Honeyeater lookout is a short walk from the Airlie Beach main street. The Honeyeater Lookout starts at Kara Crescent which is a 15-20 minute walk from Airlie Beach and can be accessed by foot or car. It's best to start the walk from the main street, as the parking near the start of the walk is limited and suggested for local traffic only.
The main track has been upgraded as of September 2021 for use in all weather. Although the track is in very good condition, closed footwear is advised. Most parts of the track is loose gravel, and in some spots are large rocks which can be easily walked over.
Honeyeater Lookout trail is quite steep at the start of the trail, so make sure to keep hydrated and bring enough water for a 3 hour return hike. The first 30 minutes of the trail is the steepest with the rest of the uphill walk relatively easy, and allows for a much needed recovery from the start of the trail.
When you reach the lookout, you are greeted with an expansive view over Cannonvale and Airlie Beach and the Coral Sea Marina. Return to Kara Crescent the way you came.
Be prepared from some steep uphill sections, a high level of fitness is required. If you are looking at walking the Honeyeater Lookout trail in the morning, be sure to bring a head torch.
Total distance: 7521 m
Max elevation: 382 m
Min elevation: 80 m
Total climbing: 422 m
Total descent: -422 m
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Kara Crescent track entrance, Airlie Beach. Approximately 550m from Airlie Beach town centre.
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Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Conway National 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
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.
Looking for things to do in Conway National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
1 Review on “Honeyeater Lookout Walk (7.5km)”
The walk from Kara Crescent is a solid mid-range hike, starting off a bit tougher with the first 2.3 km, which is mostly uphill but broken up by flatter sections to catch your breath. It’s a steady climb without being too relentless. Once you hit the top, the view is stunning and definitely makes the effort worthwhile. The last 1.8 km is much easier, a nice way to cool down. Overall, it’s a well-maintained track with clear signs, and you’ll get a good mix of challenging terrain and beautiful bushland along the way. Highly recommend if you’re up for a rewarding hike.