The best walks and hikes in Conway National Park
4.6
(131)
1,084
hikers
11
hikes
Hiking trails in Conway National Park offer a diverse range of landscapes along the Whitsunday coastline in Queensland. The park is characterized by lush, rainforest-clad hills, extensive lowland rainforests, and a 75 km stretch of coastline featuring secluded beaches and rugged cliffs. Numerous vantage points provide views of the Whitsunday Islands, while natural rock pools and waterfalls are found within the rainforests.
Best hiking trails in Conway National Park
- The most popular hiking route is Airlie Beach Boardwalk – Airlie Beach Lagoon loop from Airlie Beach, a 4.2 miles (6.8 km) trail that takes 1 hour 46 minutes to complete. This easy route offers coastal views and passes through urban and natural settings.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Coral Beach, Whitsunday Island – Beak Lookout loop from Shute Harbour, an easy 2.5 miles (4.0 km) path. This trail leads to a secluded beach and a lookout point over the Whitsunday Passage.
- Local hikers also love the Picnic Table on the Beach loop from Whitsunday Airstrip, a 4.6 miles (7.4 km) trail leading through coastal areas and offering views, often completed in about 2 hours 13 minutes.
- Hiking in Conway National Park is defined by rainforest-clad hills, secluded beaches, and panoramic lookouts over the Whitsunday Islands. The network offers options for various ability levels, from easy coastal strolls to moderate forest paths.
- The routes in Conway National Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 100 reviews. More than 1000 hikers have used komoot to explore Conway National Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 10, 2026
4.8
(9)
136
hikers
3.75km
01:04
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(10)
83
hikers
7.41km
02:13
230m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(4)
14
hikers
11.3km
02:58
80m
80m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(83)
508
hikers
8.85km
02:54
410m
410m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(18)
150
hikers
7.44km
01:55
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Conway National Park
Tips from the Community
Port of Airlie Marina is a major waterfront transportation hub, serving as a main departure point for ferries and providing easy boating access to the Whitsunday Islands. The marina includes berths, a ferry terminal, and a variety of shops and small cafés, all with stunning views of the Coral Sea. Connected to the town centre and adjacent to scenic walkways, this transportation gateway is a charming spot to visit while exploring the beautiful coastline.
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Bicentennial Walkway is a fantastic multi-use pathway connecting Airlie Beach and Cannonvale, running right along the Coral Sea shoreline. The sealed route passes beaches, parks, and rocky headlands, with continuous ocean views and easy access points along the way. It’s an easy, flat, and well-maintained path, ideal for walking and cycling while exploring this beautiful coastline.
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Airlie Beach Lagoon is a large, artificial swimming facility nestled along the Coral Sea foreshore in the heart of Airlie Beach. There are beautifully landscaped lawns, shaded areas, and shallow entry spots, providing a safe, stinger-free place to swim year-round. Adjacent to the town centre and coastal walkway, it’s an accessible and picturesque spot to relax while exploring the Whitsundays gateway.
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The Beak Lookout is a wooden platform with awesome views of the Whitsunday Islands, Daydream Island, and more smaller islands at Shute Harbour. When the sun is shining, the blue water lights up a beautiful shade of blue. There are smaller side trails leading down to other beaches, and if you want to explore more, make sure you have offline navigation ready.
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Coral Beach is made up of a shells and coral fragments instead of soft sand, so bring some shoes along for the beach. Since this is a protected area, keep in mind pets, overnight camping and open fires are not permitted in Conway Conservation Park.
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The Coral Beach walk is the best of two worlds, the beach and the jungle. This track is shaded under a thick canopy and clearly marked, making it easy to follow. There are nice breaks in the trees where you can get a good look at the turquoise blue waters to the north, Shute Harbour and the Whitsunday Passage.
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Honeyeater Lookout looks out over Pioneer Bay, with wide views framed by the Whitsunday Islands, along with the bays and peninsulas of Dryander National Park and Mount Rooper. It’s a it's a fantastic spot to take in the scale of the coastline. If you’re here when coastal banksia is in flower, keep an eye out for honeyeaters feeding on the nectar. The lookout is open year round, though access can be closed at times due to weather or park management.
