Hinchinbrook Island

Island Large protected island in Queensland with rainforest

Australia’s largest island national park, covered in rainforest, mangroves and coastal plains. Hikers, sea kayakers and naturalists come for the Thorsborne Trail and remote multi‑day coastal trekking.

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Hinchinbrook Island is a large, mountainous island off the northeast coast of Queensland, Australia. Much of the island is protected within Hinchinbrook Island National Park and it lies adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

The island is noted for rugged rainforest-clad hills, freshwater creeks, sandy bays and coastal scenery; the walkable highlight is the Thorsborne Trail, a 32 kilometre coastal track usually completed over several days. There are no towns on the island and visitor activity focuses on hiking, camping, wildlife observation and boat access from the mainland.

The island has long been managed as a protected area under Queensland park regulations and is administered as a national park. Management concentrates on conservation of native habitats and controlled visitor access.

Hinchinbrook Island sits off the Cassowary Coast of northeastern Queensland, with the coastal township of Cardwell and other mainland launch points used to reach the island by private boat or commercial transfers.

  • Thorsborne Trail: The Thorsborne Trail is a multi-day hike about 32 kilometres long and requires permits for overnight camping and track access.

What to See #

  • Thorsborne Trail: A wilderness coastal walking route running roughly 32 kilometres along the east coast of the island between Ramsay Bay and George Point, typically completed as a multi-day trek with backcountry camping and permit requirements.
  • Ramsay Bay / George Point: Ramsay Bay and surrounding beaches that serve as common start and end points for the Thorsborne Trail and as access points for boats and camping.
Hinchinbrook Island
Hinchinbrook Island National Park, Queensland, Australia
-18.3317, 146.2157
Park access year-round (contact Queensland Parks for specific permit times)
National park entry free; camping permits and conservation fees may apply

How to Get to Hinchinbrook Island #

Hinchinbrook Island is accessed from the mainland town of Cardwell in Queensland. Boat operators run transfers to the island (private bookings are common) and backpackers typically start the Thorsborne Trail from the trailheads at Ramsay Bay or George Point. Contact Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service for permits and the latest safety information.

Tips for Visiting Hinchinbrook Island #

  • Arrange boat transfers from Cardwell (the usual departure point) as there is no regular vehicle ferry.
  • Walk the Thorsborne Trail with the prescribed map and permits; the trail is rugged and includes river crossings that can change with weather.
  • Look for the island's rare wallum heath and its nesting ospreys; early mornings are best for wildlife viewing.

Best Time to Visit Hinchinbrook Island #

Visit in the dry season (May-October) for the Thorsborne Trail and safer boat transfers from the mainland.

Dry season (May-Oct)
May-Oct · 18-28°C
Best time for walking and camping; seas calmer for boat transfers.
Wet season (Nov-Apr)
Nov-Apr · 23-32°C
Heavy rains, cyclones possible; many trails and services closed or unsafe.

Weather & Climate near Hinchinbrook Island #

Climate

Hinchinbrook Island's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with hot summers (peaking in January) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 14°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (2825 mm/year), wettest in February with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
14°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (560 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 30°

Weather

560 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (617 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 29°

Weather

617 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (547 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
22° 29°

Weather

547 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (330 mm).

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
20° 27°

Weather

330 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (181 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
18° 25°

Weather

181 mm
Rainfall
6.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy

June

June is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
15° 23°

Weather

43 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
14° 22°

Weather

31 mm
Rainfall
6.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy

August

August is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
15° 23°

Weather

47 mm
Rainfall
6.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy

September

September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
17° 25°

Weather

109 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
18° 27°

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
20° 28°

Weather

99 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (160 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
21° 29°

Weather

160 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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