Ngaro Track
Coming soon

3-day remote hike on Whitsunday Island

Walk the Whitsundays

This exciting new Whitsundays Trail offers is set a world-class walking experience in the making. Over 3 days, hike through ancient rainforest, along secluded beaches, and up to spectacular lookouts overlooking the Coral Sea on this unique Whitsundays mult-day hiking adventure.

As you walk through Ngaro Country, you'll discover diverse ecosystems, encounter unique wildlife, and experience the profound connection between land and sea that has sustained Indigenous communities for thousands of years.

Limited permits ensure a low-impact, intimate experience with nature. Each group is small, guided by local experts, and committed to preserving this remarkable landscape for future generations.

Register to learn when bookings open

What is the Ngaro Track?

The Ngaro Track is a 32 km, one-way, 3-day and 2-night island walking adventure on Whitsunday Island in Queensland, Australia.

Starting at South Whitehaven Beach and finishing at Tongue Point near Hill Inlet, the track takes hikers through rainforest, mangroves, rocky headlands, wetlands, and the summit of Whitsunday Craig (353m).

Strictly limited to 15 walkers per section per day, it offers a rare, remote island experience.

Two purpose-built campsites; Camp 1, Bowarri yamba (Moon Camp) and Camp 2, Dhula yamba (Tree Camp), provide overnight accommodation.

Who are the Ngaro People and why is their story important?

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.

Where is the Ngaro Track located?

The track is on Whitsunday Island, the largest island in the Whitsunday Islands National Park, part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Walkers arrive by boat at South Whitehaven Beach, begin the official track at Chance Bay, and finish the track at Tongue Bay after the Hill Inlet lookouts.

When will the Ngaro Track open?

Independent walking experiences are expected to open for booking late 2025.

The best time to hike is between April and October, outside the wet and cyclone season.

Until bookings open, you can register your interest.

Get notified

How long does the walk take?

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). 

What is the difficulty level of the Ngaro Track?

The Ngaro Track is graded mostly Grade 4 (hard) with some Grade 5 (very hard) sections. It is recommended only for fit, experienced bushwalkers.

Expect long, steep climbs and descents, rough surfaces, ladders, stairs, and remote conditions with limited mobile phone reception. 

Where will I sleep?

Two architect-designed campsites support the walk:

  • Camp 1 - Bowarri yamba (Moon Camp): perched above Silica Bay, with views of the rising moon
  • Camp 2 - Dhula yamba (Tree Camp): nestled among hoop pines and palms close to the beach

Each has 8 tent platforms, communal shelters, water (must be treated), and toilets.

What facilities are available on the Ngaro Track?

Facilities include tent platforms, communal cooking shelters, composting toilets, water tanks (treatment recommended), orientation and cultural interpretation signage.

Fires are prohibited - fuel stoves only.

Rubbish must be carried out, and biosecurity checks are mandatory to protect island ecosystems.

How do I book?

All walkers must book in advance. No walk-ins are permitted.

Booking details will be released in late 2025.

Get notified

What are the risks?

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 Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) and prepare for sudden tropical weather changes.

Why was the Ngaro Track created?

The Ngaro Track was created to honour and celebrate the culture of the Ngaro People, protect fragile ecosystems, and provide a world-class, sustainable ecotourism experience within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

It supports Queensland’s Destination 2045 vision for nature-based tourism.

What makes the Ngaro Track unique?

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

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

When can I book a Ngaro Track walk?

Bookings are expected to open in late 2025. 

Get notified

Acknowledgment of Country

We formally recognize and honor the Ngaro people as the Traditional Owners and first custodians of this sacred Country

Formal Acknowledgment

We acknowledge the Ngaro people as the Traditional Owners and first custodians of Whitsunday Island and the surrounding sea country. We pay our deepest respects to Ngaro Elders past, present, and emerging, and recognize their continuing connection to Country, culture, and community.

The Whitsundays Trail exists with the permission and ongoing guidance of the Ngaro people, honoring their sovereignty and ensuring that cultural protocols are maintained for the protection of sacred sites and traditional knowledge.

"We welcome respectful visitors to our Country and share our culture with those who come with open hearts and minds."

— Ngaro Traditional Owners