Walk to Passage Peak Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island is the largest inhabited island of the Whitsundays. Its close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and the fact that it has its own airport, makes it also the most popular.

The island is one big resort catering to all comers. It’s beautiful and there’s plenty to do here.

One of the best ways to see the island is to view it from on high on this walk up to the highest point, Passage Peak. This walk is one of many on the island and can be combined with others. I’ve included a side trail to Escape Beach below.

I recommend walking in the early morning to avoid the heat later in the day. And if you can get up to the peak for sunrise so much the better.

The Trail to Passage Peak

It should be said up front that the trail leading to Passage Peak can be challenging and you might struggle if your level of fitness is low. But the spectacular 360 degree views from the top make the effort worthwhile.

The trail begins at the Scenic Trail entrance at the east end of Catseye Beach. From here you will walk up to Saddle Junction (from which other walks sprout), then it’s a 900 metre climb to the top.

Hamilton Island is home to a cariety of flora and fauna and you’ll get a taste of this along the trail.

The most challenging part of the walk is nearest the peak where the trail gets steep and there are several steps.

But once you get to the top you’ll see the islands of The Whitsundays laid out before along with the National Park and Hamilton Island's beaches and resort buildings.

For the most part the condition of the trail is good but the sandy path can be slippery especially coming down, so it’s best to have shoes with a good tread.

To Escape Beach

Leaving Passage Peak you’ll retrace your steps down hill.

At Saddle Junction, trails branch off in many directions. We took the trail to Escape Beach.

The trail to the beach is a mostly level bush path, about one and half kilometres long.

Escape Beach is quiet and protected and the perfect place for a swim and a picnic.

On the beach we found a quaint (though not all that comfortable) wooden hammock with a little timber teepee (change room?). There’s some pretty coral here too along the shoreline but the look but don’t take rule means you’ll can take a picture but not a sample.