Independent 3-Day Hike

Plan Your Walk

Ferry transfers, food and equipment are not included in your booking cost.

Book Your Ferry Transfer

Important:
Access to the Ngaro Track is by boat only. All walkers must arrange and confirm their own transfers to and from Whitsunday Island. Transfer schedules are dependent on tides and weather and may change without notice. Walkers are responsible for booking, confirming, and arriving on time, and must be self-sufficient in the event of delays or cancellations. Always carry extra food and water, and plan your travel with flexibility in mind.
Whitsunday Island Ferry Transfer, The Ngaro Track | Matt Horspool
Whitsunday Island Ferry Transfer, The Ngaro Track | Matt Horspool
Whitsunday Island Ferry Transfers

Scamper is the preferred marine transfer partner for independent Ngaro walkers. They provide reliable drop-off and pick-up services between Shute Harbour and key access points on Whitsunday Island, including South Whitehaven Beach, Chance Bay, and Tongue Bay.

Book Ferry

What to Expect & Preparation Tips

Guidance to help you prepare for this extraordinary adventure

June–August: The Dry Season
(Best Walking Conditions)

Average Max Temperature: 22 – 26 °C

Average Min Temperature: 17 – 19 °C

Average Rainfall: 50 – 70 mm per month

Average Rain Days: 8 – 12 days per month

Average Wind Speed: 20 – 25 km/h (easterly trade winds common)

Conditions: Clear skies, low humidity, and comfortable daytime temperatures make this the best time for walking. Nights are mild and dry, and marine conditions are generally stable. Expect consistent breezes on ridgelines and coastal sections.

Marine stinger risk level: Low risk

May & Sept: The Shoulder Months
(Mild and Pleasant)

Average Max Temperature: 25 – 28 °C

Average Min Temperature: 19 – 21 °C

Average Rainfall: 25 – 100 mm per month

Average Rain Days: 6 – 10 days per month

Average Wind Speed: 18 – 23 km/h

Conditions: Pleasant and dry overall, with light to moderate winds. These months mark the transition between the wet and dry seasons—expect warm days, cooler evenings, and the occasional passing shower. Excellent for walking, swimming, and photography.

Marine stinger risk level: Low–moderate risk

October & April: The Change of Seasons
(Warm and Variable)

Average Max Temperature: 27 – 30 °C

Average Min Temperature: 22 – 24 °C

Average Rainfall: 160 – 200 mm per month

Average Rain Days: 12 – 17 days per month

Average Wind Speed: 20 – 28 km/h

Conditions: Warmer, more humid, and less predictable. Rainfall and thunderstorm activity increase, but fine, calm spells are still common. Ocean temperatures are warm (25 – 27 °C), making it a good time for swimming or snorkeling, though marine stinger precautions apply from October through May.

Marine stinger risk level: Moderate–high risk

A Day on the Ngaro Track
Highlights
  • Summit achievements
  • Panoramic views
  • Sense of accomplishment
Challenges
  • Steep ascents
  • Rocky terrain
  • Up to 14km per day
Pro Tips
  • Pack extra water
  • Use trekking poles
  • Take breaks at viewpoints
Conditions

Weather: Cooler at elevation, wind on summit

Terrain: Rocky outcrops, steep gradients

Compulsory
  • Capacity to carry min 3L of water pp
  • Water filter or purification tablets
  • Personal Locator Beacon or satellite phone (min 1 per group of max 4)
  • First aid kit with snake-bite bandages (min 1 per group of max 4)
  • Two reliable forms of navigation
  • Ngaro Track booking confirmation (printed or electronic)
  • Waterproof outer shell (rain jacket)
  • Tent and sleeping gear
  • Head torch or handheld torch
  • Food for three days
  • Sun protection
  • Appropriate footwear and gaiters
  • Stinger suit (if you intend to swim)
  • Camp stove and fuel
Recommended
  • Pre-downloaded Ngaro Track app (emailed approx 40 days prior to departure)
  • Insect repellent
  • Extra clothing
  • Walking poles
  • Space batteries / power bank
  • Navigation backup
  • Small repair kit
  • Hand sanitiser and biodegradable wipes
  • Personal hygiene items
Optional
  • Camera or binoculars
  • Compact dry bags
  • Swimwear and microfibre towel
  • Small amount of cash and ID
  • Journal or guidebook
Important Packing Notes
  • Needed: tents, cooking gear, group first aid
  • Weather-dependent: check seasonal clothing
  • Test all gear before departure
  • Pack items in waterproof bags
  • Detailed packing list provided on booking
  • Don't forget to download the Ngaro Track App
Cardiovascular

Hike 4–8 hrs with pack.

Prep: Cardio 3–4x/week for 2+ months
Strength

Carry 12–18kg pack.

Prep: Core/leg training, practice with weight
Experience

Multi-day hiking preferred.

