Australia — Cardwell
Hinchinbrook Island's Thorsborne Trail is a 32km coastal wilderness trek in Queensland, Australia. This demanding 3-4 day route traverses ancient rainforests, granite peaks, and mangrove systems within a UNESCO World Heritage Area. Expect rugged terrain and diverse ecosystems on this remote island national park adventure.
Distance: 32.0 km
Elevation Gain: 900 m
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 3-4 days
The Thorsborne Trail is a world-renowned coastal trek that traverses the eastern edge of Hinchinbrook Island, the largest island national park in Australia. Located within the UNESCO-listed Wet Tropics World Heritage Area of North Queensland, this 32-kilometre journey is a raw encounter with a landscape that feels fundamentally prehistoric. The trail winds through a staggering diversity of ecosystems, from cloud-shrouded granite peaks and dense tropical rainforests to sprawling mangrove systems, melaleuca swamps, and pristine eucalyptus woodlands. Unlike many of the world's great walks, the Thorsborne Trail remains largely undeveloped; there are no huts, no hardened paths, and no commercial facilities. It is a self-reliant adventure that demands physical fitness, navigational awareness, and a deep respect for the tropical environment. With access strictly limited to 40 people on the trail at any given time, walkers are guaranteed a sense of profound isolation amidst some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on the planet.
The Thorsborne Trail is often described as a "Jurassic" experience, a title that becomes self-evident the moment the ferry departs the mainland and the jagged, mist-covered silhouette of Mount Bowen (1,121 m) looms over the horizon. The trail is not a casual stroll; it is a rugged, technical traverse that requires walkers to negotiate boulder-strewn creek beds, navigate tidal crossings, and endure the high humidity of the tropics. The reward for this exertion is access to a landscape that has remained virtually unchanged for millennia. The island’s isolation has preserved a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including the endangered southern cassowary, dugongs in the surrounding seagrass beds, and a vast array of birdlife that fills the canopy with a constant, primeval soundtrack.
The journey is defined by its water features. From the iconic "infinity pool" at the top of Zoe Falls, which offers a panoramic view over the Coral Sea, to the thunderous cascades of Mulligan Falls, water is the lifeblood of the island. However, this abundance of water also presents the trail's primary challenges. Walkers must be "Croc Wise," as the island is home to estuarine crocodiles that inhabit the mangroves and lower reaches of the creek systems. Furthermore, the tropical weather can be volatile; even in the dry season, sudden downpours can turn dry creek beds into rushing torrents within minutes. The Thorsborne Trail is a masterclass in tropical resilience, offering a level of immersion in nature that is increasingly rare in the modern world.
Because the trail is limited to 40 people at a time, the impact on the environment is minimised, and the sense of solitude is maximised. You will often spend hours without seeing another human soul, sharing the beaches only with ghost crabs and the occasional sea turtle. The terrain varies from soft, white-sand beaches to steep, rocky ascents through "wait-a-while" vines and dense ferns. It is a physical and mental challenge that requires careful planning, but for those who undertake it, the Thorsborne Trail is an unforgettable pilgrimage through one of Australia's most spectacular wilderness areas.
Hinchinbrook Island, known as Pouandai to the traditional owners, is the ancestral home of the Biyaygiri people. For thousands of years, the Biyaygiri lived in harmony with the island's rich resources, utilising the sea, the mangroves, and the rainforest for sustenance and spiritual connection. Evidence of their long occupation remains visible today in the form of shell middens and stone fish traps found along the coastline. The island holds deep cultural significance, with many landmarks tied to Dreamtime stories and ancestral spirits. Respecting this heritage is a fundamental part of the Thorsborne experience; walkers are encouraged to move through the landscape with the same care and reverence as those who have cared for it for millennia.
European history on the island began with Captain James Cook, who sighted and named Hinchinbrook in 1770, though he did not realise it was an island, believing it to be part of the mainland. It wasn't until the mid-19th century that surveyors confirmed its insular status. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the island saw minor attempts at industry, including timber getting and a short-lived turtle cannery, but the rugged terrain and lack of easy access prevented large-scale development. This lack of commercial viability proved to be the island's salvation, allowing its ecosystems to remain largely intact while the mainland was cleared for sugar cane and cattle.
