Hinchinbrook Island is itself a National Park, one of Australia’s largest island national parks. The island also plays home to one of the worldwide known best hiking: The Thorsborne Trial.
Thorborne Trail | Things to know
- Hike length: 32 kilometres
- Minimum time: 3 nights and 4 days
- Best time to go: April- September
- Max group size: 6 people
- Best way to walk: North to South as water sources are less on the last part
- Hike rate: Difficult
Thorsborne Trail 4-Day itinerary
To have a deeper understanding of one the best places I have ever seen in my life, Hinchinbrook Island, this article will give the full picture of the wild Thorsborne Trail and everything you need to know to plan this adventure. From how to get there, to what are the very essential things to pack to survive the hike.
Protected since 1932, Hinchinbrook is one of Australia’s largest island national parks. 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. This is why is very important you book your permit (which include camping spots and National Park fees) in large advance, remembering that especially during school holiday or public holiday permits can be difficult to secure.
Day 1: From Ramsay to Little Ramsay Bay.
Distance: 6.5 km (+ approx. 600m for Nina Peak)
Duration: 5 hours
Following along the coastline you start the journey passing through a tall open forest of Eucalyptus and onto the saddle below Nina Peak. Highly recommend a quick detouring to Nina Peak to breathe the freshest air and have this wonderful view across Ramsay and Nina Bay.
Make your way south to enter some of the richest and most diverse mangrove forests in the country; cross the first creek (better when low to half tide) and make your first stop to the white sandy Nina Bay.
After having chilled enough, at the southern of Nina Bay, the trail crosses a rocky section to be climbed for some time before reaching the first-night camping site in Little Ramsay Bay.
Set up your tent for the night and have dinner facing the sunset just happening in front of you, in the ocean.
Day 2: From Little Ramsay Bay to Zoe Bay.
Distance: 10.5 km
Duration: 5-6 hours
Leave little Ramsay Bay carrying on towards south and rock-hop around the headland once more. Hiking through this stretch you will be led to water formations that will likely invite you for a dipping, keep an eye out for frequently spotted local turtles.
Few creek crossings are found on the 2nd day of the Thorsborne Trail, make sure to put extra care when walking throughout them, as rocks can be slippery and other obstacles can interfere with the journey.
Vegetations here are so various, from dry open forest to rainforest, mangrove and palm swamps will delight this stretch. Till you will reach the camping area at Zoe Bay.
Set up your tent for the night and take a few minutes to walk to the spectacular Zoe Falls. Strongly recommended for sunset watching and quick baths. Is a good meditation spot, especially if you are here on your own (easy to happen).
Day 3: From Zoe Bay to Mulligan Falls,
Distance: 7.5 km
Duration: 4.5 hours
As the sunset, as well as the sunrise, is a must-see at Zoe Falls. Set an early alarm and breathe the morning air with a view; make your way this time to the top of Zoe Falls, here you can have your breakfast overlooking one of my favourite scenery: the top of a waterfall, the tropical evergreen rainforest and the bluest ocean.
This day, on the Thorsborne Trail, is probably the most challenging. Steep climbing is spread during the day and to reach the top of Zoe Falls there’s a rope to help in one section. Most of the 7.5 km are open trails, so the hot sun will not be very pleasant on the 3rd day. But don’t stress there will be a wonderful reward at the end of this day.
Continuing your day along South Zoe Creek, you will eventually be at the peak height of the trail 260 meters above sea level. The nature here is different and drier at some point. Arrive at Dimantina Creek, the largest creek crossing, and start to make your way down through a dense rainforest section with large granite boulders. Feel the Jurassic Park vibes.
At the bottom of this hill, you will finally reach Mulligan Falls and the campground. Take a dip and swim with the many fish before going to sleep.
Day 4: From Mulligan Falls to George Point
Distance: 7.5 km
Duration: 2.5 hours
In my experience, on the last hiking day of this 4-day Thorsborne Trail itinerary in Hinchinbrook Island, I woke up happy I had almost finished the 32 km trail but also a bit sad this wonderful experience was coming to an end.
This last day is quite an easy and short one so if you are keen for a morning dip help yourself and go to Mulligan Falls again. My friend and I had our avocado toast and tea just on a boulder facing the main cascade and I loved it.
Make sure to fill up your water bottles as from here on, there are limited opportunities to refill them and the quality of water is dependent on the time of year. After leaving the last campground you will walk the 1st km in a swampy section lined with paperbarks and palm trees, with numerous small freshwater creek crossings before you exit onto the beach.
Enjoy your last kilometres hiking along the beach, on this white sand flanked by crystal clear ocean on the left and mangroves on the right. Don’t forget to be “Crocwise”, especially in this last section; also check before what low tide hours, the tidal river crossings here can be quite dangerous (saltwater crocodiles can be around).
Once you arrive at George Point you will be relieved and satisfied you made the whole trail, and I bet you will be talking about this unforgettable experience with everyone.
Wait for your ferry and make your way back to Lucinda, watching Hinchinbrook Island getting smaller from the boat. Reward yourself with a fresh beer at Lucinda Hotel and slowly get used to humanity.
I hope you liked the ultimate Thorsborne Trail 4-day itinerary.
If you need extra tips or you want to share your experience with the Thorsborne Trail in Hinchinbrook Island, leave a comment I will be happy to read about your adventure or give you more details about this unique journey you are probably planning to do.
