National Parks

Whitsunday national parks Welcome

Contents Abandon Parks at a glance...... 2 Lindeman Islands National Park...... 16 daily life for a tropical island paradise, leaving Treasure nothing but footprints in the sand. Welcome...... 3 ...... 18 ancient rock art and middens Map of the Whitsundays...... 4 More top spots ...... 22 of one of ’s earliest- recorded First Nations groups, Plan your getaway...... 6 About the parks...... 22 the . Outdoor adventures...... 8 Boating in the Whitsundays...... 24

Whitsunday Islands National Park...... 9 Journey wisely...... 26 Drift Explore Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail...... 12 Further information...... 28 from island to island landscapes of wind-swept grasstree Molle Islands National Park...... 13 fanned by the balmy heaths and far-reaching vistas of the Whitsunday breezes. tropical Whitsunday coast.

Dive into an underwater world of vibrant colour in the Great Parks at Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Photos (clockwise from bottom right): Wheelchair access Camping Toilets Day-use area Lookout Public mooring Anchorage Swimming and snorkelling Diving Bushwalking Mountain ridingbike Justin Heitman © Qld Govt; © Tourism and Events Qld; a glance Justin Heitman © Qld Govt; Justin Heitman © Qld Govt; Lisa Scott © Qld Govt Photos below: (left) © Qld Govt; (right) Justin Heitman © Qld Govt Conway NP

Dryander NP Welcome to

Gloucester Islands NP The Whitsundays ...... from the of the Conway Ranges Holbourne Island NP We ask that you respect our beautiful and significant ... from the Ngaro people places and join us in caring for Country—a place to Lindeman Islands NP The Whitsunday area is the traditional land and sea Country treasure and enjoy for now, and for our future generations. Molle Islands NP of the Ngaro people. The Traditional Custodians maintain a strong and ongoing spiritual connection to their homelands, The Whitsundays is a stunning area filled with views of Repulse Islands NP and ask that you tread with care and respect when visiting unspoilt islands, powdery sand beaches, and turquoise this amazing place. waters. It has endless spots to find your own private beach NP to relax, go for a snorkel, have a fish or take a bushwalk. The magical Whitsundays is just waiting to be explored! Ranger Kay on behalf of the Park Rangers of the Whitsundays

For a more comprehensive guide of the parks listed above, visit qld.gov.au/NationalParks 2 Photos: (front cover) Stunning view from Whitsunday Peak, looking over Cid Harbour, 3 the top of and further afield to Hook Island. Justin Heitman © Qld Govt; (this page) Adam Creed © Qld Govt Island and Map Island and Map Map of the Whitsundays site name reference site name reference

Whitsunday Islands National Park Molle Islands National Park

Whitsunday Island W1 M1 Dugong Beach Sandy Bay

G2 Sawmill Beach W2 Paddle Bay M2

Naris Beach W3 North Molle Island M3 Cockatoo Beach Gloucester Joes Beach W4 Island Planton Island M4 W20 Chance Bay W5 G3 Denman Island M5 G1 W8 Whitehaven Beach W6 Saddleback Tancred Island M6 Island Hayman Gloucester Islands Island W12 Cairn Beach W7 National Park W9 Long Island Dingo M7 Hook Island Sandy Bay Beach Langford Island W15 W8 W13 Maureens Cove G4 Lindeman Islands National Park W14 W11 Armit Steens Beach W9 Hook Lindeman Island Island L1 Island Curlew Beach W10 Boat Port

D

i n Crayfish Beach W11 Seaforth Island g L2 o Orchid Beach

To Bowen B W16 Manta Ray Bay W12 e W19 a Esme Beach L3 c h W10 Butterfly Bay W13 W7 R D1 Border Deloraine Thomas Island o Island L4 a Island Black Island W14 Naked Lady Beach d

Langford Island Shaw Island W15 L5 M3 Langford Spit Neck Bay Dryander W1 Border Island National Park North Molle W16 Gloucester Islands National Park Br Island Tongue Point Cateran Bay uc e H Gloucester Island ig W2 Haslewood Island G1 hw Molle W17 Bona Bay ay Dryander Airlie Hill Inlet Stockyard/Chalkies Beach M2 Islands NP State Forest M4 Whitsunday Whitehaven Beach East Side Bay G2 Henning Island South Molle Island Islands W18 C1 Northern Spit Saddleback Island G3 National Park W17 M1 M5 gory W6 Deloraine Island W19 Gre –Ca Shute W3 Armit Island G4 nn Whitsunday Island Haslewood o Harbour M6 n Island Va W4 W18 W20 Repulse Islands National Park lley Road W5 Blue Pearl Bay C2 Henning Is South Repulse Island R1 d a Conway National Park o R r Mount Rooper C1 Dryander National Park ou rb a Dent Hamilton Island Grimston Point D1 H M7 Conway circuit C2 Island e t u h Long S Conway Island Proserpine Pentecost Island National Park Legend for publication

National park Pictograms State forest Camping QPWS office L1 Lindeman Island Conservation park Toilets Information L2 L5 Ocean Information shelter Proserpine Viewpoint State Forest Shaw Conway L3 Island Waterway Picnic table Interpretive walk Beach Highway Sheltered table Barbecue—wood Andromache Lindeman Islands Sealed road Walking track Conservation Park National Park Unsealed road Snorkelling/diving L4 Walking track Fishing Mountain Public mooring North Town/city Repulse Anchorage Island East Distance marker Andromache Repulse Parking State Forest Repulse Islands Island Scale Bridge Midge National Park 0 5 10km 4 Point South 5 To Mackay R1 Repulse Island Best way The Whitsunday coast is about two thirds of the way along Queensland’s coast between and . Drive 1,120km (12hr) north from Brisbane, or 630km (7hr) south from Cairns, to Proserpine on the . Follow signs to Airlie Beach—30km along Road. Plane flights from Brisbane take about 1.5hr. Plane flights are also possible from Proserpine and Hamilton Island.

No matter which way you look at it, the Whitsundays are a glorious getaway. Qld Events and © Tourism Photo: Mainland parks You can reach Conway National Park Plan your getaway by 2WD and enjoy many options for walking or mountain-bike riding around Experience a holiday to remember in the heart of Queensland’s . Discover the coastal fringe or up in the range. Guided tours dazzling white secluded beaches, ancient Aboriginal rock art, sweeping grasslands and rocky You’ll need a boat to get over to Get on board a guided tour with shores fringed with coral reefs. The Whitsundays offers an endless choice of natural adventures. Dryander National Park’s secluded an experienced and friendly local. Grimston camping area. Enjoy sailing and snorkelling day Global treasure Best time trips or overnight camping where The Whitsunday islands, and their It’s pleasant all year in the Whitsundays, Island parks tourism operators take you away surrounding waters, are protected in the but April to September are the best You can reach the Whitsunday islands from the crowds. Commercial Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, months when daytime temperatures are by joining a tour or private charter, using water taxis from Shute Harbour Australia’s first and the world’s largest milder (21–26°C) and nights are cooler your own kayak or vessel or hiring a tinnie can drop you at island camp sites, World Heritage Area. After stupendous (16–22°C). Water temperatures in the or a bareboat—no skipper or crew. where you can walk, snorkel, rifting and ripping of the earth’s crust, ocean vary throughout the year from dive and fish, or just relax. Visit the Whitsundays islands—remnants of 22–27°C. It can rain any time, but the Top: Take in staggering views from any tourismwhitsundays.com.au of the lookouts in the Whitsundays. ancient volcanic calderas—remain as a heaviest rains fall between January and Add some local flavour Above: Get a bird’s eye view of the reef. for tour details. Below: Stop, breathe and enjoy the views from group of more than 90 green gems now March. Cyclones are more likely to occur Time your holiday with a local event. the walks on the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail. dotted in the aquamarine . between November and April, so make There’s the annual music festival in Photos: (top) Justin Heitman © Qld Govt; (above) © Tourism and Events Qld; This remarkable ecosystem, one of the sure you read any emergency advice November or sailing, fishing and (below) Dave Harper © Qld Govt world’s largest barrier reefs, is home to (bom.gov.au) before you visit. triathlon events throughout the year. thousands of different species of plants Find out more at qld.com.au and and animals. Come and see for yourself! tourismwhitsundays.com.au Find out more at gbrmpa.gov.au

