Top Things to do in Great Barrier Reef
Top 10 Hiking Trails in Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
The world's largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef stretches almost 1500 miles into the Pacific from the tip of Queensland. Designated a Marine Park by the Australian government and a World Heritage Area by UNESCO, the reef is home to an extraordinary abundance of species and habitats. Snorkeling, diving and fishing are rightly popular along the reef, nowhere more so than on the Whitsunday Islands, where the silica sands and aqua waters of the Coral Sea create the perfect beach escape.
Restaurants in Great Barrier Reef
1. Yellow Arrow Walk
2. Cape Edgecumbe Walking Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By joniquelife - Australia, null
This little coastal rock walk on the weekend in Bowen was one of the best coastal walk setting we have even experienced so far, the colours and shapes of the rocks where just so magical and unique and the way the path wrapped it’s way through the rocks was amazing ???? such great views along the way also. The path is classified as Grade 4 so it’s a tougher walk with its stealer incline and poorly marked track at certain spots so use caution if you want to give this one a go in the future... just follow the YELLOW dots ???? “Jonique Life” Follow our journey around Australia on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube as we highlight wonderful experiences and magical places you can add to your ever growing bucket list.
3. The Paperbark Trail
4. Whitsunday Great Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
Reviewed By Nerad - Windsor, Canada
Access the Conway National Park trailhead from the top of Kara/Orana street and from there you can run the approx 7.5 km round trip through the rolling tree-covered trail to a gorgeous lookout over Coral Sea marina and the Cannonvale area. The trail is steep at times but worth it. All for FREE!
5. Castle Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,814 reviews
Just metres short of a mountain, Castle Hill is the giant pink granite monolith that stands proud in the centre of Townsville - a perfect place for visitors to orientate themselves. As well as offering vehicle access, Castle Hill provides a number of popular walking tracks, which are frequented by more than 2,500 locals a day! The 360-degree views of Townsville at the top are well worth the journey. Be sure to have a camera on hand, particularly for sunrise or sunset as these are photo opportunities which shouldn't be missed. As well as offering an iconic centre piece for the city and spectacular scenic views, Castle Hill has a significant history. The Hill's vantage was used by visiting American soldiers during World War II. According to local legend, the visitors famously offered to demolish the hill and use the rock to build a bridge to Magnetic Island. A World War II observation bunker sits on one corner of the Hill reminding visitors of Castle Hill's military history. Castle Hill facilities include car parking, public amenities, drink fountains and shaded seating to enjoy while taking in some of the best views of the city and across to Magnetic Island.
Reviewed By A-Reel - Townsville, Australia
Wonderful workout routes abound to take you to the summit of Townsville landmark and great view. Mingle with Townsvillagers getting their exercise fix hiking to the top.
6. Esplanade Boardwalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,973 reviews
The Cairns Esplanade is a picturesque 2.5 km stretch of foreshore in the heart of Cairns that is managed by Cairns Regional Council. The parklands, playgrounds, boardwalk, lagoon and recreational facilities are all free entry. Come along and enjoy this stunning facility.
Reviewed By auzzigirls
Love to walk along the Board walk down to the main hub, where you will find the large open green park that surrounds the free and open pool area. There are also childrens play areas and a skate park along the walk which extends from North Cairns to the departure point where the ferries leave to the islands.
7. Red Arrow Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 235 reviews
Behind the Botanic Gardens is Mount Whitfield Conservation Park, home to the Red and Blue Arrow Trails. These two linked tracks ascend the slopes of Mount Whitfield. The Red Arrow loop trail (1.5Km return) beginning at Collins Avenue, climbs 100m in elevation through rainforest, Eucalypt forest and grasslands to a lookout above the Cairns International Airport offering views over the city and out to Green Island. A short link trail ascends a further 50 metres to another lookout from where the Blue Arrow loop trail (4.5Km return) commences. The Blue Arrow trail takes you through mainly rainforest to an elevation of 300m. About half way around, a short side track will take you to a lookout on the summit of Mt Lumley Hill where you get views along the coast to the north of Cairns.
Reviewed By BrettCairns - Cairns, Australia
Exercise or a stroll, close to city with some airport views. Can't go wrong for a day in the Bush. Basically in the botanical gardens so make a day of it after doing the arrows go for a boardwalk, see the lakes and gardens.
8. Many Peaks Walking Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Fifozzy - Townsville, Australia
Many Peaks is a great walk that showcases many different types of vegetation. There are spectacular views of Cape Palleranda, Magnetic Island and the wetlands. You can do a through hike and return via the wetlands or if you are training for a bigger hike - you could return back up over Mt Marlow.
9. Zamia Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
10. Kennedy Walking Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Walking trail in South Mission beach open to the public
Reviewed By DAMIHATHSA - Cairns, Australia
The walk leaves from the southern end of South Mission, near the boat ramp. There are some rubbish bins and a toilet there, but didn’t see any water. The full track to Kennedy Bay is signed as 8km and 1h 55m. With a few stops along the way, that was pretty close. For those that want something shorter, you can turn around at any time. The track is made up of boardwalks, steps, rocks, roots, mangroves and beach. The track builders have done a great job and I echo the suggestion of other reviewers to do the walk at, or near, low tide. I was even lucky enough to have a Cassowary greet me at Turtle Bay, no turtles though. PS......take heavy duty insect spray as the mozzies were thick at places like Miji Creek ????❌
