The best walks and hikes in Mount Mackay National Park
4.2
(24)
237
hikers
8
hikes
Hiking in Mount Mackay National Park offers a diverse range of experiences within the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area. The park is dominated by its namesake, Mount Mackay, an isolated peak rising 724 meters above sea level, alongside Mount Douglas (339m) and Mount Tam O'Shanter (381m). While the ascent of Mount Mackay itself is an untracked and challenging climb through dense rainforest, the broader region provides various hiking opportunities. The landscape transitions from flat cane lands at the base to steep, varied mountainous terrain, supporting rich biodiversity.
Best hiking trails in Mount Mackay National Park
- The most popular hiking route is Mission Beach – Clump Point Lookout loop from Mission Beach, a 4.5 miles (7.3 km) easy trail that takes 1 hour 50 minutes to complete. This path offers views over the marina, Dunk Island, and the Family Group and Hinchinbrook Islands.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Mount Tyson – Scout's Rock loop from Tully, a moderate 4.1 miles (6.6 km) path. This route provides panoramic views of the Tully township, Mount Mackay, and the coastline from Scout's Rock lookout.
- Local hikers also love the Lovestory Beach – Morning Lookout loop from South Mission Beach, a 4.3 miles (6.9 km) trail leading through coastal landscapes, often completed in about 1 hour 50 minutes.
- Hiking in Mount Mackay National Park is defined by mountainous terrain, dense rainforest, and coastal paths. The network offers options for different ability levels, from accessible coastal walks to more rigorous climbs.
- The routes in Mount Mackay National Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.1 stars from over 14 reviews. More than 135 hikers have used komoot to explore Mount Mackay National Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 12, 2026
3.8
(5)
13
hikers
6.82km
02:59
590m
590m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.8
(4)
9
hikers
4.44km
02:19
550m
550m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(7)
70
hikers
7.90km
02:05
70m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(10)
110
hikers
6.85km
01:48
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
13
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Mount Mackay National Park
Tips from the Community
Kennedy Bay is a long, wild stretch of beach backed by one of the few remaining stands of intact lowland rainforest south of Cape York, with the Family Islands sitting across the water to the east. The bay is named after explorer Edmund Kennedy, who landed here on 24 May 1848 at the start of his ill-fated expedition to Cape York, during which he and most of his party perished. An information panel at the northern end of the beach tells the full story of the expedition, and if you have energy to spare, you can walk the length of the beach all the way to the mouth of the Hull River.
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Kennedy Walking Track follows the coast from South Mission Beach to Kennedy Bay, covering about 4 kilometres one way through coastal rainforest, beaches and rocky headlands. Along the way, you’ll pass Lovers Beach, Lugger Bay, Mije Creek and several lookouts with views across the Family Group of Islands, with the chance to spot cassowaries, wallabies, turtles, dolphins, and dugongs. The track is relatively straightforward at first, with the second half having more stairs and some rock-hopping before reaching Kennedy Bay.
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Turtle Bay is a small, rocky cove with a shady bench seat right along the track and a great view across the bay toward the Family Islands. Despite its modest size, it’s one of the track’s more distinctive spots, where the rocky shoreline and pandanus palms give it a different character from the sandy beaches earlier in the walk. The bay gets its name from the turtles regularly spotted in the water here, and the bench makes for a great spot to rest before continuing to Kennedy Bay.
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Morgans Lookout sits along the Kennedy Walking Track, perched above the coast with a sweeping 180-degree panorama over the Family Islands and the coastline stretching north. There is a small shelter here that’s a great place to take a break from the sun or rain, where you can watch for turtles, a regular sight in the water below. It’s well known as the best viewpoint on the track and a good natural turning point if you choose not to continue to Kennedy Bay.
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Lovers Beach is a small, rocky cove just 320 metres from the Kennedy Walking Track trailhead, reached via a raised timber boardwalk that hugs the coastline with dense rainforest on one side and the Coral Sea on the other. A large wooden platform with seating and interpretive signage sits at the beach, making it a lovely stop along the walk. At low tide, you can step down onto the pebbled shore, and the water is often clear enough to spot turtles swimming just offshore.
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great walk along the beaches and in the forest
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Very worth seeing, you have to see it
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Very worth seeing, you have to see it
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of hiking trails are available in Mount Mackay National Park?
Mount Mackay National Park and its surrounding areas offer a range of hiking experiences. You'll find easy coastal walks, such as the Mission Beach – Clump Point Lookout loop, as well as more rigorous climbs like the Mount Tyson – Scout's Rock loop. While the peak of Mount Mackay itself is an untracked, challenging ascent for very experienced hikers, the broader region provides options for various fitness levels.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in the area?
Yes, several easy trails are suitable for families. The Mission Beach – Clump Point Lookout loop is an accessible path offering views over the marina and islands. Another great option is the Creek in Djiru National Park – Dreaming Trail, Lacey Creek loop, known for its accessible paths within Djiru National Park.
What are the most popular trails in Mount Mackay National Park?
Among the local favorites, the Mission Beach – Clump Point Lookout loop is highly popular, offering scenic coastal views. Another top choice is the Mount Tyson – Scout's Rock loop, which provides panoramic views of the Tully township and coastline from Scout's Rock lookout.
What kind of terrain can I expect on hikes in Mount Mackay National Park?
The terrain varies significantly. You can expect mountainous landscapes, dense rainforest, and coastal paths. While some trails feature gentle inclines and accessible surfaces, others, particularly those leading towards higher elevations, involve steep sections and can be untracked and challenging.
Are there any circular walks available?
Yes, many of the trails in the region are designed as loops, allowing for a complete circular experience. Examples include the Mission Beach – Clump Point Lookout loop and the Lovestory Beach – Morning Lookout loop, both offering diverse scenery on a circular path.
What natural features or viewpoints can I expect to see?
Hikers can enjoy stunning natural features and viewpoints. From Scout's Rock lookout on the Mount Tyson – Scout's Rock loop, you'll get panoramic views of the Tully township, Mount Mackay, and the coastline. Coastal trails like the Mission Beach – Clump Point Lookout loop offer vistas over the marina, Dunk Island, and other islands.
What is the difficulty level of hikes in Mount Mackay National Park?
Hiking difficulty ranges from easy to moderate. There are 4 easy routes and 3 moderate routes listed in the area. The ascent of Mount Mackay itself is considered an untracked and highly challenging climb, suitable only for very experienced and fit hikers.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Mount Mackay National Park?
The trails in Mount Mackay National Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from over 14 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from coastal views to rainforest immersion, and the variety of options available for different skill levels.
Is Mount Mackay National Park part of a larger protected area?
Yes, Mount Mackay National Park is an integral part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area, highlighting its global conservation significance. This status underscores the park's rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter?
The park is known for its rich biodiversity, providing habitat for species of conservation significance. You might encounter the mahogany glider and the endangered southern cassowary. Vulnerable plant species like the ant plant *Myrmecodia beccarii* and the associated apollo jewel butterfly also reside here.
Are there any trails that offer views of Mount Mackay itself?
Yes, the Mount Tyson – Scout's Rock loop from Tully provides excellent views of Mount Mackay, along with the Tully township and the coastline, from its lookout point.
How many hiking routes are there in the Mount Mackay National Park area?
There are 7 hiking routes available in the Mount Mackay National Park area, offering a variety of experiences from easy coastal walks to moderate climbs.
Most popular routes in Mount Mackay National Park
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