The 32-kilometre, three-day island walk will connect Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and rainforest trails on Whitsunday Island.
Queensland’s most famous island group is about to unveil a major new walking experience. Opening in mid-to-late 2025, the three-day, 32-kilometre trail on Whitsunday Island will wind from rainforest to reef, linking Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.
Just a 90-minute flight from Brisbane, the Ngaro Track will link iconic natural landmarks including Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, as well as ancient rainforest and rugged headlands overlooking the Coral Sea. Purpose-built infrastructure is being installed to support walkers, from upgraded campsites and facilities to lookouts designed to maximise the island’s sweeping vistas.
On the walk, learn about the Ngaro People’s enduring custodianship of the seascape. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
The trail is named for the Ngaro People, the Traditional Owners of the Whitsundays, whose deep cultural connection to the islands spans thousands of years. Their stories will be woven into the walking experience, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about the Ngaro People’s enduring custodianship of this seascape.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service says bookings are expected to open in mid-to-late 2025, coinciding with the official launch of the track. Once open, it is anticipated to attract both domestic and international travellers seeking a new way to experience the Whitsundays beyond its famed turquoise waters.
With its blend of natural wonder, cultural significance and world-class coastal scenery, the Ngaro Track is set to become one of Australia’s most sought-after walking experiences.
World Expeditions offers guided walks on both the Ngaro Track and the Thorsborne Trail. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
World Expeditions is the official partner for guided walks on both the Ngaro Track and the Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island, developed in collaboration with Traditional Owners. Bookings for the guided walks are expected to open in mid-to-late 2025.
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
Townsville is buzzing as the events capital of North Queensland, with a host of festivals, international sporting and arts events on offer.
Perched between the Coral Sea, the towering pink monolith of Castle Hill, and fringed by ancient rainforest ranges, Townsville North Queensland is a genuine tropical playground.
Here, find postcard-worthy landscapes all the way from nearby Magnetic Island to inland swimming holes and waterfalls – all dotted with an array of endemic wildlife. Get the heart racing with adrenaline water sports. Soak in a world-class arts scene. And take advantage of a culinary offering that punches well above its weight.
And, then there’s the fact that Townsville has fast become the destination to an outstanding line-up of events – from live music to top-level sporting contests.
Whether you have a weekend or weeks, there’s plenty here to fill your tropical getaway.
Day 1: An eventful day
Morning
Explore The Strand.
Daily flights offer easy connectivity from all capital cities to Townsville Airport, and within 10 minutes’ drive, you’re in the city centre. Start your stay by recharging with breakfast or coffee at the city’s newest spot, Botaniq Cafe, on the ground floor of the award-winning Bridgewater restaurant on the banks of Ross Creek.
Start exploring on a breezy walk along the 2.5-kilometre foreshore of The Strand. Here, a waterfront path stretches all the way to the headland of Jezzine Barracks parklands. Admire more than 35 sculptures and artworks, as well as stunning views from the top of the park. Further along, Queens Gardens, established in 1870, offers a cool retreat and is Townsville’s oldest botanic garden.
Stroll Gregory Street, off The Strand, for boutiques, homeware stores, cafes and restaurants, or follow a self-guided street art walking trail through the city centre, stopping to admire colourful works by big-name artists including Queenslander Fintan Magee.
Afternoon
Time your trip for one of many Townsville events.
For a casual lunch, stop in at Balabite for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired street food. Build your own pita with a choice of fillings, before enjoying a relaxing afternoon in preparation for one of Townsville’s big events.
Whether it’s a concert from a big-name international band – think Foo Fighters or Guns ‘n’ Roses – or a night cheering on the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup, there’s plenty to entertain you.
Take a lunchtime sailing trip with Pilgrim Sailing.
Fuel up with breakfast at Cbar on The Strand, looking out to your destination for the day: Magnetic Island (or ‘Maggie’ to the locals). Catch a quick ferry to spend the day exploring walking trails through national park, choosing from 23 beaches and trying a hand at the island’s water sports.
The Forts Walk is the best place to see wild koalas in Australia, and you’re likely to find friendly wallabies at the Nelly or Geoffrey Bay headlands. Try guided snorkelling with Aquascene Magnetic Island or Pleasure Divers, or take a land-based tour with MI Ride Discovery Tours to the secluded west coast of the island.
Pilgrim Magnetic Island offers four-hour lunchtime sailing trips aboard a 58-foot luxury yacht, dropping in to some of Magnetic Island’s remote bays for snorkelling or swimming and including gourmet grazing platters, drinks and ocean views.
End your day watching the sunset from Ardo’s Rooftop.
However your day looked, end it with cocktails and canapes at Townsville’s Ardo Rooftop. Find something more substantial at the hotel’s elegant but casual Chef-hatted Japanese restaurant Terasu, where each dish is a work of art.
Day 3: Natural delights
Morning
Join the locals for an early walk to the peak of Castle Hill. (Credit: My Colourful World)
Join the local early morning pilgrimage to hike up Castle Hill for the best 360-degree views in town, before heading to breakfast at Spirited Goat for gourmet treats and locally brewed coffee.
A trip to Townsville wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the outer Great Barrier Reef. For those with time, Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive runs full-day trips to the Museum of Underwater Art for snorkellers and divers to admire the reef’s stunning collection of submerged sculptures on John Brewer Reef, about two hours by boat from Townsville.
Afternoon
Stop into the award-winning Shorehouse.
Round off your Townsville getaway with lunch at Shorehouse, awarded Best Restaurant in the North Queensland People’s Choice Awards every year since 2023. Dine on the deck to catch the breeze and sample modern Asian cuisine as you watch the world go.
Keen for something more to extend your stay? There are always more adventures –new, familiar and with a twist – in the events capital of the North.
