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One of the best hikes in the world

Thorsborne Trail

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AT A GLANCE

one of our top 10 coastal hikes in the world

between Cairns and Townsville in North Queensland
in Hinchinbrook Island National Park
part of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
32km (20mi)
4 days, 3 nights recommended
April – October best months
reserve months in advance. A year in advance if possible. Ask about cancellations if you have no booking.
maximum 40 hikers on the trail at any one time
Mt. Bowen summit add-on for the hard core trekkers

Why We Like This Hike

isolated and spectacular
the only means of transport are the ferry, on foot and by sea kayak
mangroves, pristine beaches, tall eucalypt forests, rocky headlands, lush rainforest
enjoy the ocean side of a virtually uninhabited paradise island
great swimming at both Zoe and Mulligan Falls
campsites and pit toilets
Goannas up to 2m long are common

much to do nearby in Queensland on the same trip
named in honour of environmental activists Arthur and Margaret Thorsborne
if you like fishing, bring gear for surf casting
possible to see green turtles, dolphins and other marine life
numerous creek crossings

Considerations

heat emergency is a real risk. There are long sections with no protection from the hot sun.
many bring only a sheet for the tent. A sleeping bag might be too hot.
open fires not permitted
drinking water must be carried (rainwater and creeks are potential seasonal freshwater sources)
saltwater crocodiles inhabit the western side of Hinchinbrook Island. Happily there are few on the eastern Thorsborne side.
due to giant white-tailed rats and marauding fawn footed melomys, food storage lock-ups are available at the main campsites
SNAKES? … yes !!

mosquitoes can be a nuisance. Biting flies can be bad. Sandflies worse. (DEET doesn’t work with all these bugs).
bring long pants & long sleeved shirt. Or full insect netting.
no huts. Bring a waterproof, insect impervious tent.
leave the map, compass and GPS at home. No navigation is needed on the main route.
NO facilities on the island other than the Hinchinbrook Island Resort . Their restaurant is open to hikers.

COST

Camping = A$7.25 / person / night, or $29.00 / family / night (2023)

Compare these companies for options on getting to and from Hinchinbrook island:

ROUTES

Ramsay Bay in the north to George Point in the south.

Click for larger, complete version of this map.

There are 7 designated campsites:

Nina Bay – toilet & rat proof boxes
Little Ramsay Bay – toilet & rat proof boxes
Banksia Bay
Zoe Bay – toilet & rat proof boxes
Sunken Reef Bay
Mulligan Falls – toilet & rat proof boxes
George Point – toilet & rat proof boxes

Here’s a leisurely sample itinerary (4 nights in the tent).

… boat from Cardwell
Day 0 – Ramsay Bay to Nina Bay (4km)

Day 1 – Nina Bay to Little Ramsay Bay (2.5km)
Day 2 – Little Ramsay Bay to Zoe Bay (10.5km)
Day 3 – Zoe Bay to Mulligan Falls (7.5km)
Day 4 – Mulligan Falls to George Point (7.5km)
… boat to Lucinda

It is possible to do the Thorsborne in the opposite direction. Frank prefers doing it south to north: “better scenery at the end and a better trip out”.

Consider the Nina Peak climb side trip. No permit required.

Logistics

Step 1 is to get a permit to hike.

As with so many other government run websites, the one you need to make a booking is a pain.

Start here. Good luck.

Instead, it’s probably easier to telephone them to inquire about available dates for your group.

(13 74 68) is the local number for making a booking.

From Canada, for example, we need to dial:

011 61 7 13 74 68
__
011 is the international prefix used to dial somewhere outside of Canada.
61 is the international code used to dial to Australia.
7 is the local area or city code used to dial to Brisbane.
13 74 68 is the local number.

If you are in Queensland, you could try going in person to one of the over-the-counter Camping Permit desks.

An additional permit is required for the Mt. Bowen summit trek add-on, in case you want to do both. It’s challenging. For tough guys with good navigation skills only.

Cardwell (pop. 1260) is the jumping off point, a 2.5hr drive south of Cairns.

Southern Thorsborne trailhead access to Hinchinbrook Island is via Lucinda.

Ingham Travel provides public road transport between Townsville – Ingham – Lucinda and Cardwell.

Another company offering Island drop offs/pick ups from Lucinda is Hinchinbrook Wilderness Safaris.

Yet another is Absolute North Charters. If you are booking transport with Absolute North, you could inquire of them as to the latest specifics on making a hiking reservation.