Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 81m
Min elevation: 3m
Total Ascent: 348m
Hike overview
On this Coral Beach and the Beak hike, see glimpses of Shute Harbour and Whitsunday passage as you walk between the trees. Notice stately hoop pines perched high on seawood slopes and ridges and enjoy cool breeze and island views at coral beach.
10 minutes into the walk you will find yourself at the Coral Beach Waterfall. Although the waterfall is usually flowing, you will need to time this spectacle after a heavy downpour to see the waterfall in all it's glory. The waterfall is perfect vantage point for some photos and views over the islands and nearby mangroves.
When you make your way past the waterfall and closer towards the beach, you will find yourself moving through different rainforest environments and see different species of birds and insects flying within the canopies.
Once you arrive at Coral beach walk just 180 metres east along the beach and look for the walking track to the beak. Before locating this track, it is worth walking a few hundred metres along the beach to the west to explore the rocky headland. The Beak lookout, provides a great vantage point to view Whitsunday Islands such as Daydream Island and the channel and smaller islands at Shute Harbour.
Tips
Be sure to remember that snakes and spiders are quite common in the area so be sure to remember that when choosing your footwear a long the way you will find permanent place cards of local Flora and Fauna that is found within the area.
Content use
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Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 81 m
Min elevation: 3 m
Total climbing: 348 m
Total descent: -355 m
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Conway Conservation Park.
The Coral Beach walking track is a short drive from Airlie Beach (11kms) where the 20 minute walk starts. The beach consists of washed up coral and scattered sand parts. The walk to Coral Beach from the carpark is fairly easy and suitable for most age groups. I would suggest to wear closed shoes, but the track can be taken in thongs or sandals if you would prefer.
Closest towns to this walk: Airlie Beach, Bowen, Cannonvale, Hamilton Island, Jubilee Pocket, Proserpine, Shute Harbour
About the region
The Conway Conservation Park spans approximately 75km of coastline, taking in the entire Cape Conway peninsula. The park includes the rainforest-clad Conway Range, which protects the largest area of lowland tropical rainforest in Queensland outside Tropical North Queensland. Hoop pines grow on coastal ridges and in damp gullies, emerging above the rainforest canopy. Rugged, steep, rocky cliffs provide a spectacular 35km-long backdrop to the Whitsunday Passage and islands.
Dry vine thicket, mangroves, open forests with a grasstree understorey, paperbark and pandanus woodlands, and patches of lowland rainforest with twisted vines grow in the park. It is home to 2 of Australia's mound-building birds, the Australian brush-turkey and the orange-footed scrubfowl.
Rising steeply behind busy coastal settlements, the Conway Range appears impenetrable. Through climate fluctuations over tens of thousands of years, the rainforest has persisted here, providing a continuous refuge for wildlife.
The park's vegetation is very similar to that on the Whitsunday islands because thousands of years ago the sea level rose, drowning coastal valleys and creating the islands. For thousands of years, the Ngaro and Gia people roamed these forests, harvesting riches of the land and the adjoining sea country. Today the adjacent waters are protected in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Conway Conservation Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Track grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.