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Stretching behind Airlie Beach, this coastal national park protects one of the largest areas of lowland tropical rainforest in the region. Tracks wind through dense vegetation, ridgelines, and lookout points with views over the Whitsunday Passage. The terrain varies from shaded forest paths to steeper sections with elevation gain. Conditions can be humid, with sections becoming slippery after rain, especially on dirt tracks and steps.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Conway National Park?
Conway National Park offers a diverse network of over 15 hiking trails, catering to various fitness levels. These routes explore the park's unique landscapes, from lush rainforests to stunning coastal areas.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or casual walkers?
Yes, Conway National Park has plenty of easy trails. For a gentle coastal experience, consider the Airlie Beach Boardwalk – Airlie Beach Lagoon loop, which is 6.8 km long and offers scenic views. Another easy option is the Coral Beach, Whitsunday Island – Beak Lookout loop, a 4 km path leading to a secluded beach and a lookout point.
Are there any challenging multi-day hikes in Conway National Park?
For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the Conway Circuit (formerly Whitsunday Great Walk) is a prominent multi-day hike. This 27.1 km one-way trail immerses adventurers in ancient rainforests, featuring palm valleys, creek crossings, and panoramic lookouts over the Whitsundays. Hike-in camping areas are available along this route.
What are some family-friendly hiking options in Conway National Park?
Many trails are suitable for families. The Airlie Beach Boardwalk – Airlie Beach Lagoon loop is an easy, accessible option. Another great choice is the Kingfisher Walk, a shorter 2 km return rainforest walk, taking about 40 minutes, where you can see giant tulip oaks and strangler figs.
Can I find circular hiking routes in Conway National Park?
Yes, there are several circular routes. The Picnic Table on the Beach loop is a 7.4 km trail offering coastal views. Another popular circular option is the Mount Rooper Circuit, a 5.4 km trail that combines an ascent of Mount Rooper with the Swamp Bay traverse, providing superb views.
Which trails offer the best panoramic views of the Whitsunday Islands?
For breathtaking panoramic views, the Mount Rooper Lookout and Circuit is highly recommended. It rewards walkers with superb vistas over the Whitsunday Islands. The Honeyeater Lookout, a 3.6 km return walk, also provides stunning views of the surrounding area.
Are there any trails with waterfalls or natural rock pools?
Yes, within the park's lush rainforests, you can discover natural rock amphitheatres with cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear rock pools. These refreshing oases are surrounded by palms, wild orchids, and butterflies, offering a serene natural experience.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see while hiking in Conway National Park?
Conway National Park is a biologically significant area. Hikers might spot emerald doves, brush turkeys, sulphur-crested cockatoos, and the rare Proserpine rock-wallabies. During nesting season (November to March), the buff-breasted paradise-kingfisher migrates here. Keep an eye out for Ulysses butterflies as well.
When is the best time of year to go hiking in Conway National Park?
The best time to hike in Conway National Park is generally during the dry season, from May to October, when temperatures are milder and humidity is lower. This period offers more comfortable hiking conditions and less chance of rain.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails in Conway National Park?
As a national park, Conway National Park generally does not permit dogs on its hiking trails to protect the native wildlife and natural environment. It's always best to check the official park regulations before planning your visit.
What natural attractions or landmarks can I explore in Conway National Park?
Beyond the trails, the park features diverse landscapes including extensive lowland rainforests, secluded pebbly beaches like Swamp Bay, and dramatic rugged cliffs along the 75 km coastline. The Coral Beach Walk leads to a picturesque secluded beach, with an additional path to The Beak lookout offering views of the Whitsunday Passage.
Where can I find more information about Conway National Park's facilities and regulations?
For detailed information on park facilities, current conditions, and specific regulations, it is recommended to visit the official Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service website: parks.qld.gov.au.
What do other hikers enjoy most about Conway National Park?
The hiking experience in Conway National Park is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 100 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the diverse scenery, from lush rainforests to stunning coastal views, and the variety of trails suitable for different abilities.
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