Top: Setting out on a canoe adventure on the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail. Above: Play about in the waters off . Right: The Whitsunday’s world famous Heart Reef is best seen from the air. Photos: (top) Justin Heitman © Qld Govt; (above and right) © Commonwealth of Australia (GBRMPA)

6 7 8 where the rugged range provides a perfect place on or foot mountain for exploration bike. provides range aperfect where the rugged Embark on venture asea to an island national park—there inland, are many explore Or to choose from. adventures Outdoor Come face to face with somebig beauties of thereef. staying at a different camp site each night. each site camp adifferent at staying Trail, Sea Ngaro Whitsunday the on hop island- and kayak your grab style, your suits power paddle If everything. after look operator atour let or one hire boat, own your Take float! is to Whitsundays the of most see to way best The boat your Float National Park. Conway in trails shared many the around or Island Molle South on Peddle onGet your bike you. for walk right the choose and classifications p27 track See for hikes. day multi- or full-day longer to walks short easy from choosing alot, or alittle Walk Pull on your shoes © Commonwealth ofAustralia (GBRMPA) Justin Heitman ©QldGovt; ©Tourism and Events Qld; Photos (topleft to bottom right): TimPayne ©Qld Govt; for some top spots to dive and snorkel. snorkel. and dive to spots top some for locals the Ask reefs. and rocks around snorkel and off Cool slopes. reef the along caves and crevices bommies, Dive underwater Explore qld.gov.au/Camping at online camping park national your book to Remember yourself! to place whole the have you’ll so site, one only have areas camping island Some parks. mainland or islands the across areas 28 camping of one at over Camp Pitch your tent Island. Hook on Inlet Nara in Site Cultural Ngaro the and Island Molle South on quarry stone-tool the Visit years. 9,000 than more spanning country sea and land this to connection unbroken and aspiritual have people Gia and Ngaro The story ancient an Discover waters. warmer the in calve to September and May between visiting whales humpback majestic by acrobatics awe-inspiring Witness whales Watch you’re walking, on wheels or on the water. the on or wheels on walking, you’re whether Whitsundays the in do to lots There’s

