Coral Beach Walking Track: A Coastal Rainforest Escape

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Discover a scenic coastal walk near Shute Harbour, leading to a unique coral beach and panoramic views of the Whitsunday Islands.

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Coral beach walking track

Escape into nature on the Coral Beach Walking Track near Shute Harbour. This scenic trail winds through coastal rainforest, rewarding hikers with glimpses of the Whitsunday Islands and a unique coral beach. Continue to the Beak lookout for panoramic views.

A brief summary to Coral beach walking track

Shute Harbour, Queensland, 4802, AU
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Coral beach walking track.

Wear closed-toe shoes for the walk, as the track can be rough and uneven.
Bring plenty of water, as there is no access to drinking water along the track.
Consider visiting after a rainfall to see the Coral Beach waterfall in full flow.
Pack a picnic to enjoy on Coral Beach, taking in the views of the Whitsunday Islands.

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Getting There

Walking

From the Coral Beach car park at the end of Whitsunday Drive, the Coral Beach Walking Track begins. Follow the well-marked path through the rainforest for 1.1km to reach Coral Beach. To continue to the Beak lookout, walk along Coral Beach for 180m east and locate the track leading uphill.
Public Transport

From Airlie Beach, take the Translink bus service to Shute Harbour. The bus trip takes approximately 15 minutes. From the Shute Harbour bus stop, it is approximately a 15-minute walk to the Coral Beach trailhead. A one-way bus ticket costs around $2 - $3.
Taxi/Ride Share

From Airlie Beach, a taxi or ride-share to the Coral Beach trailhead at Shute Harbour takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Expect to pay around $30 - $40 for the trip.
Parking

If driving, ample paid parking is available at Shute Harbour. Parking machines are located in the upper and lower car parks. Fees vary between the two car parks. As of July 2025, parking in the Lower Public Car Park costs $0 for 0-1 hour, $6 for 1-2 hours, $8 for 2-4 hours, $11 for 4-12 hours, and $13 for 12-24 hours. The Upper Public Car Park costs $0 for 0-1 hour, $2 for 1-2 hours, $3 for 2-4 hours, $4 for 4-12 hours, and $5 for 12-24 hours. Payment can be made via card or the EasyPark app.

Discover more about Coral beach walking track

The Coral Beach Walking Track offers a refreshing escape into the natural beauty surrounding Shute Harbour. Located within Conway National Park, this well-maintained trail provides an easy to moderate hike through diverse coastal forest, with peeks of the turquoise waters and islands of the Whitsunday Passage along the way.The 1.1km walk to Coral Beach meanders through lush rainforest, where you'll find hoop pines and various species of birds and insects. The beach itself is unique, composed of coral fragments instead of the typical white sand found on other Whitsunday beaches. Take some time to relax on the shore, explore the rocky headland, and enjoy the views.For those seeking a more panoramic perspective, continue along the track to the Beak lookout. This additional 620m climb is slightly steeper, but the rewarding views of the Whitsunday Islands and Passage make it well worth the effort. Be sure to bring water and wear appropriate footwear, as the terrain can be uneven in places.