Your golden ticket to Hinchinbrook Island National Park and the Thorsborne Trail

Issued
24 March 2025
Regions

Get your maps ready and your planning shoes on; there’s a new way to book one of the most iconic walks in Australia and plenty that makes the park, the walk, and the wait so worth it.

Three hikers carrying packs and walking poles walk towards the camera along the sandy shoreOpen larger image

The Thorsborne Trail is a four-day adventure, allowing you to explore some of Queensland’s most celebrated scenery

The way to book the Thorsborne Trail is changing

Yes, you read that correctly.

In consideration of its ever-increasing popularity, the trail is moving to a ‘booking seasons’ model. Hikers hoping to trek the trail themselves can check availability and book via the Thorsborne Trail Bookings page. The new  model hopes to allow ample time and equal opportunity for you to obtain camping permits and experience this all for yourself.

Similar to models used for other popular hiking and camping locations around the country, available camping permits over several months will be released all at once on a set date and time advised in advance.

While this represents an adjustment to how you can book, the existing overall capacity of the trail at any one time is staying the same. You can be sure to have those ‘ah, the serenity’ moments at every turn, but be prepared to book on the release date for the best chance of securing a permit.

The standard annual seasonal closures covering January and February will remain as they are, with bookings for each camping season opening a few months prior to the season’s start.

If you’re hoping to book the trail, you can check the Thorsborne Trail hiking seasons page for exact dates and times of each camping season and its associated booking season.

‘Forward planning is how you make the most of your time on the Trail. Take the time to really soak in all of its natural and cultural values, knowing you’re a part of it staying protected for years to come.’ - Ranger Michelle

A leaf littered trail winds through the understory. An orange trail marker on a black background attached to one of the trees points you forward.
A hiker with a bright orange pack stands alone on a rocky outcrop. Rolling green mountains are partially obscured by low lying clouds and mist.
A hiker crosses a river at its lowest point, their shoes in one hand. Mountains rise above them in the background.
Two hikers carrying packs rock hop over a low stream. Green vegetation stretched behind them.
A leaf littered trail winds through the understory. An orange trail marker on a black background attached to one of the trees points you forward. D. Summerfield ©️ Queensland Government A hiker with a bright orange pack stands alone on a rocky outcrop. Rolling green mountains are partially obscured by low lying clouds and mist. ©️ Tourism and Events Queensland A hiker crosses a river at its lowest point, their shoes in one hand. Mountains rise above them in the background. ©️ B. Blanche Two hikers carrying packs rock hop over a low stream. Green vegetation stretched behind them. ©️ A. Bain

Significant to the Bandjin and the Girramay peoples, Hinchinbrook Island National Park is a unique and spectacular landscape, offering everything from soaring peaks to secluded beaches. Known as Munamudanamy to its Traditional Owners, Hinchinbrook Island is part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and home to the Thorsborne Trail.

Recognised worldwide, the trail was named after local naturalists Margaret and Arthur Thorsborne in acknowledgement of their significant contributions to the conservation of Queensland’s unique and vital ecosystems.

A collection of island flora in bloom with colours spanning from sunshine yellow, vibrant orange through to strong reds and blushing pinks. Open larger image

The trail is full of vibrant colours when the island's diverse flora is in bloom

a wide angle with mountain peaks in the background at sunrise. Native trees line the shoreline and reflect in the still water of the foreground, highlighting the diversity of the island's ecosystems.
Blue skies reflect in the water, with various native trees lining the water's edge. Mountain peaks stretch beyond the treeline towards the sky.
a wide angle of the island showing a network of waterways curving through dense greenery.
A collage of some of the animals found on the island, from snakes to lizards, both on the ground and amongst the trees.
a wide angle with mountain peaks in the background at sunrise. Native trees line the shoreline and reflect in the still water of the foreground, highlighting the diversity of the island's ecosystems. E. Schmidt ©️ Queensland Government Blue skies reflect in the water, with various native trees lining the water's edge. Mountain peaks stretch beyond the treeline towards the sky. L. Dunstan ©️ Queensland Government a wide angle of the island showing a network of waterways curving through dense greenery. L. Dunstan ©️ Queensland Government A collage of some of the animals found on the island, from snakes to lizards, both on the ground and amongst the trees. L. Dunstan and D. Summerfield ©️ Queensland Government

The Thorsborne Trail has a renowned reputation as a challenging, remote walk which leads you to wander one of the most wonderful places on Earth.

‘This island paradise has it all—rugged mountains, crystal-clear creeks, enchanting waterfalls, secluded beaches and fringing reefs. From untouched rainforest to mountaintop heathlands, melaleuca swamps, mangroves and towering eucalypts, its beauty and diverse wildlife will captivate you.’  - Queensland Parks and Wildlife Rangers

Spanning 39,900ha, Hinchinbrook Island National Park contains 54 regional ecosystems, four of which are found nowhere else within Queensland’s parks and forests, making the protected status of this island integral to maintaining its remote and wild nature.

Working to protect this incredible landscape are the Queensland Parks and Wildlife (QPWS) Rangers who work in partnership with the Girringun Rangers. The ongoing relationship between QPWS and the Traditional Owners through the Munamudanamy Working Group ensures the living history and enduring connection to Country is an integral part of all management activities necessary for the national park’s ongoing conservation. Our Rangers and staff continue to learn from their deep understanding of the island and surrounding waters

The mangroves that line Missionary Bay and Hinchinbrook Channel contain 31 different mangrove species and form one of the largest mangrove areas on the Australian continent. Between that, its lush rainforest, rugged heath-covered mountains, deserted beaches, and freshwater creeks, it’s easy to see why this experience is sought after by so many.

’Munamudanamy is as beautiful as it is remote,’ Ranger Michelle said.

‘It's vital hikers know what to do in the case of an emergency or adverse conditions. We want everyone to love the trail as much as we do, and good preparation can make a huge difference to your experience.’

Securing your ticket for this trek shouldn’t be where your preparation begins and ends. For those planning to experience the Thorsborne Trail for themselves, our Rangers have some great tips for a safe and enjoyable trip:

  • Hinchinbrook Island is in Croc Country. No waterway in Croc Country can ever be considered crocodile free. Brush up on your Be Crocwise Top Tips before you go and only cross creeks when water is below knee height.
  • Schedule your trip around your fitness level and plan to carry a minimum of 4L of water per person, per day. Between October and March is the most challenging time to walk the trail. The trail is closed every January and February due to the high risk of unsafe conditions over this period.
  • How you book the Thorsborne Trail is changing, make sure you understand the new Thorsborne Trail hiking seasons.

‘Forward planning is how you make the most of your time on the Trail. Take the time to really soak in all of its natural and cultural values, knowing you’re a part of it staying protected for years to come.’ - Ranger Michelle

Related parks

  • Hinchinbrook Island National Park

    Traditional homelands of the Bandjin and Girramay people, this place is known as Munamudanamy. The island’s cloud-covered mountains support fragile heath vegetation. Rainforest and eucalypt forest descend to a mangrove-lined…

Related articles

All articles…