Photo: Darren Jew © Tourism and Events Qld

Photo: © Tourism and Events Qld Ranger tip tip Ranger Ranger Kay fish. reef smaller of millions and trevallies cheeky some wrasse, Maori protected and beautiful big, the as such fish, big really some see Photo: Justin Heitman ©QldGovt Park National Islands Whitsunday Hill Inlet, astunning swirl of sea andshifting sands. Manta Ray Bay is an awesome spot to to spot awesome is an Bay Ray Manta collect campers. collect and off drop companies Some Harbour. Shute or Beach Airlie from plane sea or helicopter boat, commercial or private by Visit islands. Langford and Hook Black, including30 Whitsunday, islands, protects Beach, Airlie of 25km east Park, National Islands Whitsunday there Getting • • • Must dos sands of famous Whitehaven Beach. Whitehaven famous of sands white squeaking, the along Walk Visit the Ngaro Cultural Site. Cultural Ngaro the Visit lookout. Inlet Hill to Climb world. underwater astunning see to dive or Snorkel Deloraine islands. Deloraine and Haslewood Langford, Black, Hook, Whitsunday, at reef the along caves and crevices bommies, coral explore or tide high at reef the Snorkel diving and scuba Snorkelling do to Things Whitsundays. the in lookouts best the from world the of roof the from if as Whitsundays, the See Passage. Solway stunning the view to walk a short take then, Beach, Whitehaven famous world- on Relax past. people’s Ngaro the to links with rich area an Inlet, Hill of sands swirling the at Marvel surrounded by turquoise blue waters. Discover aslice isles of paradise on jewel-green Photo: TimPayne ©QldGovt incredible views. views. incredible with rewarded be and Peak Whitsunday hike uphill (2.5km) to up alonger tackle and water and food extra Pack Beach. Sawmill to over walk easy ashort, take or Beach Dugong off aline cast Either walking and Fishing you. around life of complexity wondrous the at You’ll delighted be wildlife. with alive are Whitsundays The spotting Wildlife walk the Whitsundays. the walk you when views fantastic Take in 9 Hook Island rewarded with spectacular island Hook Island Places to go Solway circuit Whitsunday Peak track and sea views from the lookout. Boat up to and camp over at Hook Island’s Whitsunday Island 1.2km return. Allow 40min. 5km return. Allow 4hr. Ngaro Cultural Site Maureens Cove, Steens, Curlew or 340m return. Allow 20min. Whitehaven Beach lookout Wander along this one-way circuit from Walk uphill from Sawmill Beach day-use Border Island Crayfish beaches. Stay a couple of days Whitehaven Beach uphill to a natural area to windblown heaths, for impressive Protected from the elements in a once- Headland track Border Island to snorkel the island’s fringing reefs and rock platform with spectacular views vistas from the ‘roof of the Whitsundays’. hidden cave, the Ngaro people adorned 970m return. Allow 30min. 1.2km return. Allow 1hr. spend an hour or so at the Ngaro Cultural over Solway Passage and the the fragile rock surface with their artwork 400m headland track. Allow 30min. Site. Start at Nara Inlet—an excellent deep Whitsunday Cairn track Explore ashore and enjoy Cateran Bay surrounding islands. over the last 9,000 years. Clamber up overnight anchorage, accessible at mid This is a premier walk. You’ll see 4km return. Allow 3hr+. from above on this short walk. After an a short, and initially steep track with to high tide—and leave at least an hour Whitehaven Beach’s 7km shoreline with Chance Bay track (off Solway circuit) initial steep ascent, meander along the Walk from Cairn Beach—Whitsunday steps, to a viewing platform at the to immerse yourself in the stories of uninterrupted views. And get a closer 3.6km return. Allow 2.5–3hr. island’s saddle of native grassland and Island’s most northerly beach—up to cave’s entrance. the past. look at the enthralling Solway Passage. enjoy views from 2 lookouts. There’s fascinating rock formations and Follow this track through some of a ridge covered with giant grasstrees. Whitsunday Island’s more secluded areas It’s steep and challenging, but what a Haslewood Island Henning Island wonderful views of the Whitsunday Island Places to camp peaks and the islands dotted in a to peaceful Chance Bay. This delightful view—simply breathtaking. Haslewood Island lookout Picnic on the sandy beach, near the sparkling sea. walk branches off the Solway circuit. 300m one way. Allow 20min. Whitsunday Island Northern Spit camping area, and enjoy Langford Island Dugong Beach is a great place to take the views of Whitsunday and Hamilton Leave Chalkies Beach behind as you W Hill Inlet lookout track kids and can accommodate larger groups, islands. The Spit is accessible by boat hi Langford Island lookout teh walk uphill to the island’s rocky headland. Solway circuit av while Joes Beach is secluded, but offers en 1.4km return. Allow 40min. at all tides, but is a poor anchorage. Chance Bay track Be 300m one way. Allow 20min. ach Passing through a natural gully of shady great views across to Cid Island. Cairn Take an uphill wander to multiple lookouts Use the public moorings here. Stroll the mangrove lined shore before eucalypts and grasstrees, you are Beach is a kayaker’s camping delight. ola for stunning vistas over Hill Inlet’s circuit gently walking uphill through mixed tall turquoise waters and white, sweeping ance a trees, small ferns and orchids. Marvel at Map sands—a highly-significant area to the Island and ref. Beach trac the remarkable Whitsunday bottle trees site name (p4) Facilities and activities type Further information Ngaro people. Access the track from and enjoy views along the island’s spit Whitsunday Islands National Park Hill Inlet or Tongue Bay. to nearby Black and Hook islands. Camping area backed by rainforest and connected by a 1km walking track Whitsunday Island to Sawmill Beach. Dugong Beach has better anchorage than Sawmill Beach, Chance W1 Sand Beach track Dugong Beach but is suitable for shallow draft vessels only. Care must be taken to avoid Bay coral bommies, particularly at low tide. cale 500m return. Allow 20min. Picnic area nestled in vine forest. Walking tracks lead to Dugong Beach m Sawmill Beach W2 Sand and Whitsunday Peak. Branch off the Hill Inlet lookout track Dugong Beach Camping area sits under rainforest canopy, tucked against a steep hill. and head downhill to the bright-white, cale Naris Beach W3 Sand It has outstanding views of Cid Island. Reef line close to shore with good Hill Inlet lookout ongue m access at mid to high tide. Point quartz sands of Hill Inlet and across to Beach track Secluded camping area with outstanding views of Cid Island. m Joes Beach W4 Sand Whitehaven Beach, considered one of Fringing reef exposed at low tide. Boat acces at mid -high tide. the top 10 beaches in the world. Sawmill Elevated camping area with views extending to Pentecost Island, Lindeman group Beach Chance Bay W5 Sand and Cape Conway. Boat access at mid to high tide. Difficult to access in south- easterly winds but is good anchorage during northerly winds. Whitsunday Dugong-Sawmill track Whitehaven Spectacular white sands with camp sites nestled in lowland vine forest and W6 Sand Island 3km return. Allow 1hr. Beach eucalypt woodland. Has views to Haslewood Island. Boat access at all tides. Surrounded by mountains and excellent views from the Whitsunday Cairn track Walk under stands of giant rainforest m to Border and Dumbell islands. A large intertidal sand and rock flat is fed by Cairn Beach W7 Rubble Tongue Bay a winding creek behind the beach. Shallow draft boat access. Poor anchorage; trees and solitaire palms before entering use public moorings. Kayaks are perfect. Bettys Beach what seems a fairyland of mosses, lichens Camping area sheltered by pandanus and backed by small creek. Bay offers Hook Island excellent snorkelling and anchorage. Anchoring is not permitted inside the and fungi on this semi-shaded walk from W8 Rubble itsunda Pea Maureens Cove cove’s reef protection markers. Shallow draft boat access at mid to high tide. eac Dugong Beach to Sawmill Beach. Poor anchorage. Perfect for kayaks. trac Whitsunday Peak Camping area set behind the beach and overlooks Hayman Island. and Dugong-Sawmill tracks Steens Beach W9 Sand A small reef flat provides good snorkelling. Restrictions apply 1 Oct to 31 Mar each year. Whitsunday Cairn track Whitsunday Peak track profile Camping area backed by rainforest. Accessible at mid to high tide by shallow draft Curlew Beach W10 Sand 400 vessels only. Sheltered anchorage next to camping area. Lookout 300 Outstanding beauty with extensive reef flat. Camping area sheltered by large ill nlet Beach Crayfish Beach W11 Sand rocky headland. Accessible at mid to high tide by shallow draft vessels only. looout 200 trac 100 Sheltered anchorage next to camping area. Elevation (m) Elevation Cairn Excellent diving from boat, small beach with no camping. Use public moorings. Manta Ray Bay W12 Rubble Beach 0 500 1000 1500 Anchoring prohibited in the bay. m Distance (m) Excellent snorkelling/diving from boat. Use public moorings. Anchoring itsunda Butterfly Bay W13 Sand prohibited in the bay. cale airn trac Whitsunday Cairn track profile m m 300 Black Island W14 Sand This is a popular site for snorkelling/diving, especially at high tide. 250 Langford Island itsunda 200 W15 Sand Good snorkelling/diving and short walking track with view. All tide access. airn 150 Langford Spit 100 Border Island Legend cale W16 Sand Popular snorkelling/diving site and walking track with great views. All tide access. Elevation (m) Elevation 50 Cateran Bay m Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail Haslewood Island 0 500 1000 1500 W17 Sand White sands. Poor anchorage. Moorings may assist. walking track Distance (m) Stockyard/Chalkies Henning Island Backed by closed forest canopy. Accessible at all tides, very poor anchorage W18 Sand Northern Spit though moorings assist. Whitsunday Cairn and Whitsunday Peak tracks are difficult to traverse and can be Deloraine Island W19 Rubble A more remote day-visit site that is popular for snorkelling. Hayman Island W20 Rubble Good snorkelling/diving site. slippery in wet weather. You must be well prepared, take plenty of water, have a good Blue Pearl Bay 10 level of fitness and wear ankle-supporting footwear to safely complete these tracks. 11 Pulling up on Whitehaven’s shore after an exquisite morning’s paddle. © Qld Govt Heitman Justin Photo: Qld Events and © Tourism Photo: View the Molle Islands—verdant dots amid the ocean blue.

Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail Molle Islands National Park

Sail, kayak or cruise to islands with pure-white sands and stroll through Head over to this bushwalkers’ paradise with superb views over windswept grasslands up to rugged headlands for breathtaking views. Must dos picturesque island landscapes. • Cruise along the mountain bike trails, then walk to the lookout at Start your Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail Pull on your boots and wander through Spion Kop. adventure from Airlie Beach or Shute South Molle’s grasstree-studded Harbour and travel an extraordinary • Walk up to Mount Jeffreys. grasslands or past ancient Ngaro stone blend of seaways and walks spanning • Look for passing whales. quarry relics up to Spion Kop. Start Whitsunday, South Molle and Hook islands. a mountain-bike adventure on 14km You can book your national park camping Getting there of tracks catering for beginners and online at qld.gov.au/Camping Molle Islands National Park is 10km intermediate riders. Go snorkelling off

Butterfly east of Shute Harbour. Access is by the beach on South Molle’s Sandy Bay or aman Bay private or hire boat from Airlie Beach grab the fishing gear and head to the large sland Steens Maureens Manta Ray or Shute Harbour. Some companies camping area near Cockatoo Beach on rurst sland Beach Cove Bay drop off and collect campers, North Molle Island. Look out for passing whales. Photo: Justin Heitman © Qld Govt Langford sland lac Crayfish bushwalkers and mountain-bike sland Take in the Whitsunday beauty from tiny ird sland oo Beach Stonehaven everlasting daisies to the grand views from riders. Walking tracks and shared sland Coastal waters the Molle Islands’ walking tracks. Places to camp Legend Anchorage of the Great Barrier Reef trails on South Molle Island can be Ngaro Photos: (above left) Mick Barrett © Qld Set up camp, then stroll on long sandy Denman Island or Planton Island, where Cultural Site Cairn Govt; (above) Justin Heitman © Qld Govt accessed from Bauer Bay or Sandy beaches, relax with a good book or only one group with up to 6 people are Whitsunday Ngaro Nara Beach Bay camping area. Access from Sea Trail Inlet just doze the afternoons away at one allowed at one time. Be self-sufficient on Whitsunday Paddle Bay is by walking only. Long Walking track Curlew Cairn order Trip planner of the many camping areas on the Tancred Island with no facilities, where Whitsunday Beach sland Island walking tracks are accessed Seaway Passage Molle Islands. Relish quiet camping on it’s quiet camping and quite wonderful. Distances provided are approximate and from either Happy Bay or Palm Bay. Peter Cockatoo Bay apply if travelling the Whitsunday Ngaro ort olle Beach Pioneer Dugong Tongue Point Sea Trail in an anti-clockwise direction. Map Rocks sland Island and ref. Beach Almora Cid Beach Islet No allowance is made for site name (p4) Facilities and activities type Further information Harbour Dugong adream Tongue Whitehaven Spion Kop id tides, bad weather or Beach Molle Islands National Park Pioneer Bay sland Bay Beach sland Ngaro 15km Good open camping area for bushwalkers with a pleasant beach fringed with out olle Whitsunday possible drift. Cultural (8.1nm) South Molle Island M1 Rubble sland Sawmill Peak Site Sandy Bay casuarinas. Site readily accessible at mid to high tides. irlie eac ute Hill Sandy Bay Mount Jeffreys Beach Curlew 6km 10km Camping area backed by rainforest and overlooking Daydream Island. Access to arbour Inlet Beach (3.2nm) (5.4nm) Paddle Bay M2 Rubble Shute Bay ute Naris itsunda asleood track system only possible at low tide. Access site via boat at mid to high tides. sland Beach Whitsunday 6km 11km 11km sland Cairn (3.2nm) (5.9nm) (5.9nm) Joes sland North Molle Island A number of large camp sites around the forest edge. Tides limit access. East Beach 9km 15km 20km 20km M3 Sand (4.9nm) (8.1nm) (10.8nm) (10.8nm) Cockatoo Beach Anchorage off the beach is not recommended. ancred Rock Solway sland Tongue Bay 16km 22km 27km 27km ona Chance Passage Secluded camping area set in dry rainforest behind the beach. Access is by boat at enning (8.6nm) (11.9nm) (14.6nm) (14.6nm) Planton Island M4 Rubble all tides, but anchorage off the beach is not recommended as it is exposed to winds ational Par sland Bay Whitehaven 9km 25km 31km 36km 36km Beach (4.9nm) (13.5nm) (16.7nm) (19.4nm) (19.4nm) and currents. You must pull your boat up onto, and anchor on, the beach. ent amilton Sandy sland Chance Bay 8km 17km 33km 39km 44km 44km Small, quiet camping area set in dry rainforest above the shore. Set in a marine sland (4.3nm) (9.2nm) (17.8nm) (21.1nm) (23.8nm) (23.8nm) Denman Island M5 Rubble park green zone, so look but don’t take or disturb anything. Pull your boat up onto Beach Long Henning 15km 23km 32km 48km 54km 59km 59km sland Island (8.1nm) (12.4nm) (17.3nm) (25.9nm) (29.2nm) (26.5nm) (31.9nm) and anchor on the beach. Offshore anchorage is risky due to winds and currents. Paddle Bay 15km 30km 38km 47km 63km 64km 74km 74km A very private camping area with Shute Harbour hidden from view by Repair Island. (8.1nm) (16.2nm) (20.5nm) (25.4nm) (34nm) (34.6nm) (40nm) (40nm) Tancred Island M6 Sand Accessible by small boat though care should be taken on the fringing reefs at mid Sandy Bay 3 km 12km 27km 35km 44km 60km 66km 71km 71km (1.6nm) (6.5nm) (14.6nm) (18.9nm) (23.8nm) (32.4nm) (35.6nm) (38.3nm) (38.3nm) to low tide. Pull boats up onto and anchor on the beach. Shute 5 km 8 km 17km 32km 40km 49km 65km 71km 76km 76km A small secluded beach lined with mangroves and backed by rainforest. Harbour (2.7nm) (4.3nm) (9.2nm) (17.3nm) (21.6nm) (26.5nm) (35.1nm) (38.3nm) (41nm) (41nm) Long Island cale M7 Sand Walking track departs from the camp site, allowing you to explore Long Island. m Directly from Shute Harbour 49km 32km 31km 36km 21km Sandy Bay (travelling in a clockwise direction) (26.5nm) (17.3nm) (16.7nm) (19.4nm) (11.3nm) Only shallow draft small craft can access the beach during mid to high tide.

12 13 Places to go MapMolle title? Islands Molle Islands National Park Legend National South Molle Island Long Island Walking track Stairs Park Long Shared trails Main Sandy Bay Lamond Hill Long Island circuit sland id olle (walking and riding) intersection circuit 4.2km one way. Allow 2hr walking, 4.4km one way from Sandy Bay. 3.5km circuit. Allow 1.5hr. sland Tracks 1, 2 and 3 are part of the Happy Bay Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail 30min riding. Allow 2hr walking, 45min riding. Have a happy day from Happy Bay Resort Don't get caught out! Humpy You can only get to and cale A fantastic outing through patches 3.3km one way from Bauer Bay. on the only Long Island track with Point Pelican from Mid Molle Island 2hr m Island either side of LOW TIDE. of native grasslands studded with Allow 1.5hr walking, 45min riding. spectacular viewpoints. Fish Bay Pandanus grasstrees and a beach lined with Palm Bay Bay Paddle Bay Enter from the western end of Bauer Bay weeping, coastal casuarinas. Pandanus Bay Resort and journey uphill—moderately steep— 900m return from Palm Bay. Allow 30min. to overlook the mainland’s ranges. 6 Brauer Bay Mount Jeffreys 1.5km from Happy Bay. Allow 1hr. 4km one way from Sandy Bay. Paddle Bay Walk across the narrow island neck Spion Kop Lamond Allow 2hr walking, 30min riding. 2.2km return. Allow 1hr. to a pandanus-lined rocky beach. Hill 6 3km one way from Bauer Bay. Meander from Bauer Bay Beach to a coral Humpy Point 5 Allow 1–1.5hr walking, 30min riding. beach, where at low tide you can walk to 3 Sandy Bay Long 1.2km return from Happy Bay. Allow 30min. Take this gradual slope to Mount Jeffreys, Mid Molle Island. Don’t get caught out! sland 5 2.6km return from Palm Bay. Allow 1hr. South Molle’s highest point, and enjoy You only have about 4hr to complete the walk as access is tide related—that is Need to stretch your legs? Take a wander Balancing a sensational 360 degree view of the 4 Oyster 2hr before and 2hr after low tide! through shady, dry rainforest thicket— Rock Bay Whitsunday islands and mainland. cale m Planton an intriguing plant community. sland Spion Kop Sandy Bay Legend out olle 2 4.2km one way from Sandy Bay. sland Enjoy a good ‘leg-stretch’ of a walk on the 5.8km return from Palm Bay. Allow 3hr. Walking 1 Allow 2hr walking, 50min riding. Sandy Bay track, through a spectacular track grasstree-studded landscape. 8.2km return from Happy Bay. Allow 4hr. 2.3km one way from Bauer Bay. Photo: Adam Creed © Qld Govt Pack a lunch and take this gently-climbing Allow 2hr walking, 30min riding. track, which eventually ends at a small Mount Walk or mountain-bike ride to lookouts secluded beach. Jeffreys Sandy Bay over Whitsunday Passage. Walking access only from the set of stairs leading to Spion Kop.