Prep: Day hikes & practice camping
Training Schedule
  • 8–12 weeks before: Cardio & strength training
  • 4–6 weeks before: Hikes with weighted pack
  • 2–3 weeks before: Practice overnight hike
  • 1 week before: Taper training
Essential Skills
  • Bushwalking experience and thorough preparation are essential
  • Basic swimming ability
  • Camping setup & hygiene
  • Navigation (map & compass)
  • Weather awareness & safety
  • Leave No Trace principles
Critical
Water Points

The water tanks rely on rainfall and may run dry; always carry extra capacity. Water is untreated, you must carry a filter or purification tablets and plan your usage carefully.

  • Water is available at the communal shelter at Campsite 1 Bowarri yamba (Moon camp)
  • Water point 1 is located 6.8km from Campsite 1, towards Campsite 2
  • Water is available at the communal area at Campsite 2 Dhula yamba (Tree camp)
  • Water point 2 is located 6.7km from Campsite 2
Swimming Spots

You are required to wear a stinger suit if you intend to swim to protect you from marine stingers. June through to August has the lowest risk for marine stingers.

  • Day 1 - South Whitehaven Beach (Start of the walk)
  • Day 1 - Chance Bay (near trail head)
  • Day 2 & 3 - Torres Herald Bay (Campsite 2)
  • Day 3 - Hill Inlet (close to end point of Ngaro track)
Camp Cusine

Plan and pack lightweight, easy-to-prepare meals that can be cooked with a compact hiking stove, we recommend a Jetboil or Trangia. There are no cooking facilities on the track, so you’ll need to be fully self-sufficient.

  • Choose lightweight, non-perishable items
  • Pack high-energy snacks such as nuts, trail mix, and muesli bars
  • Bring pre-measured portions to save space and reduce waste
  • Keep all food sealed to avoid attracting wildlife
  • Carry an extra day’s supply of food in case of weather delays or unexpected changes to your transfer

Track Safety & Risks

Essential Items

These items are mandatory for all hikers

  • Water (minimum 3L per day)
  • Tent & sleeping gear
  • Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
  • First aid kit
  • Trowel for waste disposal
  • Food for entire trip
  • Insect repellent
Recommended Extras

Additional items for comfort and safety

  • Fuel stove & cooking equipment
  • Spare clothes & rain gear
  • Solar charger or power bank
  • GPS device & map
  • Headlamp with extra batteries

Track Safety & Risks

Environmental Hazards
Be Aware:

Marine stingers, sharks and crocodiles can be present in tropical waters. You must always wear a stinger suit when swimming.

Stinging Trees:

Extremely painful contact. Long sleeves and pants recommended. Always stay on the track to avoid contact.

Snakes:

Venomous snakes are present, including death adders. Stay on marked trails and wear appropriate footwear.

Remote Environment:

Limited help available. Self-reliance is essentia. Always carry a Personal Locator Beacon in case of emergency.

Track Conditions
Marine transfers & tidal conditions

Marine transfer schedules are dependent on tides and weather and may change without notice. Walkers must be flexible and self-sufficient in the event of delays or cancellations.

Limited mobile reception

Emergency communication essential

Steep and rough terrain

Good fitness level required

Potential for tropical storms

Check weather conditions before departure

Emergency Procedures
Primary

Activate PLB (Personal Locator Beacon)

Secondary

Call 000 if mobile coverage available

Location

Use EmergencyPlus or What3Words apps

Ngaro Track  - Walking Track Grading

The Ngaro Track is a remote and physically demanding 32 km journey across Whitsunday Island, combining long sections of rough, uneven terrain, steep climbs, rocky surfaces, sandy flats, creek crossings and exposed ridgelines. Graded between Track Class 3, 4 and 5 across different sections, walkers should expect challenging conditions, limited signage in some areas, and variable footing as the track moves through rainforest, open forest, mangrove systems and rugged headlands. The Ngaro Track Map provides a clear breakdown of where each grade applies on each day, and all walkers should review it carefully when planning their trip.

Grade 3

Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Some bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps. Walks up to 20km.

Grade 4

Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signs may be limited.

Grade 5

Very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked. Walks may be longer than 20km.

Conservation

The Whitsundays Trail is a conservation area, and it's essential to follow biosecurity guidelines to protect its biodiversity. This includes preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species, and minimising human impact on the environment.

Biosecurity Guidelines

Be pest-free. Introduced pests devastate natural areas. Once established, they spread quickly.

Before and during your visit ensure:
•    Your hiking equipment and gear is clean of soil and plant material. 
•    Remove seeds and put into rubbish bags, check clothes, shoes, packs and hook and loop fasteners (like Velcro). 
•    Avoid letting ants into packs, it is best to keep packs off the ground. 
•    Clean out your tent before pack-up.
•    Check nothing animals or plant material has gotten into clothes or food containers. 

Responsible Hiking & Caring for the Park

Leave no trace.

•    Protect plants and wildlife. Remember, plants and animals are protected, so leave them undisturbed. 
•    Stay on the track. Protect the natural and cultural values of the park. 
•    Do not feed or leave food for animals. Human food harm wildlife and cause some animals to become aggressive.  
•    Keep watercourses clean. Never use soaps and detergents in streams. 
•    Leave no rubbish. Store your rubbish in sealable containers and take it all out with you.
•    Use toilets if provided. If bush toileting is required always move off the track and stay at last 50m away from watercourses. Use a small spade to bury your waste.
 

