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.
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.
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.
For safety, allow 1–2 days' extra food.
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.
Camping permits for educational, military and commercial groups must be obtained through the
Rainforest and Reef Information Centre.
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.
If no longer hiking the trail, ensure to cancel bookings by
contacting us. Information on cancellations assists in emergencies such as cyclones and wildfires.
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 (PDF, 341K)*.
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.
Wreckage of the missing Liberator
Restored Liberator Bomber from WW11
Another intersting story about a liberator that crashed during WW11 is at this URL:
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
