Saddle Junction is a 2km, grade 3 hike located on Hamilton Island, Queensland. The hike should take around 30 minutes to complete.
Warning
Walking trails are traversed at the walker's own risk. Please consider weather conditions, your physical fitness and your state of health. Hamilton Island accepts no liability for any injuries sustained.
Hike overview
Starting from the Scenic Trail Entrance, follow the Scenic Trail to Saddle Junction, which is the main junction for the Passage Peak, South East Head, Escape Beach, Middle Head and Coral Cove trails.
Enjoy a slow 30-minute amble up to Saddle Junction to get the heart racing before breakfast. The junction is where the Passage Peak, South East Head, Escape Beach, Middle Head and Coral Cove trails intersect, and if you walk for about 100 metres and hang a left, you will join the Flat Top Hill trail which leads to a viewing area that looks out over the watery world of the Whitsundays. Keep your eyes peeled for the Proserpine rock wallaby, which is native to the Whitsundays mainland and islands. BYO binoculars to look for whales and dolphins.
There are a range of trails available depending on your fitness levels, and how far you want to walk. The route and description described here is one option.
Photo: Simply Awesome Trips
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 77 m
Min elevation: 14 m
Total climbing: 121 m
Total descent: -121 m
Tips
Bush & walking trails are open from 6.30am to 5.30pm. The trails are not staffed and do not get closed off in the evenings.
Most trails are rocky. Sturdy, enclosed footwear with good tread is required.
You can pick up a free copy of the Hamilton Island walking map at the tour desk on the island.
Please note there are no toilets on the walking trails.
Trail location
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Getting there
Whether you plan on arriving by plane, helicopter, boat, ferry or a private yacht, there are several hassle-free ways to get to and from Hamilton Island. The only Whitsundays Island with its own commercial airport, Hamilton Island Airport services direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantas.
Ferries cruise to Hamilton Island throughout the day from Port of Airlie and Shute Harbour on the mainland. Long term parking is available at the Port of Airlie terminals, as well as other parking within the precinct.
Refer to the individual walking trails for information about where each starts and finishes. A free walking map is available at the tour desk.
Gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
Hamilton Island is one of the few Whitsunday Islands that isn't part of the National Park, but it's every bit as beautiful. You can forget that you are on a populated resort island so easily on one of the many walks, and the views are to die for!
Though it's been inhabited for close to 8,000 years, Hamilton Island remains very much a pristine, natural environment. From its original settlement by the Ngaro people, to its visit by Captain Cook in 1770, and evolution as a tourist destination in the 1970s and 1980s, Hamilton Island has had a long and interesting history. The island was purchased by renowned Australian winemaker, Bob Oatley, in 2003, and since, has become one of the world's leading holiday destinations.
While there is an abundance of restaurants, bars and resorts on Hamilton Island, only a third of the island is developed - meaning the rest remains in its pristine, natural state. There are more than a dozen walking trails through which guests can explore the island.
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Explore Safe
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.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
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
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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.