If you visit South Molle Island you should make time to walk some or all of the Spion Kop Track. This is one of the most scenic Whitsunday trails and you'll be rewarded with stunning vistas, from the saddle of the mountain to when you reach the lookout. Enjoy the magic 360-degree view.
Offering spectacular views, this track traverses rainforest, grassland and open eucalypt fores to lookouts over the resort and Whitsunday Passage. This track also passes an ancient Ngaro stone quarry, an area of shattered rock high on the hillside and spilling toward the sea. The track is relatively flat and easy, and generally smooth.
Along the way you will take in the natural habitat of the island including grasslands, rain and eucalypt forests, white sandy beaches, rocky outcrops and a variety of vegetation and wildlife. The track passes the remnants of an ancient Ngaro stone quarry where you will see shattered rock high on the hillside and spilling down toward the sea. The trail is of moderate grade and suitable for either walking or mountain bike riding.
Note: the track is 'walkers only' from the set of stairs leading to Spion Kop.
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.
While you are on the islands, remove soil, weeds, seeds and pests from your boat, gear and clothes before moving to a new site. Wrap seeds and plant material, and place them in your rubbish.
Total distance: 4318 m
Max elevation: 131 m
Min elevation: 13 m
Total climbing: 208 m
Total descent: -207 m
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Molle Islands National Park is just east of Shute Harbour. Access is by private or commercial boat from Airlie Beach or Shute Harbour. Some commercial transfer companies drop off and collect campers, bushwalkers and mountain bike riders. Arrange your passage before booking your camp site.
The tracks can be accessed from Bauer Bay (follow the track from the Bauer Bay jetty to the back of the golf course) or from Sandy Bay camping area. Access from Paddle Bay is walking only.
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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.
Molle Islands National Park is in North Queensland, Australia, 913 km northwest of Brisbane. The park covers several continental islands a short distance offshore including Long Island, Shite Island, Tancred Island, Repair Island, Planton Island, Goat Island, Denman Island and the majority of North Molle Island, Mid Molle Island and South Molle Island. The park features white sandy beaches, open eucalypt forests, rainforest-clad gullies and grasslands. The traditional owners of the islands were the Ngaro people.
White sandy beaches, pockets of rainforest and pale blue waters make these picturesque inshore islands a wildlife refuge and a scenic retreat for nature lovers. Molle Islands National Park is a group of continental islands lying off the Queensland coast 10km east of Airlie Beach.
Open eucalypt forests clothe the hillsides, rainforest grows in sheltered gullies and grasslands cover the more exposed slopes. The Ngaro Aboriginal people lived on and visited these islands for thousands of years. They used fire to flush out game and maintain the natural grasslands. A stone quarry for making tools and weapons remains on South Molle Island.
Once used for grazing, South Molle Island later became a national park and a resort was established in 1937. The islands and surrounding waters are protected in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
Enjoy stunning views along South Molle's shared tracks (walking and mountain bike riding) with a variety of vegetation, wildlife and spectacular destinations on offer.
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Molle Islands National Park
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Molle Islands National Park
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Molle Islands National Park
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Molle Islands National Park
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.
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.
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
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
