Thorsborne Trail Walk (32km)

The Thorsborne Trail, along Hinchinbrook Island's east coast, is named after the late Arthur Thorsborne. Arthur and his wife, Margaret, shared a lifelong interest in nature conservation that included monitoring pied (Torresian) imperial-pigeons Ducula bicolor, which migrate to nest on local islands in summer.

The trail is not a graded or hardened walking track and, in some areas, is rough and difficult to traverse. It is managed under the minimal impact bushwalking and no-trace camping ethics. To help minimise impact and to maintain the wilderness setting, permits are issued for a maximum of 40 people on the trail at any one time. The largest group booking size is six. For this reason, Thorsborne Trail camping permits can be difficult to secure during the peak walking season April-September.

Much of the mountain area is covered with fragile heath vegetation. To protect the unspoiled nature of the mountains and in the interest of safety, hiking on the Thorsborne Trail in these areas is restricted. Any group wishing to walk into the mountains will need to apply in writing to Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS). Due to the remote and rugged nature of Hinchinbrook Island, only well prepared, experienced bush walkers should hike in mountain areas.

Hiking the Thorsborne Trail is considerably challenging during the summer months between October and March. Conditions are extremely hot and humid at this time of year which increases the risk of heat related injuries. Water sources often dry up in the lead up to the wet season.

When the wet season starts, high rainfall results in rapidly rising creeks making crossing dangerous. Extreme weather events are also more likely during the wet season. QPWS strongly recommends careful consideration of choosing to undertake the Thorsborne Trail hike during the during the summer months.

North to South or South to North of Hinchinbrook?
Around 80% of hikers walk North to South, taking the boat from Lucinda through the Hinchinbrook channel or getting picked up by Absolute North Charters off the front beach in Cardwell to begin the trip then leave the Island via Lucinda in the South.

Visit the QPWS website for detailed trip notes.

Camping facilities

There are seven camping areas along the Thorsborne Trail. The camping areas are described here in a north to south order and all are on the eastern side of Hinchinbrook Island.

Camping permits are required and fees apply. Group bookings and mountain access approval must be obtained through the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) before going to the island. It is best to book well in advance. The Thorsborne Trail is very popular and often fully booked during peak periods and school holidays. Camping bookings are not for the individual camping areas but for the Thorsborne Trail generally.

It is imperative that hiking details are left with a responsible contact person. This will assist in the event of an emergency situation or when hikers are overdue. The contact person must know:

• how you are accessing the island e.g. private vessel or water taxi
• the planned route
• when you are due to return
• the agreed time period after which the contact person will need to contact emergency services
• call Triple Zero (000) for all emergencies or if hikers do not return within set time period.

If no longer hiking the trail, ensure to cancel bookings by contacting QPWS. Information on cancellations assists in emergencies such as cyclones and wildfires. Please ensure you supply relevant contact details when you book.