Hinchinbrook Island

Hinchinbrook is Australia's largest island-national park. It is a mountainous place that is covered with virgin rainforest. Some parts of the island's wilderness have never been explored. Hinchinbrook is 34 km from north to south and its highest peak is 1121 m high Mount Bowen. Hinchinbrook is separated from the Australian mainland by the narrow, but deep Hinchinbrook Channel. The channel is fringed with mangroves. Hinchinbrook can only be accessed on foot.

There are numerous bush walking possibilities on Hinchinbrook Island. The coastal walk runs along the island's eastern side and it will take you three to four days to complete. It is one of the finest tracks on any of the islands in the Great Barrier Reef. Hinchinbrook boasts some nice beaches, as well as an interesting wildlife, including bats, echidnas, goannas, turtles, wallabies and many colorful birds. Around Missionary Bay, you will find 23 species of mangroves.

At Cape Richards, in the north of the island are a small resort and camp site. More camp sites are scattered around the island and bush camping is permitted too, although visitors are urged to use the camp sites as much as possible to minimize damage to the island's nature.

The resort offers canoeing, snorkeling and fishing, but most visitors come to Hinchinbrook Island for its natural environment.

The main access point to the island is at Cardwell, where boats to the island are available. Day trips are also available. There are no safe anchorages on the eastern (ocean) side of the island.