Seems the Hinchinbrook Island treck is becoming some what popular, we have recently had a number of people flighing into Townsville, staying at the lodge overnight, jumping on the bus and getting off at Lucinda or Cardwell. then returning after an epic hike over the island. As it happens everyone has said it is an awsome trail and worth the time to walk the length of the island. Sadly it seems there is a bit of difficulty in finding information so have compiled a little information to get you on your way.
So if you are looking for cheap accommodation in Townsville cit,y in a nice hostel and soft bed for your last night of comfort before you journey, come and stay at the Reef Lodge on your way and tell us about it when you get back.
Cost for a permit as of the 23/09/2014 is $5-75 per person per day.
Much of this information can be found athe this URL:
Thorsborne Trail, Hinchinbrook Island National Parkh
ttp://nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/hinchinbrook-thorsborne/index.html
Queensland parks
details can be found here:
Camping fees and permits can be found here:
http://nprsr.qld.gov.au/experiences/camping/camping_fees.html
Call
131 304 or visit www.qld.gov.au/camping. Trail maps and notes can also
be obtained from this website. - See more at:
http://www.porthinchinbrook.com.au/hinchinbrook-island/thorsborne-trail#sthash.10jSChPc.dpuf
Permits & Notes For Trail Walkers
Permits
Call 131 304 or visit www.qld.gov.au/camping. Trail maps and notes can also be obtained from this website.- See more at: http://www.porthinchinbrook.com.au/hinchinbrook-island/thorsborne-trail#sthash.10jSChPc.dpuf
Permits & Notes For Trail Walkers
Permits
Call 131 304 or visit www.qld.gov.au/camping. Trail maps and notes can also be obtained from this website.- See more at: http://www.porthinchinbrook.com.au/hinchinbrook-island/thorsborne-trail#sthash.10jSChPc.dpuf
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 vary according to demand, tide levels and time of year, and bookings are essential prior to obtaining camping permits.
For information on transfers and tours in the Hinchinbrook area please contact the Rainforest and Reef Information Centre.
Thorsborne Trail
The 32 kilometre 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 size is six.
Mountain areas
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 in these areas is restricted. Any group wishing to walk into the mountains will need to apply in writing to Rainforest and Reef Information Centre. A topographical map and compass should be carried.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.
Dugong live arounf the Hinchinbrook Island and are sadly endangered.
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.- Read more about the nature, culture and history of the Thorsborne Trail.
Camping and accommodation
Camping
Seven camping areas are accessible from the Thorsborne Trail. Camping permits are required and fees apply. A maximum stay of two nights is permitted at each camping area, except for Mulligan Falls where the limit is one night. 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 size is six.The trail is very popular and often fully booked during peak periods and school holidays. Purchasing a permit well in advance is advised to avoid disappointment. Please notify permit offices of any cancellations so other hikers can obtain places on the trail.
- Find out more about camping on the Thorsborne Trail.
- Book your camp site online.
- If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.
Other accommodation
There are several other camping areas on the island, not associated with the Thorsborne Trail. On the mainland there is a range of accommodation at Lucinda and Cardwell. For more information, see the tourism information links.Fishing
Fishing is prohibited in all freshwater streams, lagoons and creeks of Hinchinbrook Island National Park. The island and the surrounding marine waters are internationally significant and are protected in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Zones in the two marine parks—the Great Barrier Reef Coast and Great Barrier Reef
—provide
a balanced approach to protecting the marine and intertidal
environments while allowing recreational and commercial use. Check zoning maps and information before entering or conducting any activities in the marine parks.Be aware that crocodiles can turn up anywhere in croc country, including tidal reaches of rivers, along beaches, on offshore islands and cays in the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait, and in freshwater lagoons, rivers, and swamps. Crocodiles are dangerous and attacks can be fatal. Remember to be crocwise in croc country.
Essentials to bring
Hikers need to be self-reliant and self-sufficient. Pack essential equipment and bushwalking gear including:- adequate water-carrying containers, as each person will use around four litres of water a day
- waterproof pack liner or bags
- warm and waterproof clothing
- sturdy, reliable footwear
- hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- basic first-aid kit including space blanket
- compass
- Lucinda tide timetable
- gas or liquid fuel stove with spare fuel
- cooking utensils and equipment
- torch or headlamp
- high quality, lightweight and waterproof tent
- insect repellent and clothing to avoid insect bites
- biodegradable toilet paper and hand trowel
- strong rubbish bag
- personal locator beacon (PLB) or emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPRIB)
- lightweight sleeping bag
- nourishing food that is compact and lightweight including nuts, dried fruit, pasta, rice, lentils, dehydrated foods, selected fresh vegetables, muesli, hard cheese, crackers, chocolate, pita bread and herbs and spices.
