Hill Inlet (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Hill Inlet?
What makes it 70% Kids-Friendly: Children love the swirl-sand lookout, beach play and wildlife spotting, but parents face a hot boat ride, uneven steps, no lifeguards, no kiosks, and must supervise near cliffs and water.
Positives:
- Gentle Climb with Views: Moderate track keeps kids engaged while gaining rewarding inlet panoramas.
- Safe Shallow Waters: Calm inlet pools offer a secure spot for supervised paddling and play.
Challenges:
- No On-site Facilities: There are no toilets or shade at lookout platforms—carry all supplies.
- Boat Ride Seasickness: Boat transfers can take up to 2 hours. Bring motion-sickness remedies.
What is Hill Inlet?
- A narrow coastal inlet at the northern tip of Whitsunday Island within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
- A natural confluence of silica sands and turquoise waters that form ever-changing white swirls at its mouth
- Bounded by pristine beaches and dense eucalypt-covered ridges of Whitsunday Islands National Park
What is so special about Hill Inlet for with kids?
- Boat to Tongue Bay and enjoy a moderate 1.3 km lookout walk with kid-friendly breaks
- Explore a small sandy beach on a gentle 500 m trail for sandcastle building
- Swim in calm, shallow inlet pools at high tide with life jackets
- Choose a family-friendly cruise with lunch and child fares to simplify planning
Recommended visit duration: 0.5–1 day
Why 0.5–1 day visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for boat transfer, lookout walk with breaks, beach play and return before kids tire.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Hill Inlet
Hill Inlet Lookout Walk:
Hike the 1.3 km return track to three lookout platforms over turquoise sands.
Tip: Bring water, snacks and plan short rest stops. Use a child carrier for your 3-year-old.
Beach Track Play:
Follow the 500 m trail down to a quiet beach at the inlet’s mouth.
Tip: Pack buckets and spades. Have life jackets ready for shallow paddling.
Shallow Inlet Swimming:
Swim in calm pools at high tide under adult supervision.
Tip: Bring life jackets and check tide times before you go.
Family Day Cruise:
Join a family-friendly boat tour with lunch, swim stops and the lookout walk.
Tip: Book an operator with child fares and inquire about under-4 rates.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Hill Inlet
- Start Early: Begin the walk before 10 am to avoid midday heat and crowds.
- Light Daypack: Use a child carrier for young kids and carry only essentials to keep hands free.
Reviews of Hill Inlet
Melanie Sharpe
Fabulous bush walk. You wouldn’t know you were on the Whitsundays as the rainforest is so dense. Beautiful piece of Australia. Must see on the way to Betty’s Beach
Jonique Life
This is a short little walk from the beach with a lookout overlooking this amazing landscape with ever shifting sands. We were told that every photo was unique because the sands shift and change every hour so you will never capture the exact photo twice... mind blowing 🤯 Pictures cannot even do justice to the beauty of this view, has to be seen to be believed 🤩 “Jonique Life” Follow our journe...
Michelle W
An amazing lookout point. Hill Inlet in the Whitsundays is located at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. As the tide shifts, the white sand and blue hues of the inlet blend to create swirly patterns which look beautiful. We arrived via boat and walked uphill ~15mins to the lookout. We took lots of photos and then walked back to the boat. Best to go at low tide to see th...
Wandering Wherever
Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet- OMG!! Ahhh mazing 🍃🏝 Named as the second best beach IN THE WORLD and Australia’s third most photographed location! And it’s easy to see why!!! I didn’t think water this clear existed or sand this soft and cool could be real 💖 Did you know that the sand on Whitehaven never exceeds more than 26degrees! Even on the hottest of days!!! The ever changing swirl of colo...
Matthew Long
This is one of the best looking places I've seen in my entire life! Truly incredible scenery you have to see to believe, the photos I've uploaded do not do it justice. I recommend this to anyone travelling through the Whitsundays😁🙌💯
When is the best time to visit Hill Inlet (Great Barrier Reef Area, Australia)?
Visit June–September for calmer seas, cooler temperatures and fewer jellyfish. In stinger season (Nov–Mar), wear protective swimwear.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Day cruise (2 adults) | AUD 300 |
| Day cruise (2 children) | AUD 180 |
| Snacks & water | AUD 20 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 500 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Hill Inlet
Address: Hill Inlet, Whitsundays QLD, Australia
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