Hill Inlet is a tidal estuary that runs into the middle of Whitsunday Island. It is located at the northern end of the world famous Whitehaven Beach.

When we were in the Whitsundays last year, we passed by the mouth of Hill Inlet, but being newbies and a bit cautious, the shallow entrance spooked us from going into the little creek. After hearing about this spot from other yachties, we gave it a go this time.

With the shallow tidal entrance constantly shifting in the sands, we spent the day before our arrival anchored at Tongue Inlet, the next bay over to the north. There are walking tracks through the National Park from Tongue Inlet up to some stunning lookouts with a view out to the south, over Whitehaven Beach and the entrance to Hill Inlet. The nautical charts are of no value inside Hill Inlet, as they simply show the estuary in flat green, indicating intertidal zone. We spent some time at the lookout at low tide, and drew ourselves a mud map of the braided channels through the sand. These were an excellent aid when we entered on the high tide.