Opening hours
The Thorsborne Trail is open 24 hours a day but it can be closed during periods of severe weather (wet and dry) and planned burns. Changes and updates regarding all aspects of the trail are available on the booking website or from the Rainforest and Reef Information Centre. QPWS will ensure all booked hikers are notified of any closures. Please ensure relevant contact details are supplied when booking.Permits and fees
Camping permits are required for camping along the Thorsborne trail. Fees apply.- Book your camp site online.
- If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.
Pets
Domestic animals are prohibited on Hinchinbrook Island.Climate and weather
Daytime temperatures and humidity can be high at any time of the year and nights can be very cool. Please carry clothing that is suitable for all temperature extremes.Heavy rain can fall at any time of the year, causing creek levels to rise and fall rapidly. Conditions may improve after a short wait. Crossing creeks requires extreme care, particularly at Zoe and Diamantina creeks.
April to September are the best months for hiking. This period avoids the times of year that are very wet or very dry.
For more information, see the tourism information links.
Fuel and supplies
Fuel and basic supplies are available on the mainland at Cardwell and Lucinda. For more information, see the tourism information links.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 hikers are accessing the island e.g. private vessel or water taxi
- the planned route
- when hikers are due to return
- the agreed time period after which the contact person will need to contact emergency services.
- to phone Triple Zero (000) or 112 in an emergency or if hikers do not return within agreed time period.
Some of the beautiful beaches
- For a small donation, personal locator beacons (PLBs) are available for hire from the Rainforest and Reef Information Centre.
- The fawn-footed melomys Melomys cervinipes and giant white-tailed rat Uromys caudimaculatus occur across the island. To avoid damage to packs and food supplies, remove all food from packs at night. Keep cooking utensils and food covered and off the ground. Rat-proof food boxes or hanging poles are provided at most camping areas. Do not hang packs in trees.
- Dangerous stinging jellyfish (‘stingers’) may be present in the
waters surrounding Hinchinbrook Island at any time, bur occur more
frequently in the warmer months. Do not swim in tidal waters. See marine stingers for more information.
- Avoid bites from sandflies and mosquitoes by using insect repellant and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
- Creek beds and rock surfaces can be slippery. Care is required when traversing these surfaces.
- Heavy rain can fall at any time of the year causing creek levels to rise and fall rapidly. Conditions may improve after a short wait. Crossing creeks requires extreme care, particularly at Zoe and Diamantina creeks.
- Mulligan Falls and its surrounds are a restricted access area. Death and serious injuries have occurred when people have entered this area. Rock pavements, including those well back from the falls, are extremely slippery and dangerous.
- Water is available in several creeks along the trail but becomes scarce during the dry season. Please carry sufficient water during this time. If creeks are dry or salty at recommended watering points, fresh water can often be obtained upstream. Treat all water before using.
- Tides can range up to four metres. Be aware of tide levels when crossing creeks, particularly Mulligan Creek. Refer to the Lucinda tide timetable.
- In an emergency, remain on the trail and dial Triple Zero (000) or 112 if there is a network available. Otherwise, send help to the nearest bay or coastal location to alert a passing or anchored vessel. Alternatively, send help to either end of the trail and alert the ferry operators when they arrive.
- Emergency calls via marine radio, on VHF channel 16, should be made to the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association at Ingham for the southern end of the island (call sign VMR414), at Cardwell for the northern end of the island (call sign VMR423), or Townsville if the local stations are not responding (call sign VMR408).
Be crocwise!
Be aware that crocodiles can turn up anywhere in croc country, including tidal reaches of rivers, along beaches, on offshore islands and cays in the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait, and in freshwater lagoons, rivers, and swamps. Crocodiles are dangerous and attacks can be fatal. Remember to be crocwise in croc country.- For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
Wreckage of the missing Liberator
Restored Liberator Bomber from WW11
http://paverne.com/hinchinbrook/boysown.htm
For more information or if your after accommodation ask at the reception at Reef Lodge Backpackers Townsville, Queensland Australia. Or, contact us through our website www.reeflodge.com.au or Phone 07 47 211 112
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