Hinchinbrook Island National Park

Introducing Hinchinbrook Island National Park

Lucky you, if you have time to explore this stunning and unspoiled wilderness. Hinchinbrook’s granite mountains rise dramatically from the sea. The mainland side is thick with lush tropical forest, while long, sandy beaches and tangled mangroves curve round its eastern shores. All 399 sq km of the island is national park, and rugged Mt Bowen (1121m) is its highest peak. There’s plenty of wildlife, especially pretty-faced wallabies and the iridescent-blue Ulysses butterfly.

Hinchinbrook is well known to bushwalkers and naturalists. Walking opportunities here are outstanding; however, some trails may close between November and March due to adverse weather.

The highlight is the Thorsborne Trail, a 32km track from Ramsay Bay to Zoe Bay (with its stunning waterfall), and on to George Point at the southern tip. It’s a three- to five-day walk, although you can walk shorter sections. This is the real bush experience, however. You’ll need to draw water from creeks as you go (all water should be chemically purified or boiled before drinking), keep your food out of reach of the native bush rats, and keep an eye out for estuarine crocodiles in the mangroves. Take plenty of insect repellent.

Along the Thorsborne Trail there are six QPWS camping grounds (per person/family $4.50/18), plus the two at Macushla Bay and the Haven in the north. A limit of 40 people on the main trail at any one time necessitates booking ahead (up to one year for school holidays). The largest group size allowed is six people. Pick up the Thorsborne Trail and Hinchinbrook leaflets from the QPWS Rainforest & Reef Information Centre in Cardwell, or visit www.queenslandwalks.com.au for more information. To purchase your permits and book a place, call QPWS (13 13 04; www.epa.qld.gov.au).

Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge (1800 777 021, 07-4066 8270; www.hinchinbrooklodge.com.au; d $185-350; ) is built into a steep hillside on the island’s north affording nearly all rooms ocean views. Choose from self-contained beach houses or stylish, elevated tree houses. Use of the resort’s canoes, surf-skis and snorkelling gear is included.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009