Conway National Park
Airlie Beach, Queensland
While the stretch of Queensland coast between Mackay and Townsville may be best known for the idyllic Whitsunday Islands, Conway National Park on the mainland is another drawcard here. A haven for nature lovers, or those who relish outdoor pursuits, the parkland features rainforest-covered mountains, beautiful beaches, views of the Whitsundays, hiking and mountain biking trails, day-use areas, and spots for remote camping.
The basics
Conway National Park’s large tract of lowland rainforest is the largest you’ll find in Queensland outside the Far North, and it provides a lush, scenic playground for active outdoor adventures. There’s a wide range of options for visitors, whether seeking short bush walks to lookout points, or camping at remote sites only accessible by hiking or kayaking.
Many people visit independently, but guided tours are also offered, such as small-group hikes, or Segway, mountain-biking, and kayaking tours from Airlie Beach.
Things to know before you go
- To camp in the park, you’ll need to buy a permit and book a campsite in advance at the Queensland Government Parks and Forests website.
- Bring sun protection, insect repellent, drinking water, and something to carry your trash in, as there are no garbage disposal facilities in the park.
- Estuarine crocodiles (“salties”) are sometimes seen around the coast. Take extreme caution and be aware of crocodile safety protocols.
How to get there
Conway National Park is just east of Proserpine, which is about a 3-hour drive south of Townsville along the Bruce Highway (A1). Road access to the park is via Airlie Beach—a coastal town that’s a popular traveler hangout—which is about a 30-minute drive from Proserpine. The nearest airport is Whitsunday Coast Airport, just south of Proserpine.
When to get there
This part of Australia experiences wet and dry seasons. Visiting the park is more comfortable, and safer, in the dry season between May and October. Conditions can still be hot and humid in the daytime, but may drop quite low overnight, especially in the mountains. Heavy rain and flash flooding can occur in the wet season.
Hike the Conway Circuit
The Conway Circuit (formerly named the Whitsunday Great Walk) is a challenging 3-day hike through the national park, during which hikers spend two nights at campsites. Alternatively, it can be completed as a mountain biking trail, which should take experienced riders around four hours. It’s a great way to fully experience the park, beyond the day-trippers. As it is a multi-use trail, both walkers and cyclists should take care.
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