New Booking Model For Hinchinbrook’s Iconic Thorsborne Trail

Hikers dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime trek through the rugged beauty of Hinchinbrook Island National Park will need to plan ahead, with a new seasonal booking system now in place for the world-renowned Thorsborne Trail.

The highly sought-after hike, nestled within one of Queensland’s most breathtaking protected areas, has long attracted adventurers from around the globe. With growing popularity and limited daily capacity to preserve its remote experience, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has introduced a 'booking seasons' model—giving walkers equal opportunity to secure a coveted camping permit.

Under the new system, camping permits for several months will be released in blocks on specific dates announced in advance. The move mirrors models already in place at other major hiking destinations around Australia and aims to improve access and planning for visitors, while continuing to protect the trail’s pristine environment.

Despite the change in how permits are secured, the number of hikers allowed on the trail at any one time remains unchanged. Seasonal closures during January and February will continue as usual due to the high risk of unsafe weather conditions, with bookings opening months ahead of each season.

Ranger Michelle from QPWS encourages all prospective hikers to plan thoroughly.

“Forward planning is how you make the most of your time on the Trail - take the time to really soak in all of its natural and cultural values, knowing you’re a part of it staying protected for years to come.”

Hinchinbrook Island—known as Munamudanamy to its Traditional Owners, the Bandjin and Girramay peoples—is part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and home to a rare diversity of landscapes. From towering peaks and secluded beaches to lush rainforest and vast mangrove systems, the island boasts 54 unique ecosystems, including four not found anywhere else in Queensland’s protected areas.

Spanning nearly 40,000 hectares, Hinchinbrook’s conservation is supported by a long-standing partnership between QPWS Rangers and Girringun Rangers. The collaborative Munamudanamy Working Group ensures that Traditional Owners’ knowledge, history, and connection to Country guide ongoing management of this sacred and spectacular place.

"Munamudanamy is as beautiful as it is remote," said Ranger Michelle.

“It's vital hikers know what to do in the case of an emergency or adverse conditions - we want everyone to love the trail as much as we do, and good preparation can make a huge difference to your experience.”

The Thorsborne Trail, named after local conservationists Margaret and Arthur Thorsborne, is a challenging 32km hike traversing some of the country’s most extraordinary wilderness. Thanks to this updated booking process and the tireless work of rangers and Traditional Owners, its legacy and wild beauty will remain protected for generations to come.

For more information or to book your adventure, visit the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service website at https://parks.desi.qld.gov.au follow the prompts to the Thorsborne Trail.