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HikesAustraliaThorsborne Trail

Thorsborne Trail

Hinchinbrook Island - Australia’s largest island national park, wild beaches under Mt Bowen

Difficulty 4/5 · HardMultidayPoint-to-pointMulti-day island (permit cap)
Distance
~32 km point-to-point
Max elevation
~260 m
Elevation gain
~600 m
Duration
3-4 days
iconicislandmultidaycroc awareboat access
Plan this hike
A breathtaking landscape of Bishop and Clerk on Maria Island, Tasmania.

The route

The line through Hinchinbrook Island, QLD, Australia - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.

Waypoints

  1. 1
    Cardwell (start)Trailhead
    0 km

    Start [interpolated - upgrade in research]

    Approximate node - GPS and name to be upgraded in deeper research.

  2. 2
    Stage camp/villageCamp
    10.7 km

    Staging point (approx) [interpolated - upgrade in research]

    Approximate node - GPS and name to be upgraded in deeper research.

  3. 3
    Stage camp/villageCamp
    21.3 km

    Staging point (approx) [interpolated - upgrade in research]

    Approximate node - GPS and name to be upgraded in deeper research.

  4. 4
    EndTrailhead
    32 km

    End of route [interpolated - upgrade in research]

    Approximate node - GPS and name to be upgraded in deeper research.

Season & conditions

Best season

Apr-Sep (dry, cooler)

Weather risks

Tropical heat and humidity; creek crossings

Best Apr-Sep; a 40-person island cap; boat transfers both ends. Confirm.

On the trail

Terrain & surface

Rainforest, mangrove creeks, beaches and a mountain backdrop

Technical & exposure

Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally

Navigation & waymarking

Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally

Accessibility & group fit

Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics

Crowds & solitude

Capped - feels wild

Variants & turnaround

None major - a one-way island traverse

Getting there & staying

Trailhead access

Ramsay Bay (north) to George Point (south), by boat

Shuttle & transport

Boat transfers from Cardwell/Lucinda

Huts, camping & refuges

Bush campsites only; no huts

Gear, water & connectivity

Layered outdoor kit, sturdy footwear, sun/rain protection, ample water; patchy mobile coverage - carry a map/PLB where remote

Facilities

Services in Cardwell; limited or none on the trail

Guide & crew

Not required; self-sufficient

Permits & safety

QLD Parks booking with a strict 40-person cap; boat transfers required. Confirm.

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Hazards

Estuarine CROCODILES at creek crossings (croc-aware), tides, heat, remoteness

Emergency exits & rescue

Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote

This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.

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Walk Thorsborne Trail with your group
Manta plans the route, the huts and the easy alternatives so a mixed crew all get a great day.
Plan this hike