Australian Traveller was among the first to join the Ngaro Track Walk in Comfort, a 32-kilometre, three-day island walk that connects Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and rainforest trails on Whitsunday Island.
Australia’s multi-day hiking scene is going gangbusters, with trails opening everywhere from Uluru to the Coffs Coast. The latest is the Ngaro Track, a 32-kilometre trek across Queensland’s idyllic Whitsunday Island opened in May 2026. Self-sufficient hikers can tackle this three-day route independently, but I’m here to vouch for the Ngaro Track Walk in Comfort, a supported guided hike with World Expeditions, the track’s exclusive commercial operator.
The track from above. (Credit: Matt Horspool)
Taking walkers deep into the largest island in the Whitsundays, the Ngaro Track offers a chance to slow down and connect with nature and the stories of the island’s Ngaro Traditional Custodians. The Ngaro Track Walk in Comfort allows walkers to carry a lighter pack so you can focus on enjoying the mesmerising scenery and soaking up the knowledge of your expert guides.
What to expect on the Ngaro Track
The hike will take you from beach to rainforest. (Credit: Matt Horspool)
Bowarri Yamba (Moon Camp) camping site along the Ngaro Track. (Credit: Matt Horspool)
Wake up to a view. (Credit: Matt Horspool)
Watch the sun rise over the ocean. (Credit: Matt Horspool)
Uphill climbs are rewarded with spectacular views over the Whitsundays. (Credit: Matt Horspool)
End the day back at Dhula Yamba (Tree Camp). (Credit: Matt Horspool)
Each day on the Ngaro Track, open April to October, involves hiking a newly built trail arcing across the south-eastern corner of the island national park. Fifteen new walkers are permitted on the track daily, but guided walks (including the Ngaro Track Full Pack Guided Hike) have exclusive access, meaning your group will have the trail and camps to yourselves.
Starting near the southern tip of Whitehaven Beach – voted Australia’s best beach in the Australian Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 – the Ngaro Track Walk in Comfort kicks off with a climb to a stunning lookout then continues through dry rainforest to the elevated Bowarri Yamba (Moon Camp), our group’s favourite. Two camp hosts hike ahead to set up tents with comfy stretcher beds and prepare a hearty dinner so you can relax and watch the moon rise.
Campsites have been thoughtfully built into the landscapes. (Credit: Matt Horspool)
Beginning with a cooked breakfast, day two follows the contours of the coast, weaving through groves of hoop pines and grass trees – and past the odd goanna – before ascending to the lichen-encrusted boulders of Whitsunday Craig (353m) for a picnic lunch with stellar views. There are more viewpoints to enjoy as the track continues down to Dhula Yamba (Tree Camp) tucked in a solitaire palm forest fringing Torres Herald Bay, where you can swim if you opt to carry a supplied stinger suit (a year-round requirement for swimming on guided walks).
You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of it all. (Credit: Matt Horspool)
The third and final day is the longest. Taking you from one side of the island to the other, the undulating track includes the Whitsundays’ only mangrove boardwalk and crosses several creeks, though they weren’t running during our walk. We took a short detour to scoff our falafel salad lunch wraps on Murmuru Bari (Round Rock) with a unique view of the dreamy blues of Hill Inlet before pushing on to the inlet’s silica sands. I couldn’t resist diving into the shimmering aquamarine water before our 1.5-hour boat ride back to the mainland.
Both of the track’s campsites are anchored by an architecturally designed hardwood communal cooking and dining area that blends into the landscape. Camping platforms are comfortably spaced and each camp has a water tank and twin composting toilets, but no showers. Mobile reception on the track is limited, which I (mostly) embraced as a digital detox. Hiking through lush landscapes and learning some of the stories connected to this wild and beautiful island offered a much more meaningful connection.
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
AI Prompt
Is the Ngaro track hike ethical?
On the walk, learn about the Ngaro People’s enduring custodianship of the seascape. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)
The Ngaro Track was co-designed with the island’s Traditional Ngaro Custodians to ensure cultural heritage is safeguarded and stories are shared respectfully. Even the name is significant, with ‘track’ signifying the Ngaro Dreaming tracks that follow Ngaro Songlines. The track has also played a role in reviving the Ngaro language. Working together, Ngaro families chose names for several special places on the route that hadn’t been officially named before.
