Hinchinbrook Island Island

Address: Hinchinbrook Island National Park, Queensland, Australia

Website: https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/hinchinbrook

Hours: Park access year-round (contact Queensland Parks for specific permit times)

Admission: National park entry free; camping permits and conservation fees may apply

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 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.

• 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.