Whitsunday Island Camping Connection Ngaro Track Transfer Departure

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The boat to the start of the Ngaro Track, or back from the end of it: Scamper takes independent walkers and their packs from Shute Harbour to South Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, where the 32 km, three-day walk begins, or collects you at Tongue Bay or Hill Inlet and brings you back to Shute Harbour.

Days

One-way boat transfer

Group size

Shared walker transfer

Start / finish

Shute Harbour / South Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, or Tongue Bay or Hill Inlet / Shute Harbour

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Scamper transfer boat

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Whitsunday Island Camping Connection Ngaro Track Transfer Departure

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Included experiences

South Whitehaven Beach — landing point at the start of the Ngaro Track
Ngaro Track — 32 km over three days across Whitsunday Island
Whitsunday Craig — the track's high point at 353 m
Hill Inlet lookouts — on the final day before Tongue Bay

Whitsunday Island Camping Connection Ngaro Track Transfer Departure

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

GOING OUT: SHUTE HARBOUR TO SOUTH WHITEHAVEN BEACH

If you've booked the drop-off, meet at the Scamper office in the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal, park at the harbour and fill your water bottles and bladders before you board. Keep your Ngaro Track booking and every item on the Walker Safety Checklist to hand, as the crew or Queensland Parks rangers may check them. The boat runs out through the islands to the southern end of Whitehaven Beach, about 7 km of silica sand so fine and white it squeaks underfoot, on Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 Whitsunday Islands. You step ashore with your pack at the start of the track.

THE NGARO TRACK: 32 KM ACROSS WHITSUNDAY ISLAND

Between the two boats lies the walk itself, south to north over three days. Day one is about 8.7 km to Bowarri yamba (Moon Camp) on a ridge above Silica Bay. Day two covers 10.8 km over Whitsunday Craig, the high point at 353 m, to Dhula yamba (Tree Camp) by Torres Herald Bay. Day three, the longest at 12.8 km, takes in the lookouts over Hill Inlet, where the tide swirls white sand and turquoise water into new patterns every hour, before dropping to Tongue Bay. The track was built with the Ngaro families, Traditional Owners of these islands, and trail art along the way shares their stories.

COMING HOME: TONGUE BAY OR HILL INLET TO SHUTE HARBOUR

If you've booked the pick-up, your time and place, Tongue Bay or Hill Inlet, are confirmed on the boat out if you haven't been told already. The last day is the longest, so pace yourself to be on the beach and waiting by the pick-up time, as the boat works to the tide and can't wait for late walkers. Once your pack is aboard, it's about half an hour back across the water to Shute Harbour. Boat times move with the tide and weather, so carry an extra day's food and water in case of a delay.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Drop-off at the start of the track: Scamper office, Shute Harbour Marine Terminal. Parking is at the harbour and you can fill up water before departure. Pick-up at the end of the track: Tongue Bay or Hill Inlet on Whitsunday Island; your time and place are given on your outbound trip if you haven't been told already.
Finishes: Drop-off: South Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, the start of the track. Pick-up: Shute Harbour, about ten minutes' drive from Airlie Beach.
Fitness: For experienced, well-prepared bushwalkers only. The track is steep and rough, with daily walks of 5 to 8 hours.
Please note: You must carry your Ngaro Track booking and every compulsory Walker Safety Checklist item for inspection by the boat crew or Queensland Parks staff. Without them you may be refused travel, fined or told to leave the island. Boat times depend on tides and weather and can change at short notice, and you will be told of any weather changes. Names on transfers can't be changed after booking. The best walking months are April to October.

What to bring

Your Ngaro Track booking, printed or on your phone
At least 3 litres of water per person per day, and a way to treat tank water
Tent, sleeping gear and food for the whole walk, plus an extra day's food in case of boat delays
Personal locator beacon or satellite phone (one per group of up to four walkers)
First aid kit, a trowel and insect repellent

What is included

One-way boat transfer between Shute Harbour and Whitsunday Island, in the direction you choose, for walkers and their camping gear

Not included

Ngaro Track independent walker booking, which you must hold before travelling
The boat transfer in the other direction (booked separately)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 3 reviews

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Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

A skilled skipper and organised team took us out safely despite rough weather, dropping campers and hikers on the national park islands and at the start of the new three-day Ngaro Track. A fantastic adventure.

Julia Hazel Verified· Travelled 11th October 2026

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(5/5)

Great crew and boat after an unforgettable few days on the Ngaro Trail. On the way back from Whitsunday Island our captain stopped so we could watch whales, and he handled the windy trip home so smoothly it felt calm.

Danielle Walker Verified· Travelled 8th September 2026

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(5/5)

A great experience with Scamper for the Ngaro Track. Their emails were really informative so I felt ready, everything ran to schedule, and the boat was quick with a fun ramp for getting on and off.

Charlotte Leo Verified· Travelled 8th June 2026

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