The track is also dotted with hardwood posts carved with art and stories supplied by Ngaro families, revealing their continuing connection to this island landscape. Hikers can help to protect this storied Country by staying on the marked path, not touching or removing natural objects or cultural artefacts, leaving no trace and walking with respect at all times.
Travel Details
Only 15 people are allowed to hike the trail per day. (Credit: Matt Horspool)
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Tour cost
The Ngaro Track Walk in Comfort starts from AUD$2195 pp/twin share, including meals and transfers. You can book online via World Expeditions.
Itinerary
Day 1: Pick-up Airlie Beach, boat from Shute Harbour to Whitsunday Island, then hike from Whitehaven Beach to Bowarri Yamba/Moon Camp (8.3 kilometres).
Day 2: A hill climb and views galore en route to Dhula Yamba/Tree Camp (10.8 kilometres).
Day 3: A cross-island trek to Tongue Point, culminating at Hill Inlet (12.8 kilometres). Boat back to Shute Harbour/Airlie Beach.
How difficult is the Ngaro Track?
The hike ranges from Grades 3, 4 and 5 across different sections. (Credit: Matt Horspool)
This moderate walk is graded between Grades 3, 4 and 5 across different sections. Walkers should expect undulating and at times hilly terrain, limited signage and variable footing as the track winds through a diversity of ecosystems.
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Sarah Reid is a multi-award-winning freelance travel writer, author and positive-impact travel advocate. When she’s not out exploring or writing about her adventures (read all about them at sarahreid.com.au), you’ll find her at the beach in her Byron Bay hometown or savouring a glass of Aussie vino in the sun.
Consider this your cheat sheet to holidaying on Hamilton Island with the clan.
Keeping everyone in your crew happy on holidays is no small feat. Yet ask any parent who’s been and they’ll unanimously agree Hamilton Island multi-gen travel overdelivers – for many reasons.
Taking the family to this premier island destination is a rite of passage for many Aussie parents. Not only is Hamo stuffed to the brim with fun activities to suit all ages, but it’s accessible, safe and super easy to get around thanks to its relatively small size. And I suppose the fact that it’s undeniably stunning doesn’t hurt either.
Whether you’re spending time together creating magical memories or relaxing while giving the young ones some kids’ club time, this guide breaks down everything there is to know about holidaying on Hamilton Island for families.
Getting there, and around
Hire a buggy and explore at your own pace.
The easiest and most fuss-free way to get to Hamilton Island is to fly to Great Barrier Reef Airport, located on the island. Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar offer short, direct flights from most major Australian cities, including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Cairns. Alternatively, fly to Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP) near Airlie Beach, then take a ferry from Shute Harbour with Cruise Whitsundays, which operates services daily.
Once you’re here, rental buggies make it easy to zip around from A to B (not to mention being a fun activity in themselves – the kids will love it).
Where to stay
Reef View Hotel offers pool and sea. (Credit: Kara Rosenlund)
Part of what makes Hamilton Island so appealing is its diverse range of family-friendly accommodation. Many include return airport or marina shuttles, along with complimentary use of non-motorised watersports equipment – making it easy to relax as soon as you step foot on the island.
Reef View Hotel is one of the most popular picks due to its spacious suites perfect for larger families and proximity to the island’s resort centre – a happening hub of restaurants, pools and water activities.
Meanwhile, families looking for something more self-contained can check into Palm Bungalows. Each modern bungalow is enveloped by lush tropical gardens and offers a kitchenette, bar fridge, microwave and coffee facilities – plus a private balcony for card games and evening drinks.
Take in pool and sea at The Sundays.
The Sundays is another fantastic option for families. The newest hotel on Hamilton Island, it has serious bragging rights thanks to its coastal chic design and stellar location at the end of Catseye Beach. Opt for one of the Family Connect Rooms for extra breathing room.
For that relaxed, home-away-from-home feeling, Hamilton Island Holiday Homes hit the nail on the head. Choose from more than 100 self-catering homes dotted around the island that accommodate both large groups and smaller families. From waterfront luxury to spacious villas, there’s something for everyone.
Family tip: Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows and The Sundays all participate in Hamilton Island’s Kids Stay Free program, earning themselves a reputation as some of the best family-friendly accommodation on Hamilton Island. No extra charge is added for up to one or two (dependent on the hotel) children under 12 who are sharing a room with parents and using existing bedding.
Where to eat
Sit down to a feast at coca chu.
Hamilton Island’s foodie scene is seriously worth its salt. From just-caught seafood to family-friendly staples, even the fussiest of eaters will be satisfied.
