Panoramic viewing platform overlooking the full 7-kilometre stretch of Whitehaven Beach and Whitsunday Islands
Location:
Southern end of Whitehaven Beach
Island:
Whitsunday Island
Coordinates:
-20.2979, 149.0555
Access:
1km walking track from beach
Walk Duration:
45 minutes return (including viewing time)
Best for:
Photography, panoramic views, quieter experience
About South Whitehaven Lookout
South Whitehaven Lookout is a viewing platform located at the southern end of Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island in the Whitsunday Islands National Park. Opened in July 2019, this elevated lookout platform offers 180-degree panoramic views across the entire 7-kilometre stretch of Whitehaven Beach, the surrounding Whitsunday Islands, Chance Bay, and back towards the mainland.
The lookout sits on top of rocky headland between Whitehaven Beach and Solway Passage, providing a vantage point that captures both the eastern shoreline and western side of the island. Unlike the famous Hill Inlet Lookout at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach, which showcases the swirling tidal patterns of Hill Inlet, South Whitehaven Lookout offers broader coastal views that remain spectacular regardless of tidal conditions.
Managed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, the lookout is accessed via a well-maintained 1-kilometre walking track through native Australian bushland and lowland rainforest. The trail is suitable for visitors with low to medium fitness levels and takes approximately 45 minutes return journey, including time at the viewing platform. The South Whitehaven Lookout track also serves as the starting point for the more challenging 7-kilometre Chance Bay Track, which traverses to the southern side of Whitsunday Island.
What to Expect at South Whitehaven Lookout
The walking track to South Whitehaven Lookout begins just behind the camping area at the southern end of Whitehaven Beach. The well-marked trail winds through lush Australian bush and rainforest, with stairs and established pathways making the ascent manageable for most fitness levels. Native vegetation along the track includes bottlebrush, banksia, and eucalyptus species, with regular sightings of goannas, butterflies, and tropical birdlife.
Near the summit, the track forms a loop allowing visitors to approach the lookout platform from either direction. The constructed viewing platform provides unobstructed 180-degree views, with the full length of Whitehaven Beach stretching to the north, the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea to the east, and the scattered islands of the Whitsundays archipelago extending to the south-east towards Lindeman and Pentecost Islands. On clear days, you can see as far as Hazelwood Island, Hamilton Island, and back towards the Queensland mainland.
The lookout offers a significantly quieter experience than the popular Hill Inlet Lookout, with fewer tour groups visiting this end of Whitehaven Beach. The views remain impressive throughout the day regardless of tidal movements, making it an excellent alternative for visitors seeking spectacular panoramas without the crowds. Interestingly, the lookout is reportedly the only location on Whitsunday Island with reliable mobile phone reception, though connectivity can vary between providers.
How to Get to South Whitehaven Lookout
Tours to South Whitehaven
Several Whitehaven Beach tours include visits to the southern end of the beach with time allocated for the lookout walk. Day tours departing from Coral Sea Marina and Port of Airlie in Airlie Beach typically spend 2-4 hours at South Whitehaven Beach, providing ample time for swimming, beach relaxation, and the 45-minute lookout walk. ZigZag Whitsundays operates a fast catamaran tour with up to 4 hours at Whitehaven Beach, including guided access to South Whitehaven Lookout. Fast catamaran tours can reach Whitehaven Beach in 60-75 minutes, while sailing tours take longer but offer a more leisurely experience.
Overnight Sailing Tours
Overnight sailing tours anchoring at South Whitehaven Beach offer the best opportunity to walk the lookout track early morning or late afternoon when daytrippers have departed. Extended time at anchor allows you to complete both the South Whitehaven Lookout and explore the 7-kilometre stretch of beach at a relaxed pace.
Private Vessels and Camping
Bareboat charter operators and private vessel owners can anchor at South Whitehaven Beach using the public moorings or anchoring in the designated area. Camping permits are available for the 10 designated campsites at the southern end of the beach, booked through Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Campers have unrestricted access to the lookout track throughout their stay, allowing sunrise and sunset photography opportunities.
Access via Chance Bay
Experienced bushwalkers can reach South Whitehaven Lookout via the 7-kilometre Chance Bay Track, which connects the lookout to the western side of Whitsunday Island. This challenging track requires good fitness levels and is best suited to those staying at Chance Bay campsite or arriving by private vessel. The track is clearly marked but remote, with no facilities along the route.
Things to Do at South Whitehaven Lookout
πΈ Photography
Capture panoramic views of the entire 7-kilometre Whitehaven Beach, surrounding islands, and Coral Sea. The 180-degree vista provides excellent composition opportunities without crowds.
π₯Ύ Bushwalking
Walk the well-maintained 1-kilometre track through native Australian bushland and lowland rainforest. The loop track at the summit allows for varied return routes.
π¦ Wildlife Spotting
Watch for goannas, tropical butterflies, and diverse birdlife along the track. The bushland environment supports abundant native species rarely seen on the beach.
ποΈ Island Views
Identify surrounding Whitsunday Islands from the elevated platform, including Hazelwood Island, Hamilton Island, Lindeman Island, and Pentecost Island.
π Sunrise/Sunset
Campers and overnight tour passengers can experience the lookout at dawn or dusk when the lighting creates spectacular colours across the beach and ocean.
π± Mobile Reception
The lookout is reportedly the only location on Whitsunday Island with reliable mobile phone coverage, useful for staying connected or sharing photos immediately.
