This is our second feature on Hinchinbrook Island National Park, in which we will be focusing on the Thorsborne Trail and the other walking tracks on the island. This tropical paradise is the largest national park island in Australia and is located adjacent to the Cassowary coast of Queensland in between Cairns and Townsville. It showcases so much of what northern Queensland is all about. We have already covered quite an impressive list of National Parks of Queensland including nearby Girringun National Park and these other amazing natural treasures:
Boodjamulla National Park
Bunya Mountains National Park
Carnarvon National Park Walking Trails
Carnarvon National Park Campgrounds
Carnarvon National Park & Surrounds
Great Sandy National Park / Cooloola National Park
Lamington National Park (Rainforest Way)
Springbrook National Park (Rainforest Way 2)
Whitsunday Islands National Park
Currawinya National Park (Channel Country)
Barron Gorge NP – Kuranda
Noosa National Park
Kutini – Payamu Iron Range National Park
Wooroonooran national Park
Glasshouse Mountains National Park
Mapleton Falls National Park and Kondalilla National Park
Bowling Green Bay National Park
Thorsborne Trail, Hinchinbrook Island National Park Photo Credit: nprsr.qld.gov.au
Picturesque and Tropical Hinchinbrook Island Photo Credit: nprsr.qld.gov.au
Hinchinbrook Island Aerial View Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Hinchinbrook Island Region Map Photo Credit: Photo Credit: nprsr.qld.gov.au
Getting to Hinchinbrook Island National Park
Hinchinbrook Island National Park Map Photo Credit: Google Maps
Townsville Car Rental Map Photo Credit: Budget.com.au
Cairns Car Rental Map Photo Credit: Budget.com.au
Hinchinbrook Island National Park is located north of Townsville, Queensland and south of Cairns, Queensland. This section of the northern Queensland coast is called the Cassowary Coast Townsville and Cairns are two of the major port cities for the Great Barrier Reef and is located on the northern Queensland coast. Of course, you wouldn’t drive to the island, but you certainly should explore the area around Townsville and Cairns in addition to touring the island. You can hire a car in Townsville so that you can get see nearby holiday destinations near Townsville. You can also rent a car right at the Cairns Airport or pick up a rental vehicle in Cairns City. Hiring your own car means that you will be able to see what you want, when you want to on your own schedule. There are no tour bus times for departure and you can stay as long as you like wherever you go. Our knowledgeable staff will be able to recommend the best vehicle for your individual travel needs and also offer up some travel tips as a local. You can read about more holiday highlights near Townsville, Cairns, Northern Queensland and the Far North of Queensland:
How Attracted Will You Be to Magnetic Island and the City of Townsville?
Top 5 Port Cities of the Great Barrier Reef and Top Things To Do in Each City
Excursions for Your Great Barrier Reef Holiday
Explore the Beauty and Nature of the Oldest Rainforest in the World: Daintree Rainforest
Things to do in Cairns
Day Trip from Cairns
Best Road Trips in Australia: Trip to the Tip
Walking Trails on Hinchinbrook Island
Hinchinbrook Island National Park Photo Credit: nprsr.qld.gov.au
Hinchinbrook Island National Park Map Photo Credit: Photo Credit: nprsr.qld.gov.au
Turtle Bay near Cape Richards Photo Credit: WikiTravel
Campgrounds at Macushla Photo Credit: WikiTravel
The Thorsborne Trail is the most well-known trail on the island and is often the destination for most island travellers. See more details on the trail below. There are 13 camping spots throughout the island, many of which are lined along the east coast on the Thorsborne Trail. You can choose from beach camping, mountain camping, or along the bay side; but you must obtain a permit in advance. The Thorsborne Trail is the top hiking adventure on the island, but it is also a difficult and multi day journey. If you want to explore the island on foot, check out:
The Haven Track: Starts at the Haven campground and is a 1 km return moderate trail which takes about 15 or 30 minutes.
