Andrews Point Track

Walking trail: 5.2km return (full loop via main trail) OR 2.8km return (utilising the beach return route at low tide)

Time Required: 2 to 2.5 hours for the full track; 1 to 1.5 hours via the low-tide beach option.

Difficulty: Grade 3 (Moderate). Features a steep initial staircase (500 steps) followed by undulating, well-formed forest paths.

Best Time to Hike: Early morning immediately after the sunrise wallaby viewing on Casuarina Beach.

Key Highlights: 5 coastal lookouts, Wedge Island causeway crossing, turtle and whale spotting, remnant rainforest canopy.

If watching wild wallabies and Eastern Grey kangaroos forage along the tide line at Casuarina Beach is on your bucket list, you already know Cape Hillsborough National Park is one of Tropical North Queensland’s most magical coastal destinations.

However, many visitors wrap up their camera gear as soon as the sunrise golden hour fades, missing out on the park’s crown jewel hike: the Andrews Point Track. 

Winding through cool vine thickets, climbing over 500 timber steps to sweeping volcanic ridgelines (absolutely worth it), and offering front-row views of the Whitsunday Passage, this trail delivers pure coastal magic. Whether you want to spot migrating humpbacks from June to September, cross a exposed natural causeway to a hidden island, or simply stretch your legs after a beach sunrise with the local wallaby population, here is your complete guide to hiking the Andrews Point Track.

Trail Breakdown: What to Expect

1. The Rainforest Start & Staircase Ascent

The trail begins in the shade of dense coastal vine thickets and remnant rainforest, where blue Ulysses butterflies and native birds thrive. Very quickly, the trail reveals its main physical test: a long, well-maintained set of around 500 rock stairs. Take your time on the way up—the dense green canopy quickly gives way to cool ocean breezes as you gain elevation.

2. Twin Beach & Turtle Lookouts

As you reach the top of the ridge, the track opens up to eucalypt woodland with towering grass trees (Xanthorrhoea). A short spur trail leads to Twin Beach Lookout, providing a panoramic view of the turquoise bays framing the headland. Do not miss this lookout, it is by far the best lookout of the whole trail. If you don't have time for the whole hike, we recommend at least visit this viewing platform and then returning from here. 

Continuing along the ridge brings you to Turtle Lookout. Perched high above the water, this is an prime vantage point. Look down into the clear shallows below to spot green sea turtles foraging in the reefs. Between May and October, keep your eyes on the horizon for migrating humpback whales breaching in the waters of the Cumberland Passage.

3. Andrews Point Lookout & Wedge Island Access

The main trail culminates at Andrews Point Lookout (not nearly as spectacular as the Twin Beach Lookout), offering uninterrupted views of the coastline and Wedge Island sitting just offshore.

From here, the track descends down toward the shore. At low tide, a natural volcanic rock causeway is exposed, linking the mainland directly to Wedge Island.

DANGER: Sheer cliffs. One slip could be fatal—serious injury or death may result from walking near the edge. Keep to the track. Supervise children closely.

Activities

• Hiking
• Photography
• Picnic

Facilities

• Lookouts
• Walking trail
• Picnic area
• Carpark
• Barbeque