Conway National Park borders Airlie Beach to the south and east. The Mt Rooper track (5.6km return, 2–3 hours) is the standout — it climbs through dry rainforest to a ridge lookout over the Molle Islands and the Whitsunday Passage. Shorter options include the Coral Beach track (2.4km return) which ends at a quiet coral-rubble beach. All trails start from the car park off Shute Harbour Road. Free, well-signposted, and you'll likely have the place to yourself outside school holidays. Bring water and start early in summer.
Highlights
- ✓Free national park access
- ✓Mt Rooper ridge lookout
- ✓Quiet alternative to boat tours
- ✓Coral Beach short walk for families
- ✓Rainforest and dry eucalypt vegetation
What to expect
Before
Pack water, sunscreen, hat. Start early in summer.
During
Walk, photograph, swim at Coral Beach if you choose that track.
After
Drive back to Airlie for lunch.
Practical info
- Best time to go
- May to October. Avoid hot middle-of-day hikes November to April.
- What to bring
- 1.5L water per person, sunscreen, hat, walking shoes.
- Booking tips
- No booking. Free.
- Accessibility
- Tracks are unsealed dirt — not wheelchair accessible.