The trail itself is named in honour of Arthur and Margaret Thorsborne, pioneering conservationists who dedicated their lives to the protection of Hinchinbrook Island and its wildlife. In the 1960s and 70s, the Thorsbornes were instrumental in fighting off proposals for major resort developments on the island. They spent decades monitoring the island's bird populations, particularly the Torresian Imperial Pigeon, and their tireless advocacy led to the formal gazettal of the island as a National Park and its eventual inclusion in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. The trail was established to allow people to experience the island's beauty without the need for intrusive infrastructure, embodying the Thorsbornes' philosophy of "low-impact, high-value" wilderness appreciation.
Want more background? Read extended notes on history and cultural context → Learn more
The Thorsborne Trail is located in the wet tropics, meaning weather is the single most important factor in planning your trek. There are two distinct seasons: the "dry" (May to September) and the "wet" (October to April). Walking outside the dry season is strongly discouraged due to extreme heat, oppressive humidity, and the significant risk of tropical cyclones and flash flooding.
The Dry Season (May to September): This is the peak walking window. Temperatures are typically mild, ranging from 15°C at night to 26°C during the day. Humidity is lower, making the steep climbs much more manageable. This period also coincides with the migration of the Torresian Imperial Pigeons, which can be seen in their thousands. Water sources are generally reliable at the main campsites, though some smaller creeks may dry up by late August. This is also the safest time for creek crossings, as water levels are lower and more predictable.
The Shoulder Season (April and October): These months can be rewarding but carry higher risks. April often sees the tail end of the monsoon, meaning the island is incredibly lush and waterfalls are at their most spectacular, but the trail can be extremely muddy and creek crossings may be hazardous. October brings rising temperatures and humidity as the "build-up" to the wet season begins. Heat exhaustion becomes a genuine threat during this time, and walkers must carry significantly more water.
The Wet Season (November to March): Walking the Thorsborne Trail during the height of summer is an exercise in extreme endurance and is generally not recommended for recreational hikers. Rainfall can exceed 1,000 mm in a single month, and the island is frequently subject to tropical cyclones. The heat and humidity are relentless, and the risk of being stranded by flooded creeks is high. Furthermore, the presence of box jellyfish and Irukandji in the ocean makes swimming at beaches impossible, and the increased activity of estuarine crocodiles in flooded areas poses a severe safety risk.
Day 1: Ramsay Bay to Nina Bay
Day 2: Nina Bay to Zoe Bay
Day 3: Zoe Bay to Mulligan Falls
Day 4: Mulligan Falls to George Point
Important Notes:
The Thorsborne Trail requires meticulous planning, as it is a remote island experience with no "exit" points once you have started. The first step is to coordinate your trail permits with your ferry transfers. Because permits are limited to 40 people, they often sell out months in advance, particularly for the peak winter months. You should secure your permit first, then immediately book your ferry transfers from either Cardwell or Lucinda.
Physical fitness is paramount. While 32 kilometres may sound short, the tropical heat, humidity, and rugged terrain make it feel significantly longer. You will be carrying a full pack with all your food, water, and camping gear. Training with a weighted pack on uneven terrain is highly recommended. Additionally, you must be self-sufficient in first aid and navigation. While the trail is generally marked with orange markers, they can be obscured by rapid vegetation growth or fallen trees.
Cardwell and Lucinda are the two main gateway towns. Cardwell is accessible by bus or train from Cairns or Townsville. Lucinda is a smaller coastal town further south, closer to the southern end of the trail. Most walkers choose to be dropped off at the northern end (Ramsay Bay) and picked up at the southern end (George Point), but the reverse is also possible. Ensure you have a reliable way to contact the ferry operators if your plans change, though mobile signal is extremely limited on the island.
There are no huts or permanent structures on the Thorsborne Trail. Accommodation is strictly limited to seven designated wilderness campsites: Nina Bay, Little Ramsay Bay, Banksia Bay, Zoe Bay, Mulligan Falls, and George Point. There is also a small site at North Ramsay, though it is rarely used by through-hikers.
