South Molle Island Walks: Whitsundays Bushwalking, Part 2
South Molle Island walks are some of the most rewarding in the Whitsundays, with panoramic peaks, grasslands and rainforest, and far fewer people than the famous Whitehaven tracks. Along with nearby Long Island and Lindeman Island, they make a great day ashore during your bareboat holiday.
This is Part 2 of our three-part bushwalking guide:
- Part 1: Whitsunday Islands National Park, including Whitsunday, Langford, Hook, Haslewood and Border islands.
- Part 2 (this guide): Molle Islands and Lindeman Islands national parks, including South Molle, Long and Lindeman islands.
- Part 3: Conway National Park on the mainland.
Before You Go: Bushwalking Safety Tips
- Never walk alone, and let others in your group know your planned walk and return time.
- Choose walks that suit your fitness level.
- Wear sturdy footwear, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent. Travel light, but carry plenty of water, snacks and a basic first aid kit.
- Check the tide times. Some walks and landings depend on the tide.
- Check Queensland Parks park alerts for track closures before you set out.
Molle and Lindeman Islands Walks at a Glance
| Walk | Island | Distance | Time | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandy Bay | South Molle | 4.2 km one way from Bauer Bay | 2 hr | Easy, with a moderate climb near Sandy Bay |
| Mount Jeffreys | South Molle | 3 km one way from Bauer Bay; 4 km from Sandy Bay | 1–1.5 hr; 2 hr | Grade 3 |
| Spion Kop | South Molle | 2.35 km one way from Bauer Bay; 4.2 km from Sandy Bay | 1 hr; 2 hr | Grade 3 |
| Balancing Rock | South Molle | 2 km return from Bauer Bay | 1 hr | Grade 3 |
| Lamond Hill | South Molle | 3.3 km one way from Bauer Bay; 4.4 km from Sandy Bay | 1–1.5 hr; 2 hr | Moderate |
| Paddle Bay | South Molle | 2.2 km return from Bauer Bay | 1 hr | Grade 2 |
| Long Island Circuit | Long | 3.5 km return from Happy Bay | 1.5 hr | Gentle to moderate |
| Round Hill Circuit | Long | 1.5 km return | 30 min | Gentle to moderate |
| Pandanus Bay | Long | 900 m return from Palm Bay; 1.5 km from Happy Bay | 30 min; 1 hr | Gentle to moderate |
| Humpy Point | Long | 1.2 km return from Happy Bay; 2.6 km from Palm Bay | 30 min; 1 hr | Gentle to moderate |
| Sandy Bay | Long | 5.8 km return from Palm Bay; 8.2 km from Happy Bay | 3 hr; 4 hr | Gentle to moderate |
| Mount Oldfield | Lindeman | 5 km return from Gap Beach | 2.5 hr | Moderate |
South Molle Island Walks
Most of South Molle Island is national park, criss-crossed by walking tracks with some of the best lookouts in the Whitsundays. You can start from Bauer Bay, where the track leads from the jetty to the back of the old golf course, or from the Sandy Bay camping area. Some tracks are shared with mountain bikes, so keep an eye out for riders.
Sandy Bay
This relatively easy, smooth track winds through patches of native grassland and scattered grass trees. Near Sandy Bay, there’s a longer moderate climb with some tight switchbacks, and the beach end is lined with coastal she-oaks.
Mount Jeffreys
For sensational views, head to Mount Jeffreys, South Molle’s highest point. The track climbs a gradual slope to a rocky peak with 360-degree views over the Whitsunday Islands and the mainland.
Spion Kop
Another walk with incredible views, this track passes through rainforest, grassland and open eucalypt forest, and through an ancient Ngaro stone quarry, an area of shattered rock high on the hillside. Signs along the way share the island’s long history of travel and trade. The track is walkers only from the stairs leading up to Spion Kop.
Balancing Rock
This walk isn’t too difficult, but some of the rocky crevices can be slippery in the wet. At the top, you’ll see how it got its name: a huge boulder balanced on a rocky outcrop. It’s also the only place you can see South Molle’s only lake.
Lamond Hill
Named after writer Henry Lamond, whose articles helped publicise the island in the 1920s and 30s. Start from the western end of Bauer Bay and head uphill. The climb is moderately steep, but the view of the mainland ranges from the top is worth it.
Paddle Bay
An easy walk from Bauer Bay beach to a coral beach. At low tide, you can walk across to Mid Molle Island, but access is limited to two hours either side of low tide, so check the tide times before you set out.
Long Island Walks
Long Island’s tracks wind through dry rainforest and vine thicket, with gentle to moderately steep sections. You can start from either Happy Bay or Palm Bay.
Long Island Circuit
Starting from Happy Bay, this is the only Long Island track with sweeping views to the other islands. Happy Bay is also a great spot for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.
Round Hill Circuit
A short loop through vine thicket and remnant eucalypt forest, starting from Happy Bay or Palm Bay.
Pandanus Bay
An easy stroll across the narrow neck of the island to a rocky beach lined with native pandanus palms.
Humpy Point
A lovely meander through a shady dry rainforest thicket, home to an intriguing mix of plants.
Sandy Bay
There’s nothing better than a walk that ends at a secluded beach. This shady track travels through dry rainforest thicket, so pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it with a swim before heading back.
Lindeman Island
Mount Oldfield
Lindeman Islands National Park has a wide variety of vegetation, from rainforest in sheltered pockets to open eucalypt forest and grassland. The Mount Oldfield track climbs steadily from Gap Beach to the island’s 212 m summit, with magnificent views across the islands in every direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best walk on South Molle Island?
Mount Jeffreys and Spion Kop are the standouts. Mount Jeffreys is the island’s highest point, with 360-degree views, while Spion Kop passes an ancient Ngaro stone quarry on the way to lookouts over Whitsunday Passage.
Where do South Molle Island walks start?
Most tracks start from Bauer Bay, where a track leads from the jetty to the back of the old golf course, or from the Sandy Bay camping area. Both are easy to reach by dinghy from an anchored boat.
Can you walk to Mid Molle Island?
Yes, at low tide. The Paddle Bay track leads to a coral beach where you can cross to Mid Molle Island, but only within two hours either side of low tide.
How long is the Mount Oldfield walk on Lindeman Island?
The Mount Oldfield track is 5 km return from Gap Beach. Allow about 2.5 hours. It’s rated moderate.
Ready to Explore the Whitsundays on Foot?
A bareboat holiday puts these island walks right on your doorstep. Our Reservations Team can help you choose the right boat and plan a route that takes in your must-do walks.
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