Best trails in Hinchinbrook Island National Park

The Thorsborne Trail is one of tropical Queensland's great one-way multi-day walks that traverse the rugged eastern terrain of Hinchinbrook Island, located only 8km off the Queensland coast at Cardwell between Townsville and Cairns. The Traditional Owners' cultural relationships to the lands and waters here have protected Hinchinbrook Island. The scenic island features cloud-covered mountains, and varied vegetation, including heathland, rainforest, eucalypt forest, and coastal mangroves and...

This short section of the Thorsborne Trail connects Ramsay Beach to Nina Bay with an exciting and rocky ascent of Nina Peak. The views stretching over Missionary Bay from the summit of the peak are outstanding. Permits are required for bushwalking on the track and are capped at a maximum of 40 persons on the trail at any one time. You will also need to book a ferry to access the start of the trail, as well as a pickup from the southern end of the trail at Picnic Beach.

If you're an experienced bushwalker looking for a serious adventure, the Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island offers a truly wild experience. The section from Little Ramsay Bay to Zoe Bay is a challenging stretch, typically covered on day two of this famous multi-day hike. You'll trek through dense rainforest, over rocky granite headlands, and across mangrove creeks, so be prepared for steep sections and potentially tricky crossings. The highlight is reaching Zoe Bay, home to the...

Take on one of the world's great multi-day hikes on the Thorsborne Trail, a challenging and unforgettable journey through Hinchinbrook Island National Park. This section of the trail, from beautiful Zoe Bay to Diamantina Creek, takes you through stunning tropical landscapes. You'll need to be an experienced and well-prepared bushwalker to tackle this one, as it involves creek crossings and rugged terrain.

Enjoy the beautiful final leg of your Hinchinbrook Island adventure on this relatively easy walk from Mulligan Falls to George Point. This section begins with a refreshing opportunity for a morning swim in the stunning pool at the base of the falls before the trail leads you through a unique landscape of paperbark and palm swamps. The track then opens up for a long and beautiful walk along the white sands of Mulligan Bay, with the rainforest and mangroves on one side and the Coral Sea on the...

This is a difficult return walk from Little Ramsay Bay to the summit of Mount Bowen. There is no defined track here so you will need to be a strong navigator to attempt this one. Follow Warrawilla Creek to North Saddle before turning left (south) and following the ridge to the summit of Mount Bowen. Great views stretching over all of Hinchinbrook Island. Permits are required to be on the Thorsborne Trail (maximum of 40 persons on the trail at any one time), and you will need to book a ferry...

If you're after a challenging bushwalk in a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path location, consider the Cape Richards Trail to North Shepard Beach and Orchid Beach. This route involves bushbashing, so make sure you come prepared with the appropriate gear. It’s a great opportunity to truly immerse yourself in a wilder side of the Queensland bush on Hinchinbrook Island.

The Haven Track and Haven camping area are an incredibly scenic place to come for a quick hike and camp or to try your luck at fishing for a barra or mangrove jack. The Haven is the only camping area on the western shores of Hinchinbrook Island and is only accessible by private water vessels (boat or sea kayak).