Destination guides > Australia > Queensland > North Queensland > Hinchinbrook Island
Hinchinbrook Island
Hinchinbrook Island is Australia’s largest island national park and it is home to a diverse natural habitat that encompasses mountains, rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
The Thorsborne Trail is the highlight of the island but there are also shorter hiking trails that are ideal if you’re just visiting for the day.
Coming & going
Ferries between Cardwell and Hinchinbrook Island are operated by Hinchinbrook Ferries (tel (07) 4066 8270 or 1800 682 702). A day return fare costs $125 and they can drop you off at Ramsay Bay at the northern end of the Thorsborne Trail for $85.
Transport between the mainland and the George Point end of the trail costs $46 and is operated by Hinchinbrook Wilderness Safaris (tel (07) 4777 8307).
Hiking
Hinchinbrook Island has some great hiking trails and the highlight is the brilliant Thorsborne Trail.
THE THORSBORNE TRAIL
This 32km trail is a fairly difficult track, recommended for experienced hikers. Permits are required to hike the trail and it’s best to apply in advance as only a maximum of 40 people are permitted on the trail at any time. Most hikers take at least four days and three nights to complete the trail. Permits are available from the Rainforest and Reef Centre in Cardwell.
You can hike the trail in either direction but the north to south direction is described below:
Ramsay Bay to Little Ramsay Bay (6.5km, 4½ hours)
The ferry from Cardwell drops you at Ramsay Bay and the trail starts out by following the beach southward and then going through tall forest and mangrove swamps to Nina Bay where there is a campsite with toilets. From Nina Bay the trail follows the headland to Boulder Bay, where green sea turtles can often be seen and then heads over a ridge to the campsite at Little Ramsay Bay.
Little Ramsay Bay to Zoe Bay (10.5km, 6 hours)
The trail follows the coast past Little Ramsay Bay to Banksia Bay and then heads inland through open forest and rainforest. Parts of this section of the track towards the Zoe Bay campsite pass swampy areas and involve several creek crossings.
Zoe Bay to Mulligan Falls (7.5km, 4½ hours)
After leaving Zoe Bay the trail follows South Zoe Creek and passes Zoe Falls. It then goes inland and crosses Diamantina Creek shortly before arriving at Mulligan Falls campsite.
Mulligan Falls to George Point (7.5km, 2½ hours)
The final leg of the track starts in rainforest but is mostly a beach walk along Mulligan Bay.
|
|
