Hill Inlet Lookout - Whitsunday Island

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Route: Tongue Bay, Hill Inlet Lookout, Tongue Bay

Date: 03/01/2024
From: Tongue Bay

Parking: N/A
Start Point: Tongue Bay
Finish Point: Tongue Bay
Region: Whitsunday Island National Park

Route length: 1.4 km
Time taken: 00:48
Average speed: 3.7 km/h
Ascent: 58m
Descent: 57m

Points of Interest: Tongue Bay, Hill Inlet Lookout

The Whitsunday Islands, located 55 km off the Queensland coast, offer everything you’d expect from a tropical paradise: turquoise waters, swirling white sands, and secluded beaches. These elements come together spectacularly on Whitsunday Island to form Hill Inlet, a stunning river estuary that almost seems too beautiful to be real.

The best way to take in Hill Inlet is from the Hill Inlet Lookout at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach, the islands’ most famous spot thanks to its pristine white sands. The lookout is only accessible by boat—from nearby Tongue Bay or Bettys Beach—or via a tour like the one we joined. Several tours depart daily from Shute Harbour and the nearby tourist town of Airlie Beach.

Shute Harbour

The turquoise waters of Tongue Bay

Access to the lookouts is via Tongue Bay, though there are no jetties for mooring, so most visitors are dropped off on the beach after a short tender ride. From there, an information area marks the base of the path leading up to the lookout. The track is well-constructed but consists mostly of steps, climbing a modest 60 m to reach the lookout platforms.

The Whitsunday Island sign and information shelter at Tongue Bay

As you approach the lookout platforms, the views open up to reveal the stunning swirl of Hill Inlet’s sands, the pristine stretch of Whitehaven Beach, neighboring Whitsunday Islands, and the ocean beyond. Each of the three platforms offers a sweeping 180-degree perspective of the estuary, and a short one-way loop connects them all.

The spectacular Hill Inlet

The incredible panorama is at its most striking when the tide is mid-way between high and low, and most tours from Shute Harbour are timed accordingly. The vivid colours are created by the dazzling white silica sand, unique to Whitsunday Island. While silica generally comes from eroding quartz, no quartz can be found locally, so its true origin remains a mystery. What is certain is that the sand is finite, and removing any of it is a criminal offence.

Hill Inlet

The waters of Hill Inlet

Whitehaven Beach

Hill Inlet

On the northern side of Hill Inlet lies Betty’s Beach, another pristine white sand beach reminiscent of Whitehaven. The waters here are calm for most of the year, with virtually no waves or swell, thanks to protection from the Great Barrier Reef and the bulk of Whitsunday Island. This makes it a popular stop for day trippers and tourists alike.

Betty's Beach

Betty's Beach

Betty's Beach

You can repeat the loop around the platforms as many times as you like, though it can get busy when several boats arrive at once. After taking in the views, we retraced our steps down the main track and returned to our boat waiting in Tongue Bay.

Experiencing Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet is truly unforgettable. From the dazzling white silica sands and crystal-clear waters to the breathtaking lookout views over the swirling estuary and surrounding islands, it’s easy to see why this corner of the Whitsundays is world-famous. Whether you’re relaxing on the beach, paddling in the calm waters, or taking the short hike to the lookout, every moment feels like a glimpse of paradise—and a reminder of why protecting these natural wonders is so important.