The Cape Edgecumbe Walking Track at Bowen is a real hidden gem in the Whitsundays.

Along the trail, you can discover lookouts, beaches and a World War II radar site.

The track features giant acid granite boulders and you will see an array of flora and may even catch the glimpse of an echidna, bush turkey, red-tailed black cockatoo or rock wallaby.

If you start the walk at Horseshoe Bay, your first stop will be the Rotary Lookout.

Perched on a rock over Horseshoe Bay, this lookout offers sweeping vistas from the beach to the islands.

Once you have soaked in the view, you can head to World War II radar site where you will also experience awesome views from a different angle and across a different bay.

This radar site is mentioned on the Queensland Government’s website as a World War II Historic Place.

According to the website, the radar station was erected in March 1943 as RAAF 42 Radar Station and was redesignated as 55 Radar Station several weeks later on April 1, 1943.

“From May 1942, Bowen had been an important Catalina flying boat maintenance base and the radar was not only needed for air defence but to assist in the navigation of Allied Aircraft, particularly those lost or suffering mechanical problems,” the website states.

After leaving the former radar site on your walk, you can continue on the trail as it winds over the headland and down into Murrays Bay.

As you emerge onto this secluded beach, take a deep breath, you’ve just landed in paradise.

Here is where you can stretch out on the sand, enjoy a dip in the ocean, explore the rocks around the bay or even snorkel as Murrays Bay offers beautiful fringing reef just off the shore.

From Murrays Bay, you can continue your walk around to Rose Bay, passing Mother Beddock – a large balancing rock with panoramic views over Rose Bay.  The view from Mother Beddock is a highlight of the Edgecumbe Bay Walking Trail as it offers spectacular views.

The entire Edgecumbe Bay Walking Trail is about 5km (2.5km each way) and can be accessed by leaving from either Horseshoe Bay or Rose Bay.

Bowen is the heart of secluded beaches at the northern end of the Whitsundays and this walking trail is a must-do when visiting.

Bowen is located about halfway between Mackay and Townville and there are eight caravan parks, as well as resorts and motels for varying budgets.