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Thorsborne Trail: Hinchinbrook Island's Coastal Trek

Hike the Thorsborne Trail: A world-class, 32km coastal trek through Hinchinbrook Island's diverse landscapes. Book your permit in advance!

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The Thorsborne Trail is a challenging 32km hiking trail along the east coast of Hinchinbrook Island, within Hinchinbrook Island National Park. This world-renowned trek typically takes four days to complete, offering hikers a diverse landscape of rugged mountains, lush rainforests, secluded beaches, and crystal-clear creeks.

A brief summary to Thorsborne Trail, Hinchinbrook Island National Park

  • Ferry access, Hinchinbrook, Queensland, 4849, AU
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Book your camping permits well in advance, as the Thorsborne Trail is limited to 40 hikers at a time and fills up quickly, especially during peak season.
  • Hike between April and September to avoid the extreme heat and humidity of the summer months.
  • Be prepared for creek crossings, which can be challenging, especially at Zoe and Diamantina Creeks.
  • Pack light but smart. Essentials include sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit.
  • Adhere to 'minimal impact bushwalking' and 'no-trace camping ethics' to preserve the delicate wilderness.
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Getting There

  • Ferry

    The only way to access the Thorsborne Trail is by boat. Several ferry services operate from Cardwell and Lucinda (Dungeness) to the northern and southern ends of the trail. From Cardwell, Hinchinbrook Island Cruises and Absolute North Charters provide ferry services. Hinchinbrook Island Cruises offers round-trip transfers to Ramsay Bay (north end) or George Point (south end). Absolute North Charters also provides transfers to both trailheads. From Lucinda, Absolute North Charters provides ferry service. This is a convenient option as you can leave your vehicle in Lucinda. Typical costs for a round-trip ferry transfer range from $175 - $240 per adult. Check with the individual operators for current pricing and schedules, as services may vary depending on weather, tidal conditions, and time of year. It is highly recommended to book your ferry transfers in advance.

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Discover more about Thorsborne Trail, Hinchinbrook Island National Park

The Thorsborne Trail is a celebrated 32-kilometer hiking trail that traverses the eastern coastline of Hinchinbrook Island National Park. Often lauded as one of the world's top ten hikes, this challenging trek immerses adventurers in a diverse and pristine natural environment. Allow approximately four days to fully experience the trail's varied landscapes. The trail presents a range of terrains, from rugged, heath-covered mountains offering panoramic views to wild, deserted beaches and lush rainforests teeming with life. Hikers can cool off in the refreshing waters of freshwater creeks and tropical waterfalls along the way. The trail is not graded or hardened and can be rough and difficult to traverse in sections. Hinchinbrook Island itself is a treasure trove of natural beauty, boasting rugged mountains, crystal-clear creeks, enchanting waterfalls, secluded beaches, and fringing reefs. The island's diverse ecosystems range from untouched rainforests to mountaintop heathlands, melaleuca swamps, mangroves, and towering eucalypt forests. Keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife, including green turtles, dolphins, and dugongs in the surrounding waters. The Thorsborne Trail is managed under minimal impact bushwalking and no-trace camping ethics. Camping areas are provided along the trail, and permits are required, with a maximum of 40 people allowed on the trail at any one time. Book well in advance, especially during peak periods and school holidays. The trail is seasonally closed from the start of January to the end of February due to unsafe conditions.

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