enman Balancing Rock sland 2km return. Allow 1hr. It’s all about walking, riding and views, views, views on South Molle Island. Walk through to Balancing Rock, perched Photo: Adam Creed © Qld Govt in eucalpyt forest, for views across South Molle’s vegetation patchwork.

Take time to take it all in; golden fungi, golden orb spiders and golden memories. Photos (clockwise from bottom): Justin Heitman © Qld Govt; Mike Korotcoff © Qld Govt; © Qld Govt

You’ll love this view from Spion Kop. It’s worth every uphill step you take to get there. Photo: Justin Heitman © Qld Govt 14 15 Clockwise from below left: Bush stone curlew and chick trying hard to blend into their surroundings. Staggering view to Shaw Island from Lindeman’s Mount Oldfield track. Pitch your tent on Lindeman and stay a few days. Photos (clockwise from below left): Lisa Scott © Qld Govt; Adam Creed © Qld Govt; Sue Olsson © Qld Govt Things to do Places to go Hit the water for a swim or snorkel off one Lindeman Island of the many beautiful island beaches. Cast a line off Lindeman, Seaforth or Mount Oldfield track, Thomas islands and catch dinner fresh 7.2km return. Allow 3.5hr. from the sea. Head to the wetlands of Start this steady climb near the jetty Lindeman Island to see lots of birds or and walk through open eucalypt forest, catch a glimpse of a shy bush stone thick vine forest and grassland. You’ll be curlew around the beaches. staggered by the magnificent views in every direction. Places to camp Enjoy remote camping at Lindeman

Breathtaking views from Lindeman Island across to Neck Bay and Shaw Island. Qld Events and © Tourism Photo: Island’s Neck Bay—a vegetated sand spit between 2 former islands—especially if you’re kayaking, or camp on the beach Lindeman Islands National Park at Boat Port overlooking a bay once used to clean sailing vessels. Remember! Set sail for this picturesque group of islands formed from ancient Book your national park camping online Must dos volcanic origins, now settled into a serene landscape. at qld.gov.au/Camping • Enjoy an early morning walk up Mount Oldfield for endless This is ‘Country’ for the Ngaro people, who island views. named Lindeman Island ‘Yara-kimba’—the Map • Go for a snorkel, a dive or place of snapper-bream fish. The island Island and ref. Beach just splash about in the group includes 13 other islands including site name (p4) Facilities and activities type Further information Lindeman Islands National Park waters offshore. nearby Seaforth, Thomas and Shaw islands, Lindeman Island Quiet camping area backed by rainforest. L1 Sand and features the 212m high Mount Oldfield. Boat Port Boat access at mid to high tide, with good anchorage. Getting there Seaforth Island A 500m track joins Orchid Beach to Esme Beach. Tunnel through open vine forest L2 Sand Lindeman Islands National Park is Orchid Beach before emerging from beach scrub to take in views to Lindeman Island. Quaint windswept beach faces southeast. Walking track to headland offers 35km south-east of Shute Harbour. Esme Beach L3 Sand Lindeman scenic views. Access to the islands is by private Thomas Island Islands L4 Sand Protected by its northerly aspect, enjoy views to Shaw Island’s rocky outcrops. boat from Airlie Beach or National Park Naked Lady Beach This site is sheltered by dry rainforest and has wonderful views and sunsets Shute Harbour. Shaw Island Turtle L5 Sand over Lindeman Island. Access limited to mid to high tide. Access to beach and Neck Bay Bay restrictions to behaviour apply from 1 October to 31 March every year. Sit under a cool forest canopy or splash about Boat Port Gap in the inshore shallows around Lindeman Island. Beach Photos: (above right) Justin Heitman © Qld Govt; (below) © Tourism and Events Qld

Lindeman sland Mount Coconut Oldfield Beach

Airstrip

Plantation Bay

eafort sland Legend cale Walking m track View a dusky dawn over the islands after an early morning walk up to Mount Oldfield. Photo: © Tourism and Events Qld

16 17 Places to camp

Conway circuit camping areas Tracks around the Conway Range Mount Rooper circuit Kingfisher circuit Repulse Creek and Bloodwood are 5.4km circuit. 2km return. Allow 45min–1.5hr. simple bush camps on either side of the Allow 3.5hr walking, 1hr riding. Conway circuit track. Walking and riding This is a great walk for the family, Continue on from Mount Rooper lookout is difficult due to the steep gradients in although strenuous, and is a Ranger’s and catch incredible views to Daydream parts. Bloodwood offers good views of favourite. It starts at the Forestry Road car and North Molle islands. Head downhill the islands. Water tanks are 200m past park. After many stairs, you’ll rejoin the to join the Swamp Bay track, then turn Bloodwood camp. main track—a shared-use track (walkers left to return to the car park. and riders)—to return to the car park.

