Hinchinbrook Island Queensland’s Untamed Paradise

If you’re searching for a place where the rainforest meets the reef, where waterfalls tumble from misty peaks and white sand beaches stretch as far as the eye can see, then look no further than Hinchinbrook Island National Park.

Just a hop, skip and a jump from your own backyard, off the coast between Cardwell and Lucinda, this rugged island wilderness is one of the country’s largest island national parks and a true gem of Tropical North Queensland. Known as Munamudanamy by the Bandjin and Girramay Traditional Owners, Hinchinbrook’s spectacular landscapes are rich in cultural and environmental significance.

Protected since 1932, the island spans nearly 40,000 hectares and lies within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Its diverse habitats range from mangrove-lined estuaries and paperbark wetlands to eucalypt forests and mountain ridges often cloaked in cloud. Dugongs, turtles, and countless bird species call these waters home, while the island’s mangrove forests remain some of the most varied in Australia.

But Hinchinbrook isn’t a resort island, it’s an adventure! With no hotels, cars, or crowds, visitors come to experience nature at its rawest, with camping the only way to stay overnight, ensuring a true wilderness escape for hikers, kayakers, and nature lovers.

The island’s crown jewel is the Thorsborne Trail, a 32-kilometre trek named after local conservationists Margaret and Arthur Thorsborne. Recognised worldwide for its untouched beauty, the trail takes around four days to complete and winds through rainforests, waterfalls, and pristine beaches. Only 40 hikers are allowed on the trail at any time to preserve its delicate ecosystems, so booking well in advance is essential.

If a shorter adventure is what you’re after, guided day tours and scenic cruises offer a glimpse into Hinchinbrook’s breathtaking terrain! Visitors can explore Zoe Bay, Mulligan Falls, or Ramsay Bay, where the rainforest meets the ocean, and marine life such as dolphins and dugongs can often be spotted.

While Hinchinbrook’s beauty is undeniable, visitors are reminded to tread lightly, leave nothing behind, take all rubbish with you, and help protect this precious island for future generations. Campers should come prepared and be aware of seasonal closures, crocodile warnings, and marine stingers during the warmer months between November and April.

Whether by foot, kayak, or boat, a journey to Hinchinbrook Island National Park is a journey back to nature which will be nothing short of wild, remote, and unforgettable!

To keep up to date with park alerts, trail bookings, and safety advice, visit the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service website at www.queensland.com/us/en/places-to-see/experiences/islands/explore-hinchinbrook-island.