New Guide Puts The Whitsundays On Foot

Left: Emma and Anthony Colfelt at Whitsunday Cairn, one of the walks featured in the Walking The Whitsundays book. Photograph credit: Felix Colfelt

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A new guide to walking the Whitsundays has been launched by the family behind the region's much-loved boating "Bible", following more than a decade of research, island adventures and one broken ankle.

Published by Windward Publications, Walking The Whitsundays – A Guide to 45 Island and Mainland Walks is a 304-page guide covering 45 walks across the Whitsunday islands, Airlie Beach, Conway National Park and Bowen.

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Designed as the hiking companion to 100 Magic Miles, it features maps, photographs, elevation profiles and practical information, alongside insights into the region's history, wildlife, geology and culture.

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Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth said the book encourages visitors and locals to discover another side of the region.

"Walking The Whitsundays encourages people to slow down, explore more deeply and experience a different side of the landscapes, stories and natural beauty that make this region so special," Mr Booth said.

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Anthony Colfelt said the book grew naturally from a lifetime of walking the Whitsundays with his family.

"The walks have always been a big part of our sailing trips," he said.

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"We have long wanted to include more about them in 100 Magic Miles, but quickly realised they deserved a book in their own right because they are not just for boaties. These walks are for everybody."

The guide includes national park island walks, resort island walks and selected mainland tracks around Airlie Beach, Conway National Park and Bowen, including the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail and the new Ngaro Track on Whitsunday Island.

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The Colfelts began researching the project in 2011, exploring the islands by boat, camping and walking as many tracks as possible while continuing to update new editions of 100 Magic Miles.

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The project wasn't without setbacks. While photographing Coral Cove on Hamilton Island, Emma Colfelt slipped on a wet rock and broke her ankle, requiring surgery and a lengthy recovery. Much of the book's writing and historical research was completed from bed while she recovered.

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"Having the book to focus on helped me cope with the pain after surgery and the weeks stuck in bed," she said.

Anthony Colfelt said the accident became part of the story behind the book.

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"It was a reminder that this book was a real family effort," he said.

"Researched on foot, refined around the kitchen table and, at one point, written from a sick bed."

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The guide also explores the Whitsundays' rich history, from the enduring connection of the Ngaro, Gia and Juru people to Country through to early settlers and the pioneers of island tourism. Alongside local stories and wildlife observations, it features previously unpublished historical photographs and images by photojournalist Sharon Smallwood, capturing a side of the region many visitors never experience.

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Emma Colfelt said she hoped the guide would encourage more people to explore the Whitsundays on foot.

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"We hope the book inspires people to explore, helps them know what to expect, and enriches their experience of this special place," she said.

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Walking The Whitsundays – A Guide to 45 Island and Mainland Walks is available now for $49.95 from The Beach Book Boutique in Airlie Beach, News Whitsunday in Cannonvale, Trader Pete's on Hamilton Island, selected local outlets and online at 100magicmiles.com.