Campsite Facilities:
Booking Requirements:
Permits for the Thorsborne Trail are managed by the Queensland Department of Environment and Science (DES). Due to the trail's popularity and the strict limit of 40 walkers, securing a permit requires forward planning. Permits become available 12 months in advance on a rolling basis. For the popular winter months (June, July, August), permits often sell out within minutes of being released.
Booking Strategy:
Permit Costs:
Important Compliance: You must carry a hard copy or digital version of your permit at all times. Rangers do patrol the island, and fines apply for camping without a permit or staying at a site other than the one specified on your booking. The permit system is the primary tool for managing the environmental impact on this fragile World Heritage area.
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Thorsborne Trail (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Thorsborne Trail, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
The region surrounding Hinchinbrook Island, known as the Cassowary Coast, offers several other attractions for those looking to extend their stay:
Estuarine Crocodiles: Hinchinbrook Island is "Croc Country." Estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles are apex predators and inhabit the island's mangroves, estuaries, and occasionally the open beaches. To stay safe: never camp near the water's edge, avoid cleaning fish or disposing of food scraps in the water, and be extremely vigilant during creek crossings, especially at high tide or in murky water. Always assume a crocodile is present even if you cannot see one.
Heat and Hydration: Tropical heat can be lethal. Even in winter, the combination of 26°C temperatures and 80% humidity can lead to rapid dehydration and heat exhaustion. You must drink at least 3–4 litres of water per day. If you stop sweating, feel dizzy, or develop a headache, stop immediately, find shade, and rehydrate with electrolytes.
Creek Crossings: The trail involves numerous creek crossings. During or after heavy rain, these creeks can become impassable. Never attempt to cross a flooded creek; wait for the water level to drop, which usually happens quickly once the rain stops. Be aware of tidal influences on creeks near the coast, as incoming tides can make crossings deeper and bring crocodiles further upstream.
Marine Stingers: From October to May, the waters surrounding the island are home to dangerous jellyfish, including the Box Jellyfish and Irukandji. Swimming in the ocean is not recommended during these months. Even in winter, caution is advised. The freshwater pools at the top of Zoe Falls and Mulligan Falls are generally safe from marine stingers.
Emergency Communication: There is almost no mobile phone reception on the Thorsborne Trail. A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is an essential piece of safety equipment. In the event of a life-threatening emergency, a PLB is your only reliable way to summon help. Ensure your PLB is registered and that you know how to deploy it.
Zoe Falls Infinity Pool: Located just a short, steep climb from the Zoe Bay campsite, the top of Zoe Falls is perhaps the most photographed spot on the island. The natural rock pools offer a safe place to swim with a view that stretches across the rainforest canopy to the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea. It is the perfect place to spend an afternoon resting tired legs.
Nina Peak: For those with extra energy on Day 1, the scramble to the summit of Nina Peak (312 m) is highly rewarding. The track is steep and unformed, requiring some rock scrambling, but the view from the top provides a perfect overview of the island's northern coastline, including Ramsay Bay and the jagged peaks of the interior.
Mulligan Falls: These falls are a powerful display of the island's rugged beauty. The campsite is located just a few hundred metres from the base of the falls. The large, deep pool at the bottom is ideal for swimming, but be careful on the surrounding rocks, which are incredibly slippery when wet. Note that the area immediately around the falls is a restricted access area to protect the fragile vegetation and ensure visitor safety.
Mount Bowen: At 1,121 metres, Mount Bowen is the highest point on the island. Reaching the summit is a serious undertaking that requires a separate permit and advanced navigational skills. There is no formed trail, and the ascent involves thick vegetation and steep rock slabs. It is only recommended for very experienced off-track hikers.
Hinchinbrook Island is a fragile ecosystem that relies on the responsible behaviour of every visitor. As a World Heritage-listed area, the standards for environmental protection are high. Following the Leave No Trace principles is not just a recommendation; it is a requirement for preserving this wilderness.
Key Principles for the Thorsborne Trail:
