Discover a kayaking adventure like no other, exploring pristine waters and sandy islands whilst helping provide and promote the best possible care and support for Queenslanders living with MND, their families and carers.
6-10 August 2025
Travel Dates
$390 $240
Registration Fee
$3,389
Trip Cost
Paid upfront or in instalments
3/5
Challenge Grade
$3,500
Fundraising Target
Early bird offer: sign up before 2 January 2025 and save $150 on your registration fee!
The Difference You'll Make
MND Queensland is Queensland’s leading MND support organisation, with an in-house, multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing the most comprehensive range of bespoke services and supports to people living with MND, their families and carers.
Those living with MND require the right care at the right time. MND can be very different from other progressive neurological disorders, so the support of a team with specialist experience is vital to managing it effectively.
Every paddle in the Whitsundays will play a role in transforming lives for those living with MND. The funds raised on the MND Queensland Whitsundays Kayak 2025 will help provide specialist support and care services.
Here’s how a little can go a long way:
- $50 helps us be there on the phone when someone is newly diagnosed and needs information and advice - so they aren’t alone.
- $125 creates a legacy and enables someone with MND to capture precious memories and reflect on a life well lived in a Life Story book - giving their loved ones who survived them something to cherish.
- $250 pays for staffing, promotion and catering of an MND Support Group Meeting - to empower loved ones with the tools to provide care when needed.
- $600 gives a person with MND a voice if they’re robbed of the ability to speak. They can access voice coaching through our Speech Pathologist, voice banking and assistive eye gaze technology – enabling them to say ‘I love you’ with the voice they’ve always known.
- $900 provides a Suction Machine to assist in removing excess saliva when someone is having difficulty swallowing – to make living with MND more comfortable.
- $6,000 provides comfort and helps someone with MND stay at home through the purchase of an electronic bed - enabling them to be where they want to be with their loved ones for as long as possible.
How it works
FLEXIBLE BOOKINGS
Make a difference
Commit to raising the minimum fundraising target and make a positive difference to worthwhile causes.
You'll be supported by our team of fundraising experts to reach and exceed your fundraising goals.
Be part of a team
Join like-minded travellers, and representatives from the charity, all united in their adventurous spirit and commitment to making a positive impact in the world. Make lifelong friends during a shared challenge experience.
Trip notes
The adventure of a lifetime begins! This morning we will be picked up to meet our guide and the rest of the team before being shuttled to Shute Harbour. Our kayaks and supplies will be loaded onto a small barge, taking us out to Whitehaven Beach with its white silica sands, situated on the south-east of Whitsunday Island. After setting up camp, we’ll spend the rest of the day exploring the nearby Haslewood Island and do some snorkelling around the southern end of the beach. We can explore Windy Bay and/or Chalkie’s Beach as well. There are a few walking trails near our campsite that we can choose from to walk, all of which offer stunning coastal views. We’ll then head back to camp for some dinner and some rest.
Accommodation: Camping
Kayaking distance: 10km
Meals: L D
After breakfast this morning, we head north and follow the east coast of Whitsunday Island. We’ll be paddling the full length of Whitehaven Beach, so make sure you’re well rested and energised! Along the way, we’ll stop off at the entrance of the iconic Hill Inlet walk to the lookout leading to breathtaking views of the turquoise water and swirling silica sand. From here, we might be able to see migratory birds, stingrays and sea turtles if we’re lucky. After a relaxing lunch on the beach, we’ll begin paddling back to South Whitehaven for a mid-afternoon transfer to Maureen’s Cove on the north of Hook Island.
Accommodation: Camping
Kayaking distance: 16km
Meals: B L D
Today we’ll take a Scamper water taxi transfer to Maureen’s Cover or Steens beach, located on the north of Hook Island. We’ll spend the day exploring the northern end of Hook Island, with its many coral reefs and bays, including Luncheon Bay, Mantaray Bay and the beautiful Steen’s Beach.
Accommodation: Camping
Kayaking distance: 12km
Meals: B L D
Following breakfast at camp, we’ll set off to explore Bai Hai Island, famed for its dazzling natural beauty and outstanding reef ecosystem. Then, we make our way to Langford Island, the perfect spot to stop for lunch. Langford Island is encircled by underwater coral gardens, small fish species and sometimes even turtles. A short bushwalk on the island will lead us to spectacular views over the cay and surrounding islands. If conditions allow, we can circumnavigate Hayman Island and Blue Pearl Bay.
Accommodation: Camping
Kayaking distance: 10km
Meals: B L D
Our last day will leave some flexibility for us depending on the weather and how we feel. We may have an extended breakfast and begin snorkelling later, or have an early morning paddle first and then fuel up for more snorkelling and kayaking later before hopping on a water taxi to return to Shute Harbour. From here, we’ll say goodbye to our guides and teammates after a memorable five dates and head our separate ways to go back home.
Kayaking distance: Varying
Meals: B L
Includes: Transfers as per itinerary • Water taxi transfers as per itinerary • Accommodation at campsites • Camping gear (tents, foam sleeping mat, crockery/cutlery) • Snorkeling gear and stinger suits • Kayaks and kayaking equipment • Meals as per itinerary • Local guide • Entrance fees as per itinerary
Excludes: Airfares • Airport Transfers • Travel insurance (highly recommended) • Visas • Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages • Personal expenses • Tips and gratuities
Why you'll love this adventure
- Encounter tropical fish and maybe even a turtle or two as you kayak pristine ocean.
