Thorsborne Trail guide: Hiking Hinchinbrook Island’s wild coast

Thorsborne Trail: Hiking Hinchinbrook’s untamed coast

Hiking, Planning, Queensland, Trail Guide

Pristine beaches, rainforest trails, rugged peaks—here’s how to make the Thorsborne Trail your own epic multi-day adventure.

Discover Hinchinbrook Island’s rugged mountains and tropical rainforests

In 2019, my wife and I set out on our first multi-day hike, which remains one of the most unforgettable experiences of our lives.

We tackled Queensland’s Thorsborne Trail along the untamed east coast of Hinchinbrook Island—trekking across pristine beaches, through lush rainforests, past sparkling waterfalls and over rugged peaks.

With almost no facilities and only natural water sources, the adventure felt raw and wild.

Here’s everything you need to know to make it your own epic journey.

Our itinerary

Like most hikers, we walked North to South, getting picked up by Absolute North Charters off the front beach in Cardwell.

While trail is completed in four days and three nights by most hikers, we took four nights (and five days) to enjoy all this beautiful island had to offer, including its spectacular swimming holes and infinity pool.

We’re stoked we allowed the extra time to soak it all in.

Day 1: Ramsay Bay to Nina Bay (approx. 4.5 km)
Day 2: Nina Bay to Banksia Creek/Bay (approx. 5.5 km)
Day 3: Banksia Creek/Bay to Zoe Bay (approx. 7 km)
Day 4: Zoe Bay to Mulligan Falls (approx. 7.5 km)
Day 5: Mulligan Falls to George Point (approx. 7.5 km)
Total distance: 32km

Lessons learned

Hinchinbrook Island was our introduction to multi-day hiking, and it taught us some valuable lessons:

Bush rats are real—and persistent. They’ll chew through your tent to reach any trace of food, and even toothpaste! We helped a fellow hiker with a sprained ankle whose tent had been invaded by a rat. Moral of the story: hang your food from trees or use metal rat-proof boxes whenever possible.
Do your gear research. At the time, we didn’t realize we were attempting this trail with a backpacking pack, which prioritizes accessibility, security, and carry-on compatibility—not a hiking pack designed for rugged trails with top-loading access. Choosing the right pack makes a huge difference on multi-day hikes.

Key facts & figures

Distance: 32km (main track)
Duration: 4 days (common option)
Trail type: End to end
Difficulty: Challenging (Grade 5)
Season: March–December
Total elevation gain: 960m
Highest point: 260m
Water: Natural sources only
Camping style: Designated wilderness campsites
Infrastructure: Composting toilets, seating, pack racks, some tent platforms
Mobile reception: Poor to non-existent

Transport & logistics

Hinchinbrook Island is mainly reached by private boat or commercial transfers from Cardwell or Lucinda in North Queensland.

Key transport operators: Absolute North Charters and Hinchinbrook Island Cruises
Start/end: North – Ramsay Bay | South – George Point
Access Points (Mainland): Ferry from Cardwell or Dungeness (Lucinda)

Trail highlights

From hidden waterfalls to sweeping coastal views, the Thorsborne Trail is packed with unforgettable highlights, including:

Nina Peak lookout
Zoe Falls infinity pool
Mulligan Falls
Endless untouched beaches
Camping under the stars

Why hike the Thorsborne Trail?

The Thorsborne Trail is a truly unique wilderness experience, showcasing unforgettable landscapes and adventures, including:

A remote island setting with a powerful sense of isolation
One of Australia’s most iconic multi-day wilderness hikes
Wild coastal walking paired with dense tropical rainforest
Waterfalls, creeks, and swimming holes along the route
Strict permit limits that ensure solitude and minimal impact
Minimal infrastructure, offering a truly self-reliant adventure

Skill level & preparation

You should be comfortable with:

A remote and physically demanding trail
Multi-day hiking with a full pack
Route-finding and navigation (markers are minimal)
River and creek crossings that may be knee to waist-deep
Hot, humid tropical conditions
Managing wet gear for multiple days
Complete self-sufficiency with no emergency facilities

Permits & bookings

This walk is well-known, popular and restricted to 40 persons a day. Advance bookings with Queensland Parks & Wildlife are essential.

Bookings: Managed through Queensland Parks & Wildlife
Campsites: Pre-allocated — you must stick to your itinerary
Groups: Sizes are limited to protect the environment
Popular months: June–August book out well in advance
Fees: $15 – $37.50 (dependent on nights)
No permit = no access. Rangers do check.

When to go

Best time: April–September
Cooler temperature, lower humidity, reduced cyclone risk
Avoid: Wet season (November–March)
Peak summer heat and heavy rainfall, high creek levels that can make crossings dangerous

How it compares

Vs. Overland Track (TAS): More remote, more tropical, and far less developed.
Vs. Larapinta Trail (NT): Shorter but wetter, with coastal scenery and rainforest instead of desert ranges.

Final word: Who this trail is for

The Thorsborne Trail is for hikers who want real wilderness — not boardwalks, cafés, or comfort.

It rewards preparation, fitness, and respect for the environment with solitude, raw beauty, and one of Australia’s most unforgettable hiking experiences.