi-day walk takes you to George Point Campsite, visiting Nina Peak, Banksia Campsite and Mulligan Falls along the way. This walk is one of the well-known walks that allow bushwalkers to traverse in between different settings through their journey and is pretty suitable for adventurous spirits that want to isolate themselves a little while enjoying the island's natural habitat. You can walk along the pristine beaches and enter lush forests, including dense mangroves and tall eucalyptus. It is also possible to encounter wildlife as the area is relatively remote and untouched. There are commercial ferries that arrive at the boardwalk, and it is also possible to use private ones. The greatest time to visit the area is between April and September as the walk can be more demanding during summer. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

The Thorsborne Trail

28.7 km oneway

2 days to 5 days

Environment