Best hikes and trails in Lizard Island National Park

Best trails in Lizard Island National Park

5.0(36 reviews)

Australia
:
#282 of 638 national parks

Lizard Island National Park is located 250km north-east of Cairns off the mainland. The Dingaal Traditional Owners welcome all visitors to their country and ask that all visitors respect this special place. The island features dune grasslands, woodlands and sweeping wind-sheared heaths with wildflowers. The sand on the islands’ beaches are comprised of coral and shell fragments in addition to granite decompositions that reveal the landscapes ancient volcanic past. Along the waters you’ll find spectacular and ecologically significant mangroves and coral reefs alongside these sandy beaches and clear waters. The island is ideal to explore via paddling, snorkelling, hiking, camping, and boating.

Top trails

#1 - Cooks Look Track

4.9(33)

•Hard

•2.6 mi

This challenging and scenic lookout track is a great place to take in the geography of Lizard Island that is wrapped by coral reefs, mangroves and sandy beaches. You'll meander through grasslands, woodlands and wind-sheared heaths up to the lookout across mixed terrain of boardwalk sections, unformed dirt track, decomposed granite and sloping granite slabs, with rough hewn steps in some places. The track officially starts at the northern end of Watson’s Bay. Take care along the trail as it...

This walk features picturesque views over Blue Lagoon towards Palfrey and South islands and Cape Flattery on the mainland. Begin by heading towards the end of the airstrip and you'll see a short sandy track heading towards Blue Lagoon. Make the gentle descent down this track and you'll arrive at the secluded Mangrove beach on the edge of Blue Lagoon.

This is a sandy road from the western end of the airstrip that leads you over to the Lizard Island Research Station right by a beautiful beach. The Research Station provides guided tours at certain times. This road is also used by vehicles, so if you're visiting on foot please take care as you make your way through the woodland.

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Trail reviews for Lizard Island National Park

88 trailgoers Busiest in July

Brynne Naylor

Jan 7, 2025•Hiking

Really amazing trail to see360 views of lizard islands surroundings. Some steep rock climbs but most of the trail is a nice path. We were able to get more shade than I was expecting leaving just before 7. Clocked just under 5 miles leaving from marlin bar and 1.3k elevation gain. Would recommend!

Cooks Look Track

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Lizard Island National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Lizard Island National Park is Cooks Look Track, which has a 4.9 star rating from 33 reviews. This trail is 2.6 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,085 ft.

What is the longest trail in Lizard Island National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Lizard Island National Park is Research Road. This trail is estimated to be 2.7 mi long.

How many trails are in Lizard Island National Park?

There are 3 trails in Lizard Island National Park. These trails have an average 5.0-star rating from 36 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Lizard Island National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Lizard Island National Park has you covered. Cooks Look Track boasts the most elevation gain with 1,085 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Research Road, which will get you 282 ft of elevation gain.