Photo: © Kim Finlay © Kim Photo: Mount Rooper circuit Take in excellent views over Shute Harbour to a part of Conway National Park. Places to go Wompoo way and Swamp Bay Coastal tracks 7km return. 7.2km circuit. Allow 3.5hr walking, 45min riding. Coastal Fringe circuit Conway National Park Allow 1 day walking, 1.5hr riding. Start at the Forestry Road car park, 1.2km circuit. Spend a whole day walking on both the then follow the Conway circuit for 2.3km Allow 45min walking, 15min riding. Explore this peaceful part of the coastal mainland featuring secluded Mount Rooper circuit and Swamp Bay before turning left onto Wompoo way. Must dos beaches and panoramic outlooks over the scenic Whitsunday area. Start at Conway National Park day-use tracks. Swamp Bay is best Wander past a trickling creek to reach • Walk the Kingfisher circuit and area and walk or ride around the circuit at high tide and mid-winter. a beautiful waterhole. track. There’s a small tidal creek to cross. Wompoo way and spot some Rising above the busy coastal strip, Wildlife is everywhere you look, from Coral Beach Honeyeater lookout brilliant rainforest birds. Conway Range’s rainforests have provided the iridescent blue flash of the exquisite Hayward Gully 2.2km return. Allow 1.5hr walking. 8.2km return. • Absorb the views over the a valuable refuge for 23 rare, threatened Ulysses butterfly to orange-footed 3.2km return. and endemic wildlife species. Conway, scrubfowls raking through the leaf litter. Enjoy a fantastic, family day walk to Allow 3–4hr walking, 2hr riding. azure waters of Whitsunday Allow 1.5hr walking, 30min riding. and its conservation parks, protect Listen for the descending trill of the Coral Beach, with glorious views across This rugged track is a favourite for those passage from Coral Beach and the State’s largest remnant of tropical buff-breasted paradise-kingfishers. Follow the Hayward Gully circuit, off the the Whitsunday Passage. To get there, up for a fitness challenge, both walking The Beak lookout. rainforest outside the Wet Tropics of They’re only around from November Coastal Fringe circuit to lowland rainforest drive towards Shute Haven and park just and riding. Known as a good ‘leg-stretch’ • Save a day for the island parks Queensland World Heritage Area. to March, coming here to nest in and rocky gullies. off the road near the Coral Beach track of a walk, with some gradients being up termite mounds. entrance. The beach is exposed and to 35° within the first 2km, it’s strenuous off Airlie Beach or choose a tour Swamp Bay on hot days can be sweltering. that suits you best. Your choice is Things to do in parts, exposed and hot, but the views 4.2km return. are worth every step. Start at the Conway almost unlimited—plane charter, Take a stroll to Coral Beach or give Allow 1.5hr walking, 30min riding. The Beak lookout circuit track entrance near Kara Crescent boat tour, jet-ski tours, fishing your legs a workout on uphill hikes From Mount Rooper car park, walk around 3.4km return from Coral Beach track in Airlie Beach. The turn-off to the lookout for picturesque island views. Get the tours and canoe tours. the foot of Mount Rooper to Swamp Bay. car park. Allow 2.5hr. is 2.3km along this track and it leads mountain bike ready and explore the It’s beautiful at high tide and in mid- Take the Coral Beach track and head to a ridge and lookout with views over Coastal Fringe circuit or, for a real Ulysses Getting there butterfly winter, when there’s fewer mosquitoes towards the eastern end of the beach. Cannonvale and the Whitsunday islands. work-out, the Conway circuit with Conway National Park is 30km Photo: © Tourism and midges. Bring lots of drinking Continue on a moderate climb for 600m overnight camps. and Events Qld east of Proserpine, between Airlie water and energy snacks, as it’s a hot, to The Beak lookout. Beach and Shute Harbour. Turn hard walk. off the Bruce Highway just north Coral Beach looking out View from Mount Rooper overlooking Long Island of Proserpine, or 45km south of to North Molle Island. Tracks around Mount Rooper with Conway National Park (middle right). Yes, it really is all crushed coral. The Mount Rooper track junction—200m Photo: Adam Creed © Qld Govt Bowen, then travel 26km to Airlie Photo: Adam Creed © Qld Govt Beach on the Gregory–Cannon along the Swamp Bay track—provides Valley Road. There is no national 4 walking options. Be prepared—sturdy park access from Conway Beach shoes, heaps of water, insect repellent township. From Airlie Beach, follow and sun protection. Shute Harbour Road south-east to Mount Rooper lookout Conway National Park day-use area. 4.6km return. Allow 2.5hr. Take a challenging uphill walk through Ranger tip woodland plant communities. Soak up Don’t rush! Plan your day to allow the panoramic vista of the Whitsunday enough time to relax and enjoy the views. Passage and islands. Return the same You’ll need sturdy footwear, big-brimmed way you came. hat, high-energy food and at least 2 litres of water for each person if you’re tackling any of the uphill tracks. 18 19 Conway circuit irlie eac

Impulse Creek–Repulse Creek cale m Abel Point 27.1km one way. camp section marina 3.5km one way. Port of amp Allow 3 days walking, 4hr riding. See inset Airlie a trac Allow 1hr walking, 20min riding. Pack up for 3 days of serious walking or 9am–4pm Mon−Fri riding and 2 nights of camping-in-the- Go carefully as the track is somewhat (excluding public holidays) oral Swamp eac trac rough and under the stars. There are rougher with many steep sections and Bay Coral irlie S ount Beach Begley St Ma h The Beak 2 entry points—Forestry Road car park crosses minor creeks. Enjoy the walk, in S u ooper eac te y tre lookout but leave enough time to get to Repulse et H circuit and near the top of Kara Crescent in t a d St Wa R S rb Creek camp well before nightfall. r Lewis o Mount Airlie Beach. u m nd annonale u ona o o r R b m son oa Rooper r La d onseration Par a s H re ter oastal ringe Repulse Creek camp– te C Gunn Island Forestry Road–Impulse u a Wa circuit h r Bloodwood camp section S a Creek section K National park ute aen 11.5km one way. track end ute 4.5km one way. Repair Allow 5–6hr walking, 3hr riding. Honeyeater arbour Allow 1.5hr walking, 40min riding. lookout Creek Island Shute Island

FlameTree d Shute Bay Follow the coastal ridge towards a 9km return. o R Airlie Beach and tackle a long, steep, r Allow 2.5hr walking, 1hr riding. u Tancred bo aard challenging climb to reach Hayward ar Island H ull trac Rooper Walkers! Why not include the Kingfisher te Bloodwood Inlet lookout near the summit of Mount hu S camp circuit, a delightful deviation that only Mount Hayward. Stop for some great views To Bowen extends your walk by 45min. Another side Hayward and cool breezes from here, but continue To Dingo Beach Mount Maclear track, well worth the effort, is Wompoo ona Conway Range along the ridge to Bloodwood camp. ry–Cannon Mount Conway way, but you must return along the Grego ational Water tanks are 200m past the camp. y Road same track to rejoin the Conway circuit. Valle Par ona ona est circuit The track gets considerably rougher onseration Par Bloodwood camp– Little Repulse after Impulse Creek crossing, so if Airlie Beach section Creek B ingfiser you’re only doing a day walk head rand 8.5km one way. y Creek circuit ompoo back from here. Ro Allow 3.5–4.5hr walking, 3hr riding. ad Fo a Impulse Creek restry This is the steepest and most difficult Road Important things to know section of all. On a clear day, it is well To Proserpine Repulse Creek camp • This walk is only suitable for fit, worth adding an extra 1.5hr walking Forestry Road To Conway Beach Road carpark well-prepared walkers, campers on a side track—not as steep—to the and Cedar Falls Honeyeater lookout with views beyond Little Impulse or mountain-bike riders, as the Creek many long, steep sections Cannonvale to the Dryander Range and Repulse Creek High Mountain are strenuous. out to Whitsunday Islands. Go back to Legend the Conway circuit and walk downhill • Choose the cooler months Shared trail of the year. through sections of grasstrees, cycads asy mountain bike and eucalypts to Airlie Beach. The track Above: Cool off at Repulse Creek and Shared trail • Bike riders; expect many steep Intermediate mountain bike actually ends near Kara Crescent, but sit a while. Right: Buff-breasted sections on each leg of this track. paradise-kingfisher. Shared trail check the map insets and continue Photos: (above) © Qld Govt; (right) © Ray Viljoen Difficult mountain bike • Drink plenty of water! There are another 700m downhill into Airlie Beach. Walkers only tracks 4 water tanks along the track; fill Walkers route to town Water tanks—treat before drinking your water containers at every cale m See page for track classifications opportunity, but please ensure ona circuit trac profile taps are turned off and treat the 500 water before drinking. Hayward lookout • Campfires are prohibited. 400 Carry a fuel stove for cooking. Hayward 300 Bloodwood water tank • Carry all rubbish out with you. Airlie camp water tank • Get your camping permit online 200 at qld.gov.au/Camping Repulse