Macushla to Cape Richards Track: This trail is a moderate track that is 4.9 km each way and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. It takes you through the base of Kirville Hills and North Shepherd Bay. Watch for birds and crabs along the way.
South Shepherd Bay Track: This is a 5 km return moderate trail that takes about 1 hour walking time. This is actually a side track off of the main Macushla to Cape Richards track that takes you through the forests of Kirville Hills and to the secluded South Shepherd Bay beach. Be sure to go back the same way you came and do not attempt to walk around the headlands.
The Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island
Thorsborne Trail Photo Credit: Australia.com
Crocodile Warning Sign Photo Credit: WIkipedia
The Thorsborne Trail is also known as the East Coast Trail because it mirrors the east coast of the island. The trail takes at least 3 days to complete this very challenging walk. The coastal track is 32 km. Due to restrictions of tourists on the island, only 40 people are allowed on the trail at any one time. Because of these restrictions, advance planning to visit the island is a must. It is recommended to plan and book your travel 6 months to a year in advance to avoid conflicts. The most popular time to walk the trail is during the cooler months of April through September. It is a rugged, wilderness trail. Don’t be surprised when you see crocodiles and other native animals along the way. Look for signs posted and always be croc safe. Bring plenty of drinking water and your own safety gear. The island is mostly uninhabited with no other accommodations other than the campsites. There are campsites throughout the island, most of which line the Thorsborne Trail so that you can stop and spend the night along the way without going off the trail. Here is a summary of a 4 day hike itinerary from Australia.com:
Day 1: Ramsay Bay to Little Ramsay Bay
Day One on the Thorsborne Trail Photo Credit: Australia.com
Nina Peak and the cloud shrouded Mount Bowen from the beach at Ramsay Bay Photo Credit: Wikipedia
This is a solid hike which takes about 4 to 4 and ½ hours and covers about 5.6 km. Starting in Ramsay Bay in the north, head south and pass Blacksand Beach, Nina Peak and Nina Bay, Boulder Bay and end at Little Ramsay Bay. You can gather water and camp at Nina Bay, if you choose to stop there. Boulder Bay is where you might find green turtles, and Little Ramsay Bay has a campsite, fresh water collection site, and toilets.
Day 2: Little Ramsay Bay to Zoe Bay
Day Two on the Thorsborne Trail Photo Credit: Australia.com
Zoe Falls on Hinchinbrook Island Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Zoe Bay, Hinchinbrook Island Photo Credit: Queensland.com
This portion of the trail is 10 km long. You will see a great variety of vegetation over the next 6 hours. The walk also has a diverse trail that includes crossing a creek, walking the beach, climbing the rocky headland, forest, and mangrove swamps. You can stop and camp at Banksia Bay or just snorkel in the bay over the brightly coloured fringing reef. Zoe Bay also has a campground so you can stay there for the night with a water collection station and toilet facilities.
Day 3: Zoe Bay to Sunken Reef Bay or Mulligan Falls
Day Three on the Thorsborne Trail Photo Credit: Australia.com
This day’s trek is 7.5 km and takes about four or four and ½ hours to walk. It includes vantage points beyond the island over the Great Barrier Reef and secluded bays. A rainbow of beautiful flowers brighten the path and attract unique birds and insects. If you take the 30 minute detour east to Sunken Reef Bay, you will be rewarded with a picturesque spot perfect for sea kayaking. You can camp there behind the foredunes or head over the the campsite under Mulligan Falls. Both campsites have water collection, but only Mulligan Falls has toilet facilities.
Day 4: Mulligan Falls to George Point
Day Four on the Thorsborne Trail Photo Credit: Australia.com
Before heading out, be sure to collect more than enough water at Mulligan Falls. It is the last reliable source for fresh water. This last southern leg of the trail takes you through the tropical rainforest for 2.5 km past Mulligan Bay. the last 5km of the hike from Mulligan Creek to George Point is all beach walking. If you pre-booked a boat to pick you up, that is where you will meet the boat. You can also camp at George Point and reverse your hike back to Ramsay Bay.