- Explore Bai Hai Island, famed for its dazzling natural beauty and outstanding reef ecosystem.
- Challenge yourself in a new way, paddling for a purpose.
- Kayak with new friends, all united in supporting MND Queensland.
Frequently asked questions
How challenging is this adventure?
This adventure is ranked 3/5. While no extensive kayaking experience is required prior to registering, our adventures are specifically designed for people who are relatively fit and willing to train. The Whitsundays Kayak itinerary is a physical challenge, involving kayaking approximately 48 kilometres over 5 days. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the experience.
You will be well supported on the adventure, with the guides and your team all cheering you on. You are free to move at your own pace and we will take frequent breaks.
How many people will be on my adventure?
We believe small group travel is better for the planet, and better for you. Our adventures average between 10 - 20 participants, connected by their commitment to the greater good.
Can I join an Inspired Adventure on my own?
Of course, most people do! Throughout your adventure journey, we will connect you with your fellow adventurers so you can get to know each other before you hit the road.
What is the general age range of participants?
The minimum age for this adventure is 18, however younger ages are considered on application. We have had participants aged 16–84+ take part in our challenges, all united by their sense of philanthropy and adventure.
I have dietary requirements, will I be catered for?
Of course, we will happily arrange for any dietary requirements you’ve noted during booking to be catered for. Please advise your local guide on Day 1 as well. You will be fed very well while you’re on the adventure, but if you have a very specific dietary requirement or severe allergies, often it’s best to pack some extra things as back-up.
Who is Inspired Adventures?
MND Queensland has partnered with Inspired Adventures to bring you this adventure of a lifetime. Over the last 19 years, Inspired Adventures has taken over 8,000 people, just like you, on adventures all around the world, raising over $48 million for important causes. When you choose to travel with Inspired Adventures and MND Queensland, you can be confident you’re in the best hands.
How do I train for this adventure?
We will provide you with information on how to prepare for your adventure when you register. In addition, we recommend that you consult your GP and a personal trainer to develop a training plan that will prepare you for the challenge.
As part of your training, we recommend making use of your free time to complete several day hikes. You should aim to be able to walk in hilly terrain for 5+ hours comfortably and get up and do it again the next day.
It is sensible to start training as early as possible before you go on your trek.
What is the accommodation like?
Accommodation on this adventure is at comfortable campsites. You will have the option to share a tent or to have your own tent, depending on your preference.
Will I be sharing accommodation?
Accommodation on this adventure is based on twin-share. You will be paired with a teammate of the same gender and, whenever possible, age group.
I’m travelling with a friend, can we stay together?
Absolutely! If you’re travelling with a friend, please make note of this and we will pair you together.
How do I fundraise?
Never fundraised before? Not sure where to start? No worries, we don’t expect you to do it alone. You will have regular support from the Inspired Adventures fundraising team, who will help you make a fundraising plan to meet your target. Alongside personalised coaching, we will also send you lots of ideas and resources on how to fundraise. From online fundraising to trivia nights, to bake sales and out-of-the-box ideas, we have years and years of tried and tested tips to make your fundraising a success.
What happens if I don’t meet my fundraising target?
It’s normal to worry you won’t meet your fundraising target, but we know you can do it. In fact, with the support of Inspired Adventures, almost everyone goes on to raise far more than they imagined.
By registering for the adventure, you agree to raise the minimum fundraising amount specified. Like you, we are looking to make a significant impact for our charity partners, so the goal is for each person to have met their fundraising target before departure. If you fail to raise the minimum fundraising target by this time, we will review the situation on a case-by-case basis.
I’m travelling with a friend, can we fundraise together?
Absolutely! Fundraising with a friend is a great idea. Just remember the fundraising target is per person, so you will each need to meet the minimum fundraising goal to participate. We know you can do it.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
The funds raised for MND Queensland are tax-deductible (conditions apply).
How much does it cost to participate in this adventure?
The total cost to participate in this adventure is $3,839.
In addition, you are also committing to raising $3,500 (per person) for MND Queensland.
What happens if I need to cancel?
If you find yourself unable to attend, please notify us as soon as possible.
- Cancellation within 5 days of registration will receive a full refund.
- Cancellations more than 90 days prior to departure will receive a full refund minus the $950 deposit.
- Cancellations within 90 days of departure will receive no refund. Please contact us and we can assist with writing you an insurance letter to claim your refund.
Do I need to have insurance?
Travel insurance is highly recommended for domestic adventures to cover cancellation, hospital, emergency evacuation and lost luggage. We recommend purchasing your policy as soon as possible. It is up to you to ensure you have fully comprehensive travel insurance and you will need to share these details with our team before departure. For more information, please visit www.inspiredadventures.com.au/travel-insurance-information.
What happens if there is a medical emergency?
Providing the safest possible environment is our highest priority and we have an outstanding safety record. All Inspired Adventures guides are first aid trained and well-equipped to handle any medical emergencies.
All information is subject to change and will be confirmed upon your registration.
Find Out More
Enter your details to find out more and hear directly from our team about how this adventure makes a difference.