Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the rugged beauty of Hinchinbrook Island with the challenging Thorsborne Trail, a 32km Grade 5 hike stretching along the east coast. Ideal for experienced bushwalkers, this trail takes 4-5 days to complete, where you'll traverse ungraded terrain and witness the fragile heath vegetation in the mountains. Remember, permits are limited to preserve the wilderness, and summer hikes can be particularly challenging due to heat and humidity. Located near the town of Cardwell, start your journey from either the north or south, but be sure to book in advance.

Length:

32km

Duration:

4-5 days

Grade:

Style:

One Way

Max elevation: 262m

Min elevation: 2m

Total Ascent: 1065m

Start: Lucinda

End: Lucinda

Hinchinbrook Island National Park

Queensland

Nearby town: Lucinda

From state capital: 1,502km

Latitude: -18.523328115165338

Longitude: 146.31759703159335

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Important info

Conditions are extremely hot and humid during the summer months on Hinchinbrook Island 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 to occur during the wet season. Beware or crocodiles and marine stingers (jellyfish).

Hike overview

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.

Island habitats
Hinchinbrook Island is renowned for its habitats. Its extensive mangrove forests are among the richest and most diverse in Australia. They are important breeding grounds for many marine animals. Other habitats include saltpans, eucalypt forest, rainforest, freshwater melaleuca swamps, heaths and sloping mountain rock pavements.

Fire plays a vital role in maintaining habitat diversity. Much of Australia's landscape has been shaped by fire and many Australian plants have adapted to living in fire-prone areas. Some eucalypts and banksias require fire to trigger germination of seeds. Fire was used extensively by Aboriginal people to promote plant growth and clearing for access.

Marine habitats
Marine park waters surround Hinchinbrook Island. Habitats, including fringing reefs, seagrasses and muddy seabeds, support a wealth of marine life. Seagrass beds are the basic food source for dugong Dugong dugon, which are seen occasionally in Missionary Bay. Adult green turtles Chelonia mydas frequent the Hinchinbrook area.

While on the trail, be constantly aware of the physical effects on the environment and help to limit any detrimental impacts.

Camp only in designated camping areas.
Be considerate of other campers by minimising noise.
Please stay on the trail. Cutting corners and creating new tracks causes erosion and visual scarring and may misdirect following hikers.
Wear low-impact, soft-soled shoes around camp sites.
Take rubbish off the island and pick up rubbish left by others.
At locations where toilet facilities are not provided, a trowel must be used to bury toilet waste and paper. Dig a hole, at least 15 cm deep, well away from camp sites, the trail, watercourses and drainage lines. Failure to do this leads to unsightliness, unpleasant odours, pollution of creeks and potentially dangerous hygiene problems. Sanitary pads, tampons and condoms should not be buried. Ensure these items are wrapped and carried off the island.
All plants and animals are protected. Do not remove plant material, living or dead.
Feeding wildlife (including fish) is not allowed as it can affect their health and alter the natural population balance.
In an effort to reduce the risk of wildfires and lessen environmental damage at camp sites, Hinchinbrook Island is a fuel stove only area. Open camp and cooking fires are not allowed.

Water quality

Protect water quality by not wearing insect repellents or sunscreen and by not urinating when swimming.
Wash at least 50m from creeks and swimming holes.
Use gritty sand and a scourer instead of soap to clean dishes, and scatter washing up water so that it filters through the soil before returning to the stream.
Avoid allowing soaps, detergents, toothpaste and cosmetics to come into contact with water sources.

Photo: Absolute North Charters

Tips

MULLIGAN CREEK

A safe crossing height is 2.3 metres on the tide chart. It doesn't have to be low tide for you to cross.
2.3 metres will have water up to your knees and it will be about 20 metres wide.
Cross it just behind the wave break, the surf builds a little bridge there.
Some people suggest crossing the day before but this may diminish your experience because staying at George Point on your last night is really a last resort.

This can be subject to which port you leave from.

If you leave from Lucinda, then your return transfer is 10 minutes from George Point and getting into Lucinda is not an issue with tide.
If you leave from Cardwell, your return journey is 1 hour and 15 minutes from George Point and getting back into Cardwell is an issue with the tide.

Depart Mulligan falls at 6am so you get to mulligan creek at about 7 am. In the winter months, it’s still dark at 6am and there is no need to go to extremes.

Track grade

Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.

Walk map and GPX file
Thorsborne Trail Walk (32km)

Download the dedicated Thorsborne Trail App that has been designed and built specifically for people who want to hike the Thorsborne trail.

Total distance: 33343 m
Max elevation: 262 m
Min elevation: 0 m
Total climbing: 1065 m
Total descent: -1070 m

Gallery

Got any photos from this hike? Your photos can help others plan. Share shots from along the trail so fellow hikers know what to expect.

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Hinchinbrook Island National Park.

Access to the Thorsborne Trail is either by private vessel, launched from Cardwell or Lucinda (Dungeness), or by the commercial ferries which transport people to both ends of the trail. Services may vary according to weather, tidal conditions and time of year.

Absolute North Charters can transfer you to/from Ramsay Bay (Northern end) and George’s Point (South End of Thorsborne Trail). Whether you walk north-south or south-north, you can leave your vehicle in Lucinda where there is safe parking, and Absolute North Charters manage both water-borne parts of your journey.

Book your Thorsborne Trail transfer with Absolute North Charters.

Their website also has great local tips about the trail, an awesome trail app and likes to accommodation and other things to do while in the region.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

The Thorsborne trail is located within the Hinchinbrook Island National Park, isituated along the Cassowary Coast Queensland, Australia. The nearest capital city is Brisbane approxrimately 1240 Lucinda is 135km or 1.5 hours drive north of Townsville being the closest North Queensland provincial city. Cairns a Far North Queensland provincial city is two and a half to 3 hours drive north from Cardwell. The main geographical features in the park are the rugged Hinchinbrook Island, including Mount Bowen.

The Hinchinbrook Island National Park includes 393 km² area of Hinchinbrook Island, being Australia's largest island National Park. The continental island has a mountainous interior providing diverse refuges for endemic and Endangered Species.

Hinchinbrook Island is a rugged, outstanding feature of the north Queensland coast between Townsville and Cairns. Its cloud-covered mountains, reaching 1000 metres, support fragile heath vegetation. Patches of lush rainforest and extensive eucalypt forest descend to a mangrove-fringed channel in the west with sweeping bays and rocky headlands along the east coast.

Protected since 1932, Hinchinbrook is one of Australia's largest island national parks (39,900 hectares). The island is within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and is separated from the mainland by the scenic Hinchinbrook Channel.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Ingham, Lucinda, Mission Beach, Tully

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Hinchinbrook Island National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Reviews
Thorsborne Trail Walk (32km)

3 Reviews on “Thorsborne Trail Walk (32km)”

Overall rating

Louise Poland

Agree that this trail can’t be recommended highly enough! Also would recommend the really useful ‘Thorsborne Trail’ app (including an invaluable ‘live’ GPS map), which is well worth downloading before your hike. The app offers loads of features and information, works both online and off-line, and was researched and developed by John, a highly knowledgeable local who provides boat transport to and from the island. It’s the only trail guide you’ll need and will answer almost any question you may have.

24/03/2022, 05:24

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Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Important info