leation m leation Creek camp 100 Airlie Beach Forestry Road car park

0 istance m 10.2 21.7 30

20 21 Getting there Repulse Islands National Park is 35km south-south-east of Airlie Beach. The islands are close to the mainland Left: A sooty tern finds some shade with several boat ramps nearby, including on the beach. Below: Snorkel and you might spy a gentle dugong Shute Harbour and Abel Point Marina. feeding on seagrass off Dryander’s shore. Bottom: Typical Prosperine rock wallaby habitat Access to the park is by private boat only. in Dryander National Park. Photos: (left and below) © Commonwealth of Australia (GBRMPA); (bottom) © Qld Govt Dryander National Park Enjoy views over the scenic Whitsunday islands from this large coastal park just north of Proserpine, which protects Capture dream views like this one looking over to Gloucester Island. © Qld Govt Adam Creed Photo: important habitat for the endangered Proserpine rock-wallaby.

More top spots Getting there Although Dryander National Park is Escape to small uninhabited tropical locations and relax Must dos on the mainland, it is three nautical on golden sand, with not another soul in sight. miles (13km) north of Airlie Beach, • Splash about in the year-round accessible only by boat from Airlie warm, aqua waters of Bona Bay Beach or Dingo Beach. on Gloucester Island. About the parks • Swim with manta rays feeding Grimston Point camping area along the islands, generally Gloucester Islands Repulse Islands Large camping area for boaties. May to September. National Park National Park Boat access only on all tides for smaller vessels. Has good anchorage. • Boat slowly and catch a glimpse The mainland locals say this is a ‘must- Despite the name, this is a beautiful group of dolphins or dugong. see’ stop-over. Choose from camping of islands. The three-island group was areas on Armit, Saddleback and named by Lieutenant in 1770, Holbourne Island National Park Gloucester islands. Gloucester Island when he felt repulsed to find the bay was Go to the very north of the Whitsundays is the largest island in the group and, not, as he suspected, a passage north. for a rare treat. Holbourne Island is like Dryander National Park, is home to Seabirds love nesting here, so there’s isolated and some say undeniably one endangered Proserpine rock-wallabies. an annual closure from 1 October to of the most beautiful of the Whitsunday 31 March, to protect them. There is a islands. There’s a small pisonia forest Getting there small, no-facilities camping area on South near the shore—an oddity on this, a Gloucester Islands National Park lies Repulse Island. With only 12 campers continental island. There’s breeding directly north of Cape Gloucester, 37km allowed per night, you’ll enjoy a quiet seabirds and it’s an important green north-west of Airlie Beach. Access is only camping experience. and flatback marine turtle nesting site. by private boat from Airlie Beach or Dingo Beach. Getting there Holbourne Island National Park is 29km north-north-west of Gloucester Island, accessible only by private boat.

Map Island and ref. Beach site name (p4) Facilities and activities type Further information The Whitsundays. What a place! Home to Proserpine rock-wallabies Gloucester Islands National Park on land and graceful manta rays under water. Gloucester Island Camping area is large and shaded with ample space for secluded camping. G1 Sand Photos: (above) Kay Kunze; (right) © Mark Simmons Bona Bay Good anchorage accessible on all tides. Between 2 rocky headlands, this camping area is set in vegetation behind the East Side Bay G2 Sand beach and next to a seasonal freshwater lagoon.The east-facing beach is steep with unreliable anchorage. Saddleback Camping area offers a wilderness experience. Reasonable anchorage for small boats G3 Sand Island accessible on all tides. Be aware of current. Camping area suitable for small groups. Good anchorage accessible in all tides. Help protect migratory seabirds and stay off and away from Little Armit Island and Armit Island G4 Sand Armit Island’s southern beach during the seasonal restriction from 1 October and 31 March (inclusive) each year.

22 23 Watching whales Protect nesting coastal birds Humpback whales visit the Whitsunday and sea turtles area between May and September From October to April, sea turtles during their annual breeding migration. and thousands of coastal birds Calving and mating is a particularly migrate to the Whitsundays to breed. vulnerable time for these charismatic Observe restrictions to nesting sites creatures, and special rules are in and activities to help protect them. place to limit potential tourist impacts. Nesting or roosting sea birds are easily disturbed, depleting their energy reserves For their safety and yours, vessels vital for their successful return migration. must not approach closer than 300m Photo: © Kay Kunze of a whale in the Whitsundays Whale Protection Area, as marked on a marine

Set sail for a boating adventure in the beautiful Whitsundays. Qld Events and © Tourism Photo: park zoning map. Significant site protection—access restrictions

Island Period of restriction Know your zones Bird Island Boating in the Whitsundays The Whitsundays are in a marine park zone, which allows certain activities in East Rock Set sail with the wind in your hair, then plunge into turquoise waters to some areas—with or without a permit—but Edwin Rock All year swim, snorkel and dive. To help protect the Whitsundays, follow these prohibits them in others. Zoning maps are Eshelby Island (pink zone: no-go and no-take) guidelines and restrictions during your boating visit. available from many local outlets, from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Little Eshelby Island (pink zone: no-go and no-take) (QPWS) offices and online atgbrmpa.gov. Use public moorings Armit Island (south beach) Public moorings are provided throughout The Whitsundays has a wonderful au/zoning-permits-and-plans/zoning/ Double Cone Island (west island) the Whitsundays to help protect fragile public moorings set-up. It means, if you zoning-maps are coming to the area with your own reefs. There are 5 mooring classes The maps include public moorings and Grassy Island (south beach) marked by colour-coded bands that vessel, you can help to protect the corals anchoring areas. You must always check Little Armit Island Between 1 October and cater for different vessel lengths and from anchor damage by using the free for regulations, and specifically note the 31 March (inclusive) public moorings. And as an added bonus, Olden Rock (south of Olden Island) wind speeds. Always use a public ‘designated water sports areas’ and the you can sleep soundly and not worry mooring where available. pink zone—i.e. no-go and no-take rules Shaw Island (beach east of Burning Point) about your anchor during the night. all year—that covers Eshelby and Little South Repulse Island (west beach, excluding campsite) Ranger Kay Eshelby islands. Maximum Maximum Whitsunday Island, Steens Beach vessel length wind speed