Nearby Attractions
ποΈ Whitehaven Beach
The lookout track begins directly from the southern end of Whitehaven Beach, providing immediate access to 7 kilometres of pure white silica sand and crystal-clear waters.
ποΈ Hill Inlet Lookout
The famous northern lookout is 7 kilometres along Whitehaven Beach from the South Lookout, accessible by walking the beach at low tide or by boat to Tongue Bay.
ποΈ Whitehaven Beach Campground
10 designated campsites at the southern end provide overnight access to Whitehaven Beach and the lookout. Bookings through Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service required.
π Chance Bay
Secluded bay on the western side of Whitsunday Island, accessible via the 7-kilometre Chance Bay Track that branches from the South Whitehaven Lookout trail.
ποΈ Whitsunday Island
The largest island in the Whitsunday archipelago surrounds the lookout with uninhabited national park, fringing reefs, secluded bays, and bushwalking tracks.
ποΈ Hazelwood Island
Directly opposite Whitehaven Beach, Hazelwood Island is visible from the lookout and home to Chalkies Beach, one of the few other beaches with pure white silica sand.
Essential Information
Best Time to Visit
South Whitehaven Lookout is accessible year-round, with the dry season from April to October providing the most comfortable walking conditions. Peak tourist season runs June to September when southeast trade winds create ideal sailing conditions and whale watching opportunities. The lookout views remain spectacular regardless of tidal conditions, unlike Hill Inlet Lookout where the swirling sand patterns are tide-dependent. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best lighting for photography, with fewer visitors present during these times. Campers and overnight tour passengers have exclusive access to sunrise and sunset viewing opportunities.
What to Bring
Sturdy closed-toe walking shoes are essential for the track, which includes stairs and uneven surfaces. Carry at least 1 litre of water per person, particularly during summer months when temperatures can exceed 30Β°C. Sun protection is critical β bring a hat, sunscreen (SPF50+), and sunglasses as there is limited shade along the track and none at the exposed lookout platform. A camera or smartphone is essential for capturing the panoramic views. Insect repellent helps during humid months, and a light rain jacket is advisable during wet season (November to May). Tours typically provide water and snacks, but independent walkers should bring additional supplies.
Important Notes
- Track begins behind the camping area - follow signage from the southern end of Whitehaven Beach
- Well-maintained trail with stairs suitable for low to medium fitness levels
- Loop track at summit allows approach from either direction
- Allow 45 minutes return journey including 10-15 minutes viewing time
- No facilities on track - toilets available at beach campground before starting walk
- Stay on marked trails to protect native vegetation and prevent erosion
- Marine stinger season (November-May) doesn't affect the bushwalk but swimming requires protective clothing
- Significantly quieter than Hill Inlet Lookout with fewer tour groups
- Watch for goannas, snakes, and other wildlife on track - observe from distance
- Mobile phone reception may be available at lookout but limited on Whitsunday Island generally
- Part of Whitsunday Islands National Park - follow Leave No Trace principles
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the walk to South Whitehaven Lookout take?
The walk to South Whitehaven Lookout is 1 kilometre each way and takes approximately 45 minutes return journey, including 10-15 minutes viewing time at the platform.
Is South Whitehaven Lookout better than Hill Inlet Lookout?
South Whitehaven Lookout offers broader coastal views of the full 7-kilometre beach and surrounding islands, remains spectacular at all tides, and is significantly less crowded. Hill Inlet Lookout showcases the famous swirling sand patterns but requires specific tidal conditions and attracts more tour groups.
Which tours visit South Whitehaven Lookout?
Several Whitehaven Beach day tours departing from Airlie Beach include visits to the southern end of the beach with time for the lookout walk. ZigZag Whitsundays offers up to 4 hours at South Whitehaven Beach with guided lookout access. Check tour itineraries specifically, as some tours only visit the northern end at Hill Inlet.
What fitness level is required for the South Whitehaven Lookout walk?
The walk is suitable for visitors with low to medium fitness levels. The well-maintained track includes stairs but is considered easier than many other Whitsundays bushwalks.
Can you walk from South Whitehaven Lookout to Hill Inlet Lookout?
There is no direct bushwalking track between the two lookouts. To visit both, you must walk the 7-kilometre length of Whitehaven Beach at low tide, or visit each lookout separately by boat to their respective access points at the southern and northern ends of the beach.
When did South Whitehaven Lookout open?
South Whitehaven Lookout officially opened in July 2019, developed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service as part of visitor infrastructure improvements in Whitsunday Islands National Park.
Tours to South Whitehaven Lookout
Experience South Whitehaven Lookout on day tours and overnight sailing adventures departing from Airlie Beach. Tours visiting the southern end of Whitehaven Beach include time for the lookout walk, providing spectacular panoramic views away from the crowds.
Good to Know
β Opened in July 2019 by Queensland Parks
β 180-degree panoramic views of Whitsunday Islands
β Views spectacular at all tides, unlike Hill Inlet
β Significantly less crowded than northern lookout
β 1km walking track through native bushland
β 45-minute return walk including viewing time
β See full 7km length of Whitehaven Beach
β Only spot on island with mobile phone reception
Type: Lookout & Viewing Platform
Location: Southern Whitsunday Island, Whitsundays, Queensland
Best For: Panoramic views, photography, quieter experience, bushwalking