Kennedy Walking Track
Kennedy Walking Track
5
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Walking trail in South Mission beach open to the public
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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5.0
44 reviews
Excellent
35
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7
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2
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0
DAROHATH
Cairns, Australia1,286 contributions
Jan 2021 • Solo
The walk leaves from the southern end of South Mission, near the boat ramp. There are some rubbish bins and a toilet there, but didn’t see any water.
The full track to Kennedy Bay is signed as 8km and 1h 55m. With a few stops along the way, that was pretty close. For those that want something shorter, you can turn around at any time. The track is made up of boardwalks, steps, rocks, roots, mangroves and beach. The track builders have done a great job and I echo the suggestion of other reviewers to do the walk at, or near, low tide.
I was even lucky enough to have a Cassowary greet me at Turtle Bay, no turtles though.
PS......take heavy duty insect spray as the mozzies were thick at places like Miji Creek 🦟❌
The full track to Kennedy Bay is signed as 8km and 1h 55m. With a few stops along the way, that was pretty close. For those that want something shorter, you can turn around at any time. The track is made up of boardwalks, steps, rocks, roots, mangroves and beach. The track builders have done a great job and I echo the suggestion of other reviewers to do the walk at, or near, low tide.
I was even lucky enough to have a Cassowary greet me at Turtle Bay, no turtles though.
PS......take heavy duty insect spray as the mozzies were thick at places like Miji Creek 🦟❌
Written January 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
S E
Burgess Hill, UK161 contributions
Feb 2023
This walk was amazing!
It took 2 hours at a relaxed pace and we walked through rainforest, pristine beaches, and mangroves.
We didn't see any crocodiles or cassowaries but did see lots of lizards, birds, and butterflies.
You will need to wear trainers as the rainforest part of the walk is too wet for flipflops (thongs) and make sure you take a hat and plenty of water, also make sure to read the signs - although we didn't see the crocodiles there are there so be very careful, do not leave the path.
There is a small car park at the start of the walk with a public toilet.
It took 2 hours at a relaxed pace and we walked through rainforest, pristine beaches, and mangroves.
We didn't see any crocodiles or cassowaries but did see lots of lizards, birds, and butterflies.
You will need to wear trainers as the rainforest part of the walk is too wet for flipflops (thongs) and make sure you take a hat and plenty of water, also make sure to read the signs - although we didn't see the crocodiles there are there so be very careful, do not leave the path.
There is a small car park at the start of the walk with a public toilet.
Written February 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SuperDuper Coach
Mitcham, Australia205 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
Spectacular walking track especially the portion on the beach.
See other reviews for details of tide requirements etc.
We did the walk in 2.5 hours, on a muggy 28 degree day.
Saw two snakes. No crocs. No cassowaries. No insects.
Trail is good, well marked, no real opportunity to go the wrong way. A little bit overgrown in a couple of small sections.
Requires that you ascend multiple sets of 10-20 stairs, multiple times.
If you want a great bang for buck walk, stop at the end of lugger bay and turn back. After lugger there is a lookout and Kennedy bay, and the walk becomes a bit more of a slog and lugger bay is the better bay.
Aside from beaches, the number 1 thing to do in mission beach.
See other reviews for details of tide requirements etc.
We did the walk in 2.5 hours, on a muggy 28 degree day.
Saw two snakes. No crocs. No cassowaries. No insects.
Trail is good, well marked, no real opportunity to go the wrong way. A little bit overgrown in a couple of small sections.
Requires that you ascend multiple sets of 10-20 stairs, multiple times.
If you want a great bang for buck walk, stop at the end of lugger bay and turn back. After lugger there is a lookout and Kennedy bay, and the walk becomes a bit more of a slog and lugger bay is the better bay.
Aside from beaches, the number 1 thing to do in mission beach.
Written September 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter C
Merrigum, Australia27 contributions
Aug 2020
This ideal walk can be done by most average fit people. Starts at boat ramp at the end of Kennedy Esplanade. Starts with a timbered board walk then progress's into a series of well defined dirt, stairs, beach & concrete pathways. It is very picturesque as you take in the breath taking views. 3.5 km one way then you turn around and enjoy it again.
Written August 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott W
Glen Iris, Australia763 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Walk departs from south end of South Mission Beach, initially on boardwalks, then skirting the rocky shoreline and crossing the sandy beach at Lugger Bay and rocky beach at Turtle Bay . Track culminates at Kennedy Bay, where there is an information panel explaining the historical significance of the bay. Track is well marked and easy to follow. Allow 3 hours to take in the sights. Track is well defined and can be walked in runners.
Written July 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nadyjay
Hamilton New Zealand137 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
This track starts off well with boardwalk. It then goes up and down some rougher track and ends up at a lovely beach. It is not worth the hike for our age group 65 plus but probably ok for younger ones who want exercise and a swim at the other end. Check with locals regarding stingers. If this was helpful please tick the helpful box.
Written August 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GayleJP
Brisbane, Australia637 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Really enjoyable walk along the Kennedy track, plenty of variety, from boardwalk, to rainforest bush track, to beaches - both Sandy and pebble and then mangrove.
There are quite a few steps, some parts are uneven and you should wear proper walking shoes/trainers for this. You definitely need mosquito repellent! As well as sunscreen and a hat- and water too.
We went all the way to Kennedy bay- which was a bit underwhelming at the end as it was low down amongst the mangroves so didn’t have the great views out to the islands like most of the track does.
Saw turtles, eagles, wallabies and so lucky to also see a cassowary on the track ahead.
Took us around 3 hours to do the return walk. I’d say to go early if you can- and definitely check the tide times for the accessibility of crossing the beach at Luggers bay, as at high tide it is often cut off.
There are quite a few steps, some parts are uneven and you should wear proper walking shoes/trainers for this. You definitely need mosquito repellent! As well as sunscreen and a hat- and water too.
We went all the way to Kennedy bay- which was a bit underwhelming at the end as it was low down amongst the mangroves so didn’t have the great views out to the islands like most of the track does.
Saw turtles, eagles, wallabies and so lucky to also see a cassowary on the track ahead.
Took us around 3 hours to do the return walk. I’d say to go early if you can- and definitely check the tide times for the accessibility of crossing the beach at Luggers bay, as at high tide it is often cut off.
Written May 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol G
27 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
Lovely jungley environment but January weather makes this a bit tough..would have loved to go all the way up see the termite nests used by migrant birds from New Guinea but we were driping with sweat at 9am
Written January 21, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DBaguley
Gold Coast, Australia16 contributions
Apr 2021
Great views across to Dunk Island on family friendly track along shore through rainforest. Congratulations to volunteers who built it.
Written April 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jody L
Mission Beach, Australia17 contributions
Jul 2018 • Solo
Fantastic to see this track re-opened after the damage from Cyclone Yasi in 2011. The track is better than ever with fantastic boardwalks and interesting signage explaining the flora, fauna and nearby island identification. Amazing weather heightened my day!
Written July 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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