Coral Beach Conway National Park
Discover Coral Beach in Conway National Park, a unique Australian gem with 99% silica sand and stunning rainforest hikes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Coral Beach Conway National Park
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Coral Beach in Conway National Park, a unique Australian gem with 99% silica sand and stunning rainforest hikes.
"The beach really is covered in coral. Cannot wait to go back."
🚶♀️ Easy Bushwalk Access
A 20-minute walk through lush rainforest leads to the beach. Easy incline, not too slippery.
🤿 Stinger Suit & Bug Spray
Essential for swimming and relaxing on the beach, especially later in the day.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Coral Beach
Conway National Park
A unique beach composed of coral fragments, offering a stunning, secluded experience.
Shute Harbour 'Beak Lookout'
Conway National Park
Spectacular panoramic views of the Whitsundays from a rewarding rainforest hike.
Whitehaven Beach
Whitsunday Island
World-renowned for its 99% pure silica sand and swirling turquoise waters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Coral Beach
Accessing Coral Beach's Beauty
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🚶♀️ Easy Bushwalk Access
A 20-minute walk through lush rainforest leads to the beach. Easy incline, not too slippery.
🤿 Stinger Suit & Bug Spray
Essential for swimming and relaxing on the beach, especially later in the day.
🚌 Public Transport Friendly
Take bus #860 to Shute Harbour, then a short walk to the trail start.
📸 Breathtaking Views
The beach and Beak Lookout offer magnificent, unforgettable vistas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy Bushwalk Access
A 20-minute walk through lush rainforest leads to the beach. Easy incline, not too slippery.
🤿 Stinger Suit & Bug Spray
Essential for swimming and relaxing on the beach, especially later in the day.
🚌 Public Transport Friendly
Take bus #860 to Shute Harbour, then a short walk to the trail start.
📸 Breathtaking Views
The beach and Beak Lookout offer magnificent, unforgettable vistas.
🐚 Unique Coral Beach
Experience a beach made of diverse coral fragments, a truly unique natural wonder.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique beauty of Coral Beach, praising its distinctive coral composition and the scenic bushwalk leading to it. The opportunity to have the beach to themselves, especially during early morning visits, is a significant highlight. While the beach is stunning, some advise bringing stinger suits and bug spray for comfort in the water and on shore.
"We started on our bush walk at 8am and after walking through the lush green for 20 minutes, we arrived at the beautiful coral beach and the view was just breathtaking (even though it was grey and rainy). We had the whole beach to ourselves and spent some time walking along, taking in the views and looking at all the different varieties of broken coral. There is a trail which continues to take you to the Beak viewpoint which we didn't do. The bush walk was fairly easy, with reasonable incline/decline at certain points and it wasn't too slippy in the rain. Parking area at the start of the walk with plenty of spaces."
Heather & James
"Beautiful beach after a short little hike. I don’t recommend going as late in the day as we did (past 5:30). Bring a stinger suit if you’re going in the water and bug spray if you’re sitting around for a bit."
Rachael Daves
"Nice beach made of coral chunks. Sheltered bay.
Easy to get to by public transport #860 bus to Shute Harbour, walk 10 minutes to the start of the trail, then it took me 16 minutes to get to the beach. Super easy.
I also recommend the next beach along (Petranova Beach) with no one ever there!"
Daniel Haywood
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Coral Beach via a scenic bushwalk within Conway National Park. Many visitors take bus #860 to Shute Harbour and then walk about 10 minutes to the trailhead. The walk to the beach itself takes approximately 16-20 minutes.
Yes, there is a parking area at the start of the bushwalk, which usually has plenty of spaces available.
Absolutely! Public transport is a viable option. Bus route #860 will take you to Shute Harbour, from where you can easily access the walking trail to Coral Beach.
The bushwalk is described as fairly easy, with some reasonable inclines and declines. It's generally not too slippery, even in wet conditions.
The bushwalk to Coral Beach is approximately 1km, taking around 16-20 minutes to reach the destination. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Conway National Park and Coral Beach are generally free to access, with no entry fees required for day visitors.
Conway National Park is typically open year-round during daylight hours. It's best to check with Queensland National Parks for any specific alerts or closures.
No, there is no specific entrance fee for Coral Beach itself. Access is part of Conway National Park.
While the park is generally accessible during daylight hours, visiting earlier in the morning is recommended to avoid crowds and the midday heat. +1
No, there are no booking requirements for visiting Coral Beach. It's a natural attraction you can explore freely.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Coral Beach is unique because it's covered in coral fragments rather than typical sand. It's a sheltered bay offering a beautiful and unusual beach experience. +1
It's recommended to bring a stinger suit if you plan to swim, as well as insect repellent for when you're relaxing on the beach.
Yes, you can swim at Coral Beach, but it's advisable to wear a stinger suit for protection, especially during certain times of the year.
Facilities are generally limited at Coral Beach itself. It's best to use facilities at Shute Harbour or plan accordingly before your visit.
The short bushwalk and unique beach make it interesting for families. However, supervision is advised due to the coral fragments and water.
📸 📸 Photography
The beach itself, with its coral fragments and clear waters, is a unique subject. The hike through the rainforest and the views from the Beak Lookout also offer stunning photographic moments.
Early morning light provides beautiful, soft illumination and fewer people in your shots. The views from the Beak Lookout are also spectacular at any time of day.
Drone usage in national parks is subject to strict regulations. It's essential to check with Queensland National Parks for current rules and permits before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and lookout views. A waterproof camera or phone case is useful if you plan on getting close to the water.
The Shute Harbour 'Beak Lookout' offers a spectacular vantage point for panoramic photos of the Whitsundays. The beach itself provides unique close-up photo opportunities of the coral.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't extensive facilities, the natural beauty and the short hike make it a manageable outing. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited. The nearby Shute Harbour 'Beak Lookout' also offers a rewarding view that kids might enjoy, provided they can manage the hike.
It's a fantastic way to introduce children to the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef region in a less crowded setting than some of the more popular spots.🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Hikers
Beyond the immediate beach, the Shute Harbour 'Beak Lookout' hike presents a more challenging but incredibly scenic option.
This trail offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Whitsundays, making the effort well worth it for avid hikers. Combining the Coral Beach walk with the Beak Lookout provides a fulfilling day of exploration within Conway National Park. Don't forget sturdy footwear and plenty of water for your adventures.📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
The hike to the Shute Harbour 'Beak Lookout' is a must for panoramic landscape photographers.
The sweeping views of the Whitsunday Islands are unparalleled. For those interested in wildlife, the rainforest walk might offer opportunities to spot local birds and insects. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens for those expansive vistas and a macro lens if you want to capture the intricate details of the coral fragments. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Geology of Coral Beach
This geological feature makes Coral Beach a fascinating spot for exploration. Walking along the shore, you can observe different shapes and colors of coral, a testament to the vibrant marine ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef region. While it's a beautiful sight, it also means the 'sand' can be a bit rough underfoot, so appropriate footwear is recommended. The contrast between the white coral fragments and the turquoise waters of the Whitsundays is truly a sight to behold.
Beyond the beach itself, the surrounding Conway National Park offers a lush rainforest environment. The short bushwalk to Coral Beach provides a delightful transition from dense greenery to the coastal scenery, enhancing the overall experience. This blend of rainforest and unique beach geology is what sets Coral Beach apart.
Exploring Conway National Park and Beyond
For those looking to extend their adventure, Coral Beach is strategically located near other iconic Whitsunday destinations. A short distance away lies Whitehaven Beach, consistently ranked among the world's best beaches for its impossibly white silica sand and crystal-clear waters.
Visitors can also explore nearby islands like Langford Island, known for its sandbars, or Daydream Island, which offers resort amenities. The proximity of Coral Beach to these world-class attractions makes it an excellent addition to any Whitsundays itinerary, whether you're seeking a peaceful beach escape or an adventurous exploration of the reef and islands.
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