FAQs

If your question isn't answered below, please contact us

All walkers must book in advance before travelling to Whitsunday Island. No walk-ins are permitted.

Click the 'Make a Booking' button to start your booking. You will need to nominate your start date, as numbers are strictly limited to maintain a low-impact experience.

Please note: transfers, including name changes, are not permitted, so please ensure you have all walker names and required details ready at the time of booking.

Bookings for the Ngaro Track will open in November 2025 for departure dates beginning in late April 2026.

From April to October each year, the Ngaro Track operates during the dry season, when conditions are generally safer and more suitable for multi-day hiking. A maximum of 15 independent walkers can begin the track each day, and departure days alternate between independent walkers and guided trips - these do not operate on the same day. All independent walker departure dates are listed on this website and must be booked online.

Please note that all departures are subject to tides and weather conditions, and not every day will be operational.

Independent walker bookings are not available from November to March due to extreme seasonal conditions in the Whitsundays, including high heat, humidity, heavy rainfall, potential cyclones, and increased marine stinger risk. These conditions significantly increase the risk of heat-related illness, dehydration, and weather-related isolation, so the track is closed to independent walkers during this period for safety reasons.

Access is limited to a maximum of 15 walkers per day. This ensures quiet camps and minimal environmental impact.

Your booking includes:

Access to the 3-day / 2-night Ngaro Track

Tent platform and use of camp facilities

Access to the Ngaro Track navigation App

Access to toilets, communal shelters, and water tanks (treat before drinking)

Fees dedicated to maintaining the track and campsites

Transfers to and from Whitsunday Island are NOT included and must be arranged separately.

Each campsite includes:

Tent platforms for individual groups (up to 8 sites per camp)

Composting toilets

Sheltered communal areas for cooking and rest

Rainwater tanks (treatment required)

Interpretive signs sharing cultural and environmental stories

No fires are allowed - fuel stoves only. All rubbish must be carried out.

Walkers must be fully self-sufficient and prepared for remote conditions. You’ll need to carry all essential camping, cooking, and safety equipment for the duration of your walk, including:

A tent, sleeping mat, and sleeping bag suitable for tropical conditions

Food, cooking gear, and a fuel stove (open fires are not permitted)

A water purification method, as all water on the island must be treated before drinking

Navigation tools, a first aid kit, and a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)

Sun protection, rain gear, and sturdy hiking footwear appropriate for wet and uneven terrain

Before you book, please read the Walker Safety, Preparation and Packing Guide carefully to ensure you are adequately equipped and understand the environmental conditions you may encounter.

Yes. The Ngaro Track is suitable only for experienced and prepared bushwalkers.

The route includes long, steep climbs, uneven surfaces, and remote conditions with minimal phone reception.

Walkers must be confident hiking independently for three days and camping self-sufficiently for two nights.

The walk is completed over three days and two nights:

Day 1: Whitehaven Beach to Camp 1, Bowarri yamba (Moon Camp) – 8.3 km, ~5 hrs

Day 2: Camp 1 to Camp 2, Dhula yamba (Tree Camp) – 10.8 km, ~7 hrs

Day 3: Camp 2 to Tongue Point – 12.8 km, ~8 hrs

Optional side trips lead to lookouts such as Bari dhili (Rock Eye) and Murmuru bari (Round Rock).

The Ngaro Track is graded mostly Grade 4 (hard) with some Grade 5 (very hard) sections. It is recommended only for fit, experienced bushwalkers capable of multi-day, independent treks.

Mobile phone reception on the Ngaro Track cannot be relied on. The signal is very weak. It may allow for some reception at some higher points but it should not be relied on in an emergency.

This is a remote track with minimal phone reception. Hazards include unfenced cliff edges, stinging trees, tropical insects, crocodiles, and marine stingers.

Walkers must carry emergency equipment such as a PLB and prepare for sudden tropical weather changes.

The Ngaro People are the Traditional Owners of the Whitsunday Islands. Their culture, knowledge of Country, and songlines are woven throughout the Ngaro Track.

Ngaro families helped supervise construction, named sites along the track, and created interpretive artworks and story poles to ensure their knowledge is shared respectfully.

The Ngaro Track is the first multi-day walk of its kind in the Whitsundays. It combines cultural storytelling with spectacular landscapes - from Whitehaven’s white sands and mangrove wetlands to rainforest ridges and Whitsunday Craig.

Purpose-built infrastructure ensures a low-impact adventure, allowing only 15 walkers per section per day.

Still have questions?

Ready to Begin Your Adventure?

Limited permits available. Secure your place on this extraordinary journey through one of Australia's most pristine wilderness areas.

Ngaro Track

A 3 day, 32km independent walk across Whitsunday Island National Park created in partnership with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and the Ngaro People, Traditional Owners of this land and sea Country.

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Created by Ngaro Track Pty Ltd in partnership with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and the Ngaro People, Traditional Owners of this land and sea Country. All rights reserved.