Start at coca chu, one of the best Hamilton Island restaurants for families. Spotlighting vibrant Southeast Asian flavours, it offers a lively, high-ceiling setting overlooking Catseye Beach. Nearby is Catseye Pool Club, Josh and Julie Niland’s breezy coastal venue that’s at once elevated and laidback. Dishing up the likes of charcoal tiger prawns with lemongrass marinade and Greek-style lamb shoulder, it’s the perfect place to celebrate birthdays or milestone moments with older kids.
Got young ones who recoil at the sight of vegetables? Not to worry. Head straight to Romano’s for please-all pizza, or Marina Tavern for hearty pub classics in a relaxed atmosphere complete with an outdoor deck.
Grab some tasty bites by the pool at Catseye Pool Club.
For brekkie or lunch, Bob’s Bakery is a family favourite for affordable pastries, sandwiches and pies, while Marina Cafe serves up bacon and egg rolls and salads with fresh smoothies. And Popeye’s does a mean fish and chips to go.
Sails Restaurant is the place to be for poolside bites with views of the Whitsundays’ famous turquoise waters. The kids can splash in the pool while parents sip spritzes and graze on mezze plates of za’atar pita, hummus and olives. The menu leans Mediterranean and Middle Eastern, though you’ll also find plenty of kid-friendly crowd favourites such as ham and cheese toasties. For something extra special, book in the Piper Package – expect exclusive access to a king-size sunbed with a shaded umbrella, plus a chilled bottle of Piper-Heidsieck NV Champagne and a showstopping seafood platter (I still have dreams about it).
Where to explore
Explore the island’s walking trails.
There are bucket loads of family-friendly activities on Hamilton Island that the whole clan can do together. First stop: hiring a buggy and taking your time to explore the island at your own pace. Next stop: getting active and creating memories together in the process.
One of the best activities on Hamilton Island for families is tackling one (or more) of its beautiful bush and walking trails, with the one-hour hike to Passage Peak a standout for panoramic views of the surrounding islands. Morning is a great time to go to beat the heat (and other walkers).
For the active and adventurous, the all-new E-mountain biking facilities make for an adrenaline-packed experience your teens won’t be able to stop talking about. It’s a self-guided trail taking riders to some of the island’s quietest and most scenic pockets, and the knowledgeable staff at Hamilton Island Trails HQ will fit you out with all the gear you need for a safe adventure.
Check out the all-new E-mountain biking facilities.
Come sunset, you’d be silly not to head up to One Tree Hill at least once during your stay. Offering breathtaking 360-degree views as the sun brushes the horizon with gold, it’s a popular place for groups and families to come together and enjoy a drink from the pop-up cocktail van.
Family tip: If you’re staying at the Sundays, Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows or Hamilton Island Holiday Homes, you’ll enjoy complimentary access to a range of water activities, including catamarans, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and snorkel equipment at Catseye Beach. Keep an eye out for the turtles that love to hang around the shallow fringing reef.
Where to play
Take the family on a day tour to places like Heart Reef.
Kids are sure to have a field trip thanks to the island’s abundance of child-centric offerings.
Parents in need of some ‘me time’ can drop little ones between six months and 12 years off at the Clownfish Club, located near the Resort Centre and Pool. Overseen by trained professionals, the nursery offers a calm space for toddlers and babies with a balance of gentle play and rest. Meanwhile, older kids can unleash their imaginations with age-appropriate craft, games and group activities.
Hamilton Island Wildlife is another must-visit stop. Fun for children of all ages (and adults too!), the centre provides up-close encounters with a variety of cute and fascinating Aussie animals. Think marsupials, snakes, lizards, koalas and kangaroos, along with a giant saltwater crocodile. Catch the 10am or 2pm daily tours (included with entry) guided by expert keepers, or opt for a 30-minute private or small-group VIP encounter with an animal of your choice.
More kid-friendly entertainment awaits at Palm Valley Activities, where you can race around the go-karting track and reach up to 45 kilometres per hour. Kids under 16 can ride as passengers in double go-karts. Or perhaps try your hand at mini golf at the HI Fitness Club, navigating palms, playful challenges and pathways that wind through lush tropical gardens.
Keen to explore further afield? A wide range of Hamilton Island day trips promise endless excitement, from snorkelling on a Great Barrier Reef tour and chartering a boat to marvelling at the swirling sands of Whitehaven Beach from a scenic plane.