6m - tender only 24 knots

10m - monohull Observe ‘no anchoring areas’ Significant site protection— 24 knots 9m - multihull Some Whitsunday reefs are particularly regulations 20m - monohull 34 knots 18m - multihull vulnerable to anchor damage and are • You must keep to a six knot speed 25m - monohull protected in ‘no anchoring areas’. 34 knots approximately within 200m of the 22m - multihull White pyramid-shaped reef protection low water mark. 35m - monohull 34 knots 30m - multihull markers indicate most locations. • No aircraft are allowed below Reef protection marker (RPM) Never anchor inside a ‘no anchoring area’ 1,500 feet (above ground or water), or inshore of the buoy line, and Above: Snorkeling is a great way to see the or to approach within 1,000m. underwater beauty.Right: You might be lucky never attach your vessel to a reef • Stay out of the boat-free zones—that to see a whale mother and calf scooting past. protection marker. Photo: (above) © Tourism and Events Qld; is approximately 200m around the (right) Adam Creed © Qld Govt following islands between Go slow for those below 1 October and 31 March each year. The islands and surrounding reefs are — East Rock home to marine animals, such as turtles, — Edwin Rock dugong, dolphins and whales. — Olden Rock (south of Olden Island) • Always watch out for marine animals • Stay out of intertidal beaches that and avoid boat strike. are closed temporarily to protect • If you see a sick or dead marine animal endangered wildlife. please call the Wildlife Hotline 1300 130 372. Go slow for those below. Dugong mother and calf spend at least 2 years together. Photo: © Commonwealth of Australia (GBRMPA)

24 25 Cyclones, storms and tides Did you know? Be careful • Stay informed of the weather— • Never feed or leave food • Never walk or bike ride alone. cyclone season is November to available for wildlife. • Plan everything you do according April; storms anytime. Penalties apply. to your fitness level. • Never set out walking, riding, • Domestic animals are • Wear sturdy boots, sun protective swimming or boating if a storm prohibited in all island clothing and insect repellent. (or cyclone) is close. and mainland national • Travel light and pack smart. • Be prepared—islands may be parks and beaches, and • Don’t let the tides or time catch evacuated well in advance of a intertidal areas adjacent you out. cyclone making land. to island national parks in the Whitsunday area. • Always inform family or friends • Tides and currents affect various Penalties apply. of your planned itinerary. The shifting sands around Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach passage and channel crossings

offer different views almost every day. Harper© Qld Govt Dave Photo: differently—don’t take risks, use • Careless anchoring and • Carry navigation and communication maps and get local information. kicking damages corals. equipment—mobile phone (although Don’t touch corals with reception is limited), satellite phone, Journey wisely marine radio and/or a Personal Locator Be responsible fins. Anchor and stand on sand next to corals. Beacon (PLB). • Be pest-free! Make sure all camping Packing checklist Camping • Drink plenty of water and eat energy equipment, backpacks, clothes, shoes • Boaties, go slow for • Adequate drinking water, food and • Book well in advance. Camp sites in foods to sustain you on the more and supplies are free of seeds, cane those below—boat strike emergency supplies. popular parks book out quickly, especially strenuous tracks. toads, geckoes, insects (including ants can kill turtles, whales and dugong. • Complete first-aid kit suitable for remote in peak periods. and their eggs) and soil. and/or marine situations. • Book online at qld.gov.au/Camping or over-the- • Leave nothing behind. Take plastics, Know your limits • Detailed maps showing travel routes counter at QPWS office, corner of Mandalay food scraps, cigarette butts, sanitary and distances. and Shute Harbour Roads, Airlie Beach Track and trail classifications (open 9am–4.30pm Mon–Fri). and hygiene items, out • GBRMPA zone map MPZ10 for boaties. of the parks and off Grade Symbol Suits Track description • No generators. • Sturdy rubbish bags and/or sealable, animal- islands and dispose of Track has a hardened or proof containers. No bins are provided. • No ash-producing barbecues. them responsibly. Families with young compacted surface and may have 2 • Topographic map, compass and personal • Bring fuel stoves for cooking. • Bush toileting? Bury children a gentle hill section or sections location beacon (PLB) for long distance walking. • Treat any water collected from tanks or watercourses, and cover waste and and occasional steps. before drinking. used paper. People with some Track may have short steep hill • Stay away from 3 bushwalking sections, a rough surface and nesting shorebirds. experience many steps. Be safe Avoid touching stinging trees. • Never clean fish or throw fish waste Bushwalking Tracks may be long, rough and In an area surrounded by water, swimming is a Brushing up against stinging tree leaves overboard or from the beach. 4 experience very steep. Directional signs much-loved activity. If you choose to swim, you are or fruit is extremely painful. essential may be limited. responsible for your own safety. There are dangers. Novice riders with Wide trail with a gentle slope Be croc-wise! Estuarine crocodiles live in some Below left: Keep a watch on the weather. Easy basic skills and and a relatively obstacle-free, Stinging trees Below middle: Have fun but know your areas of the Whitsundays. Always stay alert, stay with limits. Below right: Get local advice. fitness hardened natural slope. your children, secure food and rubbish and camp away Tiny, hollow, needle-like hairs on Photo: (below left) Mick Barrett © Qld Govt; (below middle) © Tourism and Events Qld; Experienced riders Trail with obstacles, variable from the water. Take care particularly around near-shore their heart-shaped leaves pierce (below right) Justin Heitman © Qld Govt Intermediate with moderate surface and moderate slope. islands, such as the Molle island group. your skin, break off and release skills and fitness May include steep sections. an irritant poison. There’s intense, Be shark-wise! Cid Harbour, on the western side often long-lasting pain at the Challenging and variable trail of Whitsunday Island, is a known site for shark attacks. Experienced riders site and some effects can last with long steep climbs or But sharks are present at all times of the year in the Difficult used to physically- for months. Rubbing the site descents, loose surfaces and open ocean, estuaries, freshwater canals and streams. demanding routes and pouring water over it makes unavoidable obstacles. Search for ‘Swimmer safety’ on daf.qld.gov.au it worse! Seek treatment if Seek medical attention if stung by marine stingers. badly affected. They are prevalent from November to May but may be present all-year. Wear suitable protective clothing (stinger suit) and carry vinegar as first aid to treat a sting. This shrub—-Gympie Never swim alone and stay out of strong currents. (Dendrocnide moroides)—is one of the 2 stinging trees There are no lifesavers at any Whitsunday beaches. that really do pack a ‘sting’. Photo courtesy Queensland Herbarium: Jeanette Kemp © Qld Govt 26 27 Further information qld.gov.au/NationalParks Useful contacts qld.gov.au/Camping For all emergencies: Call Triple Zero (000) qld.gov.au/ParkAlerts Road conditions: Visit the Department of Transport and (access, closures and conditions) Main Roads at qldtraffic.qld.gov.au or phone 13 19 40.

qldnationalparks Shark information: Visit the Department of Agriculture Scan to check and Fisheries at daf.qld.gov.au @QldParks; #QldParks park alerts Marine park information: Visit the Great Barrier Reef This brochure is also available online Marine Park Authority at gbrmpa.gov.au at qld.gov.au/ParkBrochures Weather conditions: Visit bom.gov.au For help planning your holiday visit queensland.com and tourismwhitsundays.com.au • Reef Zoning Map App (free download) ‘Eye on the Reef’ App: gbrmpa/gov/au

• Triple Zero (000) emergency App (free download): emergencyapp.triplezero.gov.au

Sense the magic of a Whitsunday afternoon. Photo: Peter Lik © Tourism and Events Qld

©State of Queensland 2019. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Environment and Science. BP1882 December 2019. Printed on eco-